Ok fellow Mini enthusiasts, I need some sound advice...I am currently scouring the market to buy what I hope to be my last MCS. This will be my 13th Mini. Not even kidding! I have owned several hardtops (mostly JCWs) including 3 JCW coupés. Every time I buy one, it seems I settle on one thing or another. Whether it is the color isn't exactly what I wanted, interior color or a couple of the R53s turned out to be money pits.

My question is, is there that much of a difference in an '06 factory JCW and just an "S"? How about finding one with LSD? Is having the LSD really that important?

What I really like in the 2006 is the pop/gurgle of the exhaust and I also look for the funky color combos (red/black, cordoba or blue interior).

So can anyone out there give me a lil checklist? I do not want to make another mistake and really do plan on keeping the next one forever and ever.

As an aside, should I go '06 or skip the few years there and find a nice 2011 when Mini brought back the pop/gurgle exhaust?

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I'd just like to say my '03 MCS has a very poppy/gurgly stock exhaust. I don't think that's limited to the facelift R53's and later.

 

I have an 06 MCS with the LSD option and I have to say it does a fantastic job in straight line traction when wet. As for cornering it helps to distribute the torque however it does tend to cause a bit of understeer but it's easily handled once you get used to the characteristics of it.

As for finding an 06 vs. later years, really depends on whether you want supercharged or turbo obviously, I choose to stick with my R53 is cuz of the supercharger, sound and reliability vs. turbos I've had in past vehicles having to worry about shaft freeplay, bearings, cavitation etc. yes you can do more to a turbo system but as a daily fun car I personally like the reliability of the supercharger.

Hope that helps a tiny bit.

 

Thank you for your advice...that did help me some!!

😊

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Don't limit yourself to one zip code. The mini I wanted ended up being in Texas; I'm in New York.

Well worth the 800 dollars in shipping to have an 06 with 32,000 miles and all the options I wanted, aside from fog lights. Heck, at the very least I'll know it's rust free, which is near impossible for a car from the salt belt.

 

I would recommend an 05 or 06 due to the updated transmission gear ratios. I think limited slip diff is worth it. I had an 03 without LSD and an 06 with LSD, LSD much better. I like the feel/size of the Gen 1 Minis better then the Gen 2 and newer Minis. JCW verse standard S, depends on the JCW options selected because there are three different JCW packages (engine, suspension, and brakes). You can easily replicate most JCW parts (or do even better) other than LSD with is expensive to replicate.

 

Few reasons for a facelift vs non facelift

Teflon coated supercharger rotors
potential projector xenons
better p/s pumps (i think)
better gear ratios
ITS YOUNGER!!!

Now.. if you get real lucky here is what you want. I own a 09/2004 cooper-s. I got the updated supercharger (have confirmed by servicing it), better ratios, pops and gurgles, and I have no seat sensor mat in my passenger seat. also my p/s pump hasnt failed (yet) after 105k miles... and I believe I got the updated gear ratios.

Good luck on your search. I believe some JCW cars came with better heads and cams. I could be wrong. Depending on package of course.

 

Wow! I am learning so much! How would I know which package JCW it has?

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I think the VIN will tell you?? I have no idea. The way I thought it went was non dealer installed. It came from the factory as a JCW? I have no idea, sorry. :(

 

All Cooper S models built July 2004 onward will have the upgraded (5th Gen Eaton) supercharger and improved gear ratios. Any (year) Cooper S model with a JCW Engine Tuning Kit will also have the upgraded supercharger.

The upgraded power steering pump wasn't introduced into production until sometime in February 2005, so your car is subject to the power steering pump recall.

The definitive source on JCW Engine Tuning Kit info ...

1st MINI Cooper S JCW Engine Tuning Kits and Factory Models - The MINI Wiki

 

Thank you for the correct information. Further to help the OP

also I think my information regarding the recalled seat sensor mat is still correct, right? I got 90% of the goodies and missed out on the power steering pump.

 

Thats some good info above linked, also

JCW info here also.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...nt-03-jcw.html

 

Major popping and gurgling from my 2005 S (with aftermarket exhaust).