Hi here is some text I pulled together on another forum, this covers the R56 N14 JCW and what is has different to the Cooper S very similar if not the same for N18:
Maximum power of 155kW (211 bhp) at 6000 rpm, and 260 Nm of torque (280 with overboost)
This is achieved by means of a new:
- Uprated turbocharger
- JCW Intake System
- JCW exhaust
- ECU map
- Electronic limited slip differential (EDLC - Electronic Differential Lock Control). This is infinitely variable between 0% and 50%, as opposed to the permanent 30% of the optional LSD fitted to the R56 MINI Cooper S.
- DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) as fitted as standard on all BMW models nowadays. The MINI John Cooper Works is the first variant of the new MINI to come with DTC which, to date, is not available even as an option on other variants. The main difference between DTC and the extant DSC is the ability to "remap" the parameters for the traction and stability control systems, to allow a sportier drive while still employing these systems at the last minute, without fully deactivating them.
- Brembo Brakes. BREMBO 4 Pot Red Caliper JCW Sports Brakes consisting of: Four-piston aluminium fixed front brake calipers finished in red with John Cooper Works logo,
- Red painted single piston rear calipers,
- Perforated and grooved ventilated front brake discs (316x22mm), Rear brake discs (280x10mm)
- JCW Body Kit
1: Is it true that the Cooper S maps to around the same as the JCW version on stage 1 anyway? So not much difference end result? Yes you can map an R56 easily to 211BHP due to it being a turbo engine theres always easily gains to be had. A Stock S will get above level of factory JCW with a map but it would be good to update supporting mods such as intake/intercooler (Note never got the use of Stage1/stage 2 etc. All depends on the supporting mods and the type of map being used.)
2: What benefits does the JCW have vs a remapped Cooper S? Supporting mods as list above, not just power but better brakes and and EDLC. Also a factory JCW get the better looks in terms of the JCW body kit too. If budget allows on the R56 I would always go N18 JCW
3: Do any of the Cooper S feature traction control? The S comes with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) as standard
4: Will a remapped Cooper S be traction limited on stage 1 or 2? Does it ruin the experience? Its the runflats that cause an issue rather than power as they are so stiff and the first thing most mini owners that modify their car ditch. Traction wise all depends how much power/torque you add from the mapping and how its done.
5: Is the timing chain issue that bad? Should I ensure it was changed and when should it have been done? With the age of most R56's I would say it should have been done by now, the tensioners are the weak point that fail.
6: Any other things to look for when buying? Any options worthwhile? Things to check on test drive? Chili pack is a must, climate control is not standard, most come with manual aircon, Satnav is nice but at the same time its very out of date tech now and bluetooth streaming of music is not available in most of them. A good service history is a must with these cars
7: How harsh are the Cooper S cars stock suspension to deal with daily? Do many people lower them? Again the suspension in these cars is getting old now with some R56's being build in 2007. Depends where you ask, I'm involved with modified Mini's so in my world everyone lowers theirs, but that doesnt help you. For me I dont the stock suspension harsh as I'm used to coilovers set to stiff, but journalists have said its harsh. I certainly dont think it would be awful for dailying but depends what you are used to as a Mini is set up to be sportier than other mundane cars
8: I want one with Xenons fitted...are they good and worthwhile? Any known issues? No known issues with the Mini xenons and are worth ensuring you have those, I think Chili pack added xenons
9: High mileage cars...what do you think about buying one with say 100,000 miles? I've owned a JCW with 17k that needed a full engine rebuild under warranty as tensioner failed and valves hit pistons, yet I owned a 120k clubman S that drive like new with no issues, its less about mileage and more about how well it has been maintained. A good service records and lots of receipts.
10: Gearbox options. Do the cooper S cars come with Auto boxes and if so are they good and worth it? Yes they do, but apparently a pretty awful and slow experience.
like I said, can’t go wrong with the JCW Clubman.
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