Looking at used JCW - what spec should I look for?
Discussion
Hi there
I'm looking to buy a JCW - budget up to £7k, so 2005ish. I'm a bit baffled by the wide range of options available on these cars. So, I'd be grateful for any help understanding what spec options are must haves and nice to haves.
Also, is the JCW kit the same on all cars? Eg is the exhaust always the same?
Thanks
I'm looking to buy a JCW - budget up to £7k, so 2005ish. I'm a bit baffled by the wide range of options available on these cars. So, I'd be grateful for any help understanding what spec options are must haves and nice to haves.
Also, is the JCW kit the same on all cars? Eg is the exhaust always the same?
Thanks
Most of the differences are under the bonnet! They should have a JCW exhaust which is raspier and larger than standard and excludes the tips.
If i was in the market for a JCW i'd probably go down the grey with black roof, or red with black roof, 17 inch wheels. Chili pack, spotlights, black gril surrounds, black mirror caps. Personally not keen on the aero kit.
Internally, HK sound system is good, recaro seats are a nice to have option. Depends if its a weekend toy or daily. If the former i'd be less worried about what it comes with and enjoy the drive of it!
Limited slip diff essential for the extra power.
Full service history, check cam chain tensioners have been changed on higher mileage cars, water pump, anti roll bar link and bushes for queaks, there is lots of posts on here about tyres, but the whole run flat v normal is down to price and preference IMO.
Good luck and if you buy,don't forget to update with your purchae
If i was in the market for a JCW i'd probably go down the grey with black roof, or red with black roof, 17 inch wheels. Chili pack, spotlights, black gril surrounds, black mirror caps. Personally not keen on the aero kit.
Internally, HK sound system is good, recaro seats are a nice to have option. Depends if its a weekend toy or daily. If the former i'd be less worried about what it comes with and enjoy the drive of it!
Limited slip diff essential for the extra power.
Full service history, check cam chain tensioners have been changed on higher mileage cars, water pump, anti roll bar link and bushes for queaks, there is lots of posts on here about tyres, but the whole run flat v normal is down to price and preference IMO.
Good luck and if you buy,don't forget to update with your purchae
I have a jcw and an open diff and seems fine for the road. Mate had 240 bhp in his GTT car and an open diff and it was fine too. JCW's will have a completely different exhaust. Look from behind the car and both silencers are oposite each other , rather than just one visible on the standard S. The rocker cover should have a plaque given the works serial number. Intercooler cover has a badge with JCW. Badges on the grill and bootlid. You 'might' have a JCW airbox, although not always specified on the works conversion and was an extra again.
As said, the JCW of this era were kits and dealer fit so not factory spec - some insurers are funny about the difference and treat the kits as aftermarket mods. Also, not all kit options were fitted to every JCW conversion.
For reference, mine is a 55 plate and has exhaust, all engine mods, LSD and bodykit but standard Cooper S wheels, brakes and leather interior.
Brakes are a bit weedy so personally I'd be looking for one with the upgraded brakes if I had my time again. Recaro interior very rare and front seats worth a small fortune 2nd hand so they would be a real bonus.
Great car!
For reference, mine is a 55 plate and has exhaust, all engine mods, LSD and bodykit but standard Cooper S wheels, brakes and leather interior.
Brakes are a bit weedy so personally I'd be looking for one with the upgraded brakes if I had my time again. Recaro interior very rare and front seats worth a small fortune 2nd hand so they would be a real bonus.
Great car!
It's very difficult to verify the engine specification of Works conversions (as opposed to production line fit). I would certainly recommend seeking the services of a knowledgable specialist and sight of original bills for purchase and fitting of the Works conversion or parts.
Buying from a BMW dealer doesn't guarantee anything as they often don't know the details of the Work's conversion car they are selling unless it is a factory build and they can access the build and service records.
Buying privately or from a non-BMW franchise dealer is even more tricky. You should get the orginal JCW certificates with the car and these should tie up with the engine plate. But if the car has one of the (rare) higher output engine conversions, it will have different engine plates and probably no new or extra certificates from JCW. You must see bills for the work!
Good luck with your search.
Ian
PS: Mine was originally a 210bhp dealer fit Works conversion subsequently upgraded to a 225bhp John Cooper Garages conversion with Challenge Cup spec brakes, but the only bits you can check visually are the exhaust/brakes/airbox etc.
Buying from a BMW dealer doesn't guarantee anything as they often don't know the details of the Work's conversion car they are selling unless it is a factory build and they can access the build and service records.
Buying privately or from a non-BMW franchise dealer is even more tricky. You should get the orginal JCW certificates with the car and these should tie up with the engine plate. But if the car has one of the (rare) higher output engine conversions, it will have different engine plates and probably no new or extra certificates from JCW. You must see bills for the work!
Good luck with your search.
Ian
PS: Mine was originally a 210bhp dealer fit Works conversion subsequently upgraded to a 225bhp John Cooper Garages conversion with Challenge Cup spec brakes, but the only bits you can check visually are the exhaust/brakes/airbox etc.
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