MINI JCW - thoughts/opinions?
Discussion
OK, getting itchy feet and considering one of these to replace my 130i M-Sport - what's the general feel for what these cars are like to live with day to day? Does the interior rattle like the Mk1 "New MINI"? (I used to own a Cooper S and the interior had a lot of rattles) Is day-to-day ride quality decent or too harsh? Stereo good enough? Is it noisy on a motorway run? (e.g., excessive road roar), Does it feel built down to a price or a quality bit of kit? Is 40mpg really a possibility? How are the running costs?
and finally and most importantly, is it fun or does the smile factor wane after a few months of ownership?
Thanks all in anticipation of your replies!
and finally and most importantly, is it fun or does the smile factor wane after a few months of ownership?
Thanks all in anticipation of your replies!
My ex-girlfriend is just selling her JCW at the mo (have a look in the JCW section on classifieds for adverts under my profile) and whilst we were together I got to drive it on many occasions.
Personally I can't see how 40mpg is possible. Maybe, maybe on a long motorway journey, but generally, even driving very conservatively I was only able to manage 30-34mpg.
Hers had the Hardman Kardon upgraded stereo and it had very good sound quality.
Road noise wasn't that bad, not the quietest car in the world, but still very good (but then my cars are a TVR and a MX5, so not that quiet for either of them).
The ride quality was quite 'solid' (she has the JCW upgraded suspension). For me it wasn't too bad, but she didn't enjoy it too much on bad roads, but then the handling was superb, so it's a bit of a balancing act between handling and comfort with the emphasis on handling.
Build quality was good, better than her previous 3 series, but still a bit 'plasticy' in places. I honestly can't remember any squeaks or rattles, but then it's been a while since I drove it.
Running costs weren't too bad either. She has the JCW upgrade on the brakes and therefore the pads and discs were more expensive. We had the exhaust replaced under warranty, along with the front ARB bushes. Servicing costs were comparable to any other normal BMW. Fuel costs - her commute of about 50 miles a day added up to her using about £250 worth of petrol a month (note that this is back when petrol was about 110p/l).
As for the smile factor; find a nice A or B road on a quiet day, and no matter how long you've owned the car, or how often you drive it, you'll always be able to bring a smile to your face.
Personally I can't see how 40mpg is possible. Maybe, maybe on a long motorway journey, but generally, even driving very conservatively I was only able to manage 30-34mpg.
Hers had the Hardman Kardon upgraded stereo and it had very good sound quality.
Road noise wasn't that bad, not the quietest car in the world, but still very good (but then my cars are a TVR and a MX5, so not that quiet for either of them).
The ride quality was quite 'solid' (she has the JCW upgraded suspension). For me it wasn't too bad, but she didn't enjoy it too much on bad roads, but then the handling was superb, so it's a bit of a balancing act between handling and comfort with the emphasis on handling.
Build quality was good, better than her previous 3 series, but still a bit 'plasticy' in places. I honestly can't remember any squeaks or rattles, but then it's been a while since I drove it.
Running costs weren't too bad either. She has the JCW upgrade on the brakes and therefore the pads and discs were more expensive. We had the exhaust replaced under warranty, along with the front ARB bushes. Servicing costs were comparable to any other normal BMW. Fuel costs - her commute of about 50 miles a day added up to her using about £250 worth of petrol a month (note that this is back when petrol was about 110p/l).
As for the smile factor; find a nice A or B road on a quiet day, and no matter how long you've owned the car, or how often you drive it, you'll always be able to bring a smile to your face.
Fantastic car the 130i. I've documented my thoughts on the car here if you're interested: autojournals.
The only reason I'm thinking of changing is because I have itchy feet after 5 years of ownership.
The only reason I'm thinking of changing is because I have itchy feet after 5 years of ownership.
Edited by daveknott5 on Tuesday 11th January 17:13
Edited by daveknott5 on Tuesday 11th January 17:17
From experience the new one rattles as much if not more, the build quality is a bit lower than the R53 but the fit is better. Which means some are poo and others are good, temperature and build seam to give a difference. The suspension is a lot softer on the new one so on stock springs is better but lowered its the same vibration and rattles
I love my R53 JCW.
I have to say that it doesn't rattle too much, though the Harmon tends to drown out most other noises.
The suspension bushes wore and I've replaced with poly bushes and it drives like new. The garage told me that I would notice loads more noise as a result of the change and again it's not noticeable. The handling has improved as well.
16s on non-runflats do the job as well. Improves the ride and I feel the handling is better as well.
It's not that dear to run. I'm getting about 280 miles to a tank no matter how I drive it too and from work. I know it's comparatively expensive compared to the diesal, but I'm not that bothered TBH.
Get one, you won't be disappointed.
Forgot to add that compared to the 911's I've owned the JCW puts an equally big smile on the face after a hard days work. Push it hard and you'll love it.
I have to say that it doesn't rattle too much, though the Harmon tends to drown out most other noises.
The suspension bushes wore and I've replaced with poly bushes and it drives like new. The garage told me that I would notice loads more noise as a result of the change and again it's not noticeable. The handling has improved as well.
16s on non-runflats do the job as well. Improves the ride and I feel the handling is better as well.
It's not that dear to run. I'm getting about 280 miles to a tank no matter how I drive it too and from work. I know it's comparatively expensive compared to the diesal, but I'm not that bothered TBH.
Get one, you won't be disappointed.
Forgot to add that compared to the 911's I've owned the JCW puts an equally big smile on the face after a hard days work. Push it hard and you'll love it.
Edited by Nickellarse on Wednesday 12th January 15:42
Build quality on the R56 is vastly improved compared to the R53, no rattles to report despite doing in excess of 40k so not sure where the impressions of inferior quality are coming from. Every bit as 'quality' as a 1 series but whilst I understand your five year itch, personally I wouldn't be tempted to move to a JCW - bit too busy for long runs.
hey guys, what are your thoughts on these wheels i get mixed reactions from them!
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Also i want to upgrade the brakes on it as i want to go to the nurburgring in and and i dont think they would be up to scratch, any ideas on the best ones to buy??
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Also i want to upgrade the brakes on it as i want to go to the nurburgring in and and i dont think they would be up to scratch, any ideas on the best ones to buy??
I've had a factory R56 JCW since it was launched in 2008 - its basically brilliant - i'm going to have to change it this year and am considering just having another.
Interior is a nice place to be - mine has leather / heated seats and the upgraded stereo, its only done 15k from new but we'e been to the south of France in it and was fine for all day on the motorway. To be honest the only place the ride gets annoying (it is very firm) is round suburban back streets that have a lot of speedbumps.
I had an R53 cooper before - I'd say the R56 was built to a lower cost - but mine doesn't rattle at all. Running costs - so far apart from the usual nothing at all. Its been serviced under the TLC, it had some ABS sensors changed last year under warranty.
MPG - I've no idea - i'm never gentle with it and because I don't do that many miles I never really worry about it 35 maybe?
As far as the fun factor goes - well i'm considering having another, i'm not bored of it yet - and thats rare for me, the car I had before it lasted 8 months.
I see you live in west london - i'm in east london so PM me if you want to come have a look.
Interior is a nice place to be - mine has leather / heated seats and the upgraded stereo, its only done 15k from new but we'e been to the south of France in it and was fine for all day on the motorway. To be honest the only place the ride gets annoying (it is very firm) is round suburban back streets that have a lot of speedbumps.
I had an R53 cooper before - I'd say the R56 was built to a lower cost - but mine doesn't rattle at all. Running costs - so far apart from the usual nothing at all. Its been serviced under the TLC, it had some ABS sensors changed last year under warranty.
MPG - I've no idea - i'm never gentle with it and because I don't do that many miles I never really worry about it 35 maybe?
As far as the fun factor goes - well i'm considering having another, i'm not bored of it yet - and thats rare for me, the car I had before it lasted 8 months.
I see you live in west london - i'm in east london so PM me if you want to come have a look.
Love my R56 factory JCW. Not rattly at all, goes like stink, averages 29mpg (which I think is great given my other cars are a BEC and a V8 M3 and I treat the loud pedal like an on/off switch) and the handling is great fun. Takes me back to my 205 1.9Gti days 20 years ago! Superb. Ill never sell her.
Ride is a tad hard but Im about to switch from RFs which Ive heard sorts that out. Toyos I think ill go for.
Ride is a tad hard but Im about to switch from RFs which Ive heard sorts that out. Toyos I think ill go for.
Hi Dave,
Mine's an R56 Cooper on 15".
and 28mph 
on mostly town journeys with some motorway family visits. Once cruised at 55 with tailwind and saw 70 to 99mpg depending on the incline (boring but did get me 30 miles with pretty much the same estimated range on the trip as I'd started). Moral of the story is that if you're worried about MPG, get the Cooper 1.6 petrol on skinnies.
Always get the Chili (note one L) and service package.
Mine's an R56 Cooper on 15".
daveknott5 said:
what's the general feel for what these cars are like to live with day to day?
Good points:- Comfy mile-eater (but that's the way I specced it with cruise, narrow tyres and comfy seats).
- Classless (I've had several people cooing over it despite being low-spec but it can sit in car-parks unmolested) and a Q-car.
- Lacking a bit of poke starting from stationary unless you give it some beans. (I'm sure the JCW won't have that problem!)
- Baulky gearbox (third to second mainly, and reverse requires two hands).
- Mad windows (that two dealer trips have not entirely solved).
- Unconvinced by the handling (turn-in worse than my Panda 1.1, mad torque and bump steer).
daveknott5 said:
Does the interior rattle like the Mk1 "New MINI"?
No, but the quieter the car, the more you find to hear. In fact the rustle of my shirt on the seats was annoying me the other day.daveknott5 said:
Is day-to-day ride quality decent or too harsh? Stereo good enough? Is it noisy on a motorway run?
Very comfortable, set the cruise on 65 for motorway travel and can sit there all day no problems. (Unlike i30 that kills my legs after an hour.) I've the basic stereo and it's definitely lofi (non-standard fitment makes it harder to upgrade later, though not impossible).daveknott5 said:
Does it feel built down to a price or a quality bit of kit?
Quality, excepting the centre console. The refresh in 2010 (black controls) helped a little. Good paint & brightwork.daveknott5 said:
Is 40mpg really a possibility? How are the running costs?
30 month average is 50mpg and 28mph on mostly town journeys with some motorway family visits. Once cruised at 55 with tailwind and saw 70 to 99mpg depending on the incline (boring but did get me 30 miles with pretty much the same estimated range on the trip as I'd started). Moral of the story is that if you're worried about MPG, get the Cooper 1.6 petrol on skinnies.daveknott5 said:
Is it fun or does the smile factor wane after a few months of ownership?
Still like it despite the LS options.Always get the Chili (note one L) and service package.
I don't have a JCW but I do own an R56 Cooper S.
I was about to write a long explanation but I am just going to bullit point instead!
Good:
-Car looks fantastic
-Car sounds fantastic
-Goes like a rocket
-Does really good MPG (37mpg+ easy)
-Great sound system (have hifi upgrade like HK in BM... better than the HK in my old BM!)
-Seats and driving position are comfy
-Dealer service is top notch, year warranty and 3 years servicing.
-Not had a problem with mine at all so far so been very reliably (however I have been researching on the internet and they have their fair share of problems for sure and most of them are expensive to put right. Dual mast flywheels and cam chains appear to be the major)
Bad:
-The most harsh ride of any car I have ever been in
-Uses far too much oil
-Exhaust sounds amazing but engine sounds like a bag of spanners
-Dash looks great but controls are fiddly
-Boot is tiny and back seats don't really accommodate adults well
All in all I really like my Mini a lot and I don't regret buying it. Would I buy another one? Probably not. Mainly due to the ride, maybe I’m just getting old but I'm sure I could go just as fast and still have my spine and teeth in one piece in something else!
I was about to write a long explanation but I am just going to bullit point instead!
Good:
-Car looks fantastic
-Car sounds fantastic
-Goes like a rocket
-Does really good MPG (37mpg+ easy)
-Great sound system (have hifi upgrade like HK in BM... better than the HK in my old BM!)
-Seats and driving position are comfy
-Dealer service is top notch, year warranty and 3 years servicing.
-Not had a problem with mine at all so far so been very reliably (however I have been researching on the internet and they have their fair share of problems for sure and most of them are expensive to put right. Dual mast flywheels and cam chains appear to be the major)
Bad:
-The most harsh ride of any car I have ever been in
-Uses far too much oil
-Exhaust sounds amazing but engine sounds like a bag of spanners
-Dash looks great but controls are fiddly
-Boot is tiny and back seats don't really accommodate adults well
All in all I really like my Mini a lot and I don't regret buying it. Would I buy another one? Probably not. Mainly due to the ride, maybe I’m just getting old but I'm sure I could go just as fast and still have my spine and teeth in one piece in something else!
EVO mag ran a JCW long term and loved it - always a bit mad and edgy when pressing on and with the kind of dynamics that keep you on your toes and you don't get bored of.
Hyper fast too - the latest (2010) models don't quote more power but hit 100mph in the 14's - incredible for a 1600cc hot hatch - mainly because they weigh about a quarter of a ton less than Golfs/Focus ST etc etc
The general consensus is to avoid the uprated Mini Sports Suspension and change the runflats to non-runflats as soon as they're worn out (pack a can of mouse).
I want one too.
Hyper fast too - the latest (2010) models don't quote more power but hit 100mph in the 14's - incredible for a 1600cc hot hatch - mainly because they weigh about a quarter of a ton less than Golfs/Focus ST etc etc
The general consensus is to avoid the uprated Mini Sports Suspension and change the runflats to non-runflats as soon as they're worn out (pack a can of mouse).
I want one too.
No way will you get those mpg. I average 30 mpg. JCW R56 new in Jan 2009. I was going to keep it 6 months... I've still got it!!!
It's the most fun smile on the face car ever owned. Why can't you get more than 30 mpg? You try driving the twin scroll turbo one and not hitting the pedal!! It's mental and the top speed is attainable (allegedly!). It just leaves most cars for dead.
I've done 27,000 miles and sadly, as the 3 years warranty is 6 months away now it will have to go.
Never had any rattles until very recently. Well, an odd squeak or faint noise but then it's 2.5 years old. Road noise is better since non runflats fitted to front (yes, I have runflats on rear still). Ride is hardish but then what do you expect?
Regards selling, I want a JCW Coupe so the wrench won't be too bad!
Have seen them in the flesh at Cowley but not being driven on the road, but Friday evening around 9.30 was heading towards Witney (Oxon) and not hanging about (I wasn't in a hurry, you just can't drive these things slow!) and spotted this car coming towards me.
What is it? Mini-like but not quite right.
As it got near I realised it was a Coupe! Road registered, all silver with black stripes. God, did it look good. Real road presence.
Apparently it was a car being used by one of the Mini workers, just to put miles on. Lucky so and so!
It's the most fun smile on the face car ever owned. Why can't you get more than 30 mpg? You try driving the twin scroll turbo one and not hitting the pedal!! It's mental and the top speed is attainable (allegedly!). It just leaves most cars for dead.
I've done 27,000 miles and sadly, as the 3 years warranty is 6 months away now it will have to go.
Never had any rattles until very recently. Well, an odd squeak or faint noise but then it's 2.5 years old. Road noise is better since non runflats fitted to front (yes, I have runflats on rear still). Ride is hardish but then what do you expect?
Regards selling, I want a JCW Coupe so the wrench won't be too bad!
Have seen them in the flesh at Cowley but not being driven on the road, but Friday evening around 9.30 was heading towards Witney (Oxon) and not hanging about (I wasn't in a hurry, you just can't drive these things slow!) and spotted this car coming towards me.
What is it? Mini-like but not quite right.
As it got near I realised it was a Coupe! Road registered, all silver with black stripes. God, did it look good. Real road presence.
Apparently it was a car being used by one of the Mini workers, just to put miles on. Lucky so and so!
Edited by dandarez on Sunday 3rd July 14:14
Edited by dandarez on Sunday 3rd July 14:16
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