Thinking of swapping my Z4C for a Mini JCW

[mj2k]

I sold my tuned jcw when I bought my z4 coupe. My advice, which I realise is now redundant, would have been to go right ahead and buy the jcw. Don't get me wrong... I am hugely enjoying my z, but I would recommend to anyone that they should at some point own both... But depending on the spec of the jcw you might want to make a couple of changes. Adjustable suspension is well worth considering, as is a proper exhaust and remap. A jcw should handle, shout and spit like a junior touring car, in my humble opinion. The chassis can cope already with a fair bit more than the 220 hp it comes with, and if you don't really want to track it soon, i will be amazed... It is just too good round corners not to. Good luck and if you are ever in the Brighton area, look up tony franks in his mini sport garage... Nobody knows minis like tony. Nobody. Best of good wishes to you!

Cheers Andrew, I am loving it. The N18 engine bangs & pops a plenty when in sport mode, but has a normal 'stealth' setting for arriving home late or leaving early. The N14 gurgled more, but this engine seems to bang & pop so loudly it just puts a smile on my face - some roads I end up on over-run rather than accelerating just to hear the noise - am such a child!

Spec is pretty much fully loaded minus sunroof & recaros - love the idea of the full buckets, but know my back will suggest otherwise after a journey! The handling is amazing, I've still not found where it runs out of talent & know I will be the weak link. Toying with a track day already.

Brighton is not too far away, so will look him up when it comes to needing some tuning.

Matt


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[Thedevilinme]

I had a MCS JCW, had a problem with selecting 2nd gear and the timing chain tensioner kept failing, the car was a harsh ride and even though I pick my first Z4 up on Saturday (very excited )and have no comparison between the 2, I would no way have another Mini.

 

[mj2k]

I had a MCS JCW, had a problem with selecting 2nd gear and the timing chain tensioner kept failing, the car was a harsh ride and even though I pick my first Z4 up on Saturday (very excited )and have no comparison between the 2, I would no way have another Mini.

Bet you can't wait for the Z, hope you enjoy it!


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[Evil_elvis]

I'm confused with this post, what's the question? Which car did you own and have bought back, the mini or the z4?

I've owned both cars (factory r56 JCW) so feel qualified to help, if I understood that is
:/

 

[Evil_elvis]

Just to add something more helpful...

IMHO...
I've owned three r56 quick minis(MCS and FJCW) and you can't compare any to the Z4 3.0 or M.

The factory JCW (r56) comes closest and could be argued that it's "more fun" or mad, but it's FWD and has an open diff.

All quick mini's are crying out for an LSD, which used to be an option at the start of the r56 model (2007) and transformed the car. BMW just tried to convince us all that DSC is better than an LSD! It's not.

Add to that the appalling clanking timing gain issue (Google it) which I had with all three of my "Prince" engines, it can really spoil the enjoyment of the car. Not helped by BMWs denial of its existence. Buy a petrol, get a diesel!

Oh and then you have the very nasty ride from all variants/specs, even on non-rft tires.

On the plus side the r56 models can easily achieve 35-45mpg (average).

For me the Z4 has a near perfect set-up/ balance and is an uncompromised sports car with tonnes of grip. Add to that the explosive performance and flexibility of the 3.0si engine and you've got an amazing driving machine.

But perhaps I would say that being a convert?