Where are you based - in the UK?

 

I'm based in Norway.

 

You must be one of the first to have one of these, I was one of the first in the UK for the Cooper S with the GPF fitted in May last year. There is work going on but to get the pops and bangs your are looking for you will have to make the car illegal by removing the GPF and having a re-map (it also brings up warranty issues). I've gone slightly different way in having a GPF back system fitted from Cobra (The car on their site is my car) It's changed the sound of the car being a lot more throaty and it will pop and bang (but not to the extent as before) - even in normal mode when the car is doing a regeneration of the filter it will rumble which is nice to hear when driving.

 

Oh, that's very bad news... I was configuring mine yesterday and will be ordering till the end of the week, but pops and bangs were one of the reasons why I wanted it, remembering how good it was in R53 and R56...

Would fitting JCW PRO exhaust (I know it can't be installed by the dealership, but I confirmed that it fits in LCI) and putting Racechip in change anything?

 

The JCW Exhaust would definitely give it a better sound and the chip will probably help with fuel economy and some other aspects, but if it doesn't make those sounds due to the GPF you may be out of luck. Granted, the car will still sound VERY nice with the JCW exhaust and maybe even a miltek downpipe would help you achieve a sound more like what you're looking for. I think once you have the car sounding more nice and aggressive, you may not even be concerned with the pops and bangs. You know?

 

I feel your pain. Probably won't buy another JCW if it doesn't make a racket . My 66 plate sounds like a machine gun in sports mode and a warm exhaust, and I only have the standard exhaust. I guess we need a GPF delete kit for the newer cars.

 

I feel your pain. Probably won't buy another JCW if it doesn't make a racket /forum/images/smilies/tango_face_smile.png. My 66 plate sounds like a machine gun in sports mode and a warm exhaust, and I only have the standard exhaust. I guess we need a GPF delete kit for the newer cars.

Glad I’m not the only one ? I’ve been reading some bmw forums, but there’s still no final answer if it’s just the “fault” of filter (muffling the pops) or also changed map.

 

So I was under the impression MINI artificially create the pops and bangs by overfueling. I guess they can't do that now as it would damage the GPF.

 

I’m pretty sure you’re right, so it’s also changing the map. I’ll take a look at bmw forum again when I come back home and paste links here if I’ll find something interesting.

 

3:15 - pops are still there

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJfrfQs0OPY&feature=share

 

A well done review and accurate review for the LCI, I am glad I got this one when they were first available. It has been flawlessly performing all that I have asked of it with no issues. It won't be my last mini, but I don't plan to let this one go. I still wish I had kept my R56 JCW as it was more nimble, but not nearly as fast and not without it's bugaboos.

 

So you have pre-LCI or LCI version? Sorry, couldn’t understand from the context. Is US-spec also fitted with this filter that we worry about (no pops and bangs)?

 

I have a pre LCI JCW that I ordered in July of 2015 and installed an NM module and the JCW PRO exhaust. 269 HP and 285 FT. LBS. of torque. We are not subjugated to the same mini abuse that the EU requires, thank goodness. Lots of pops, bangs, snorts, burbles, and other sounds make it a joy to drive, hear, and surprise unsuspecting "hot" cars!

 

Ok, thanks I want to run the same setup with NM and JCW PRO. I'll get an info from a friend in the dealership if JCW PRO will throw check engine light and if there's a chance for the pops and bangs after installing it. I'll post info as soon as I'll know anything.

As for the PPF I have found a thread on BMW forum (different engine 140i/240i, possibly same consequences):

https://www.babybmw.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=74&t=113539&start=210

TLDR:
- PPF only muffles pops and bangs and/or the map has been changed to throw less fuel into exhaust system to protect PPF
- reported power loss in some cases, despite BMW promissing that power figures will remain the same
- CEL doesn't come up after cat back modification, but comes up after modifying mid-pipe

 

I've had my LCI JCW for 10.5months now, just about to break 9000 miles. Whilst I agree it's a little bit of a let down compared to the pre-LCI, bear with it. Mine is opening up nicely now. I've only every used high octane - regular fuel twice in desperation I think. Although urban pops and bangs are like hens teeth, get it out on twisty, hilly stretches (I imagine the hills and glens of Scotland will be similar to Norway!) and Johnny will sing a merry tune. I find the cold start, mid mode growl fabulous - and in the near-zero temperatures, when you gun it, the air intake sounds like you've blown a hose!

Just be patient

MINIs are aren't the only car having this issue now. The new Lotus models have been wound back considerably - our 2yo Exige sounds insane compared to the ones being built now and our 2 month X3 M40i is SUCH a disappointment! Not ONE backfire yet! My OH is gutted since he was basing his model choice on youtube videos like I did with the JCW.

 

I've had my LCI JCW for 10.5months now, just about to break 9000 miles. Whilst I agree it's a little bit of a let down compared to the pre-LCI, bear with it. Mine is opening up nicely now. I've only every used high octane - regular fuel twice in desperation I think. Although urban pops and bangs are like hens teeth, get it out on twisty, hilly stretches (I imagine the hills and glens of Scotland will be similar to Norway!) and Johnny will sing a merry tune. I find the cold start, mid mode growl fabulous - and in the near-zero temperatures, when you gun it, the air intake sounds like you've blown a hose!

Aaaah I miss that noise! A few friends actually asked if there was something wrong with my old one ... nope, he was just a sucky barstood My current Scirocco doesn't do it at all ... but I'm happy to share that I'm off down the stealers on Friday to see what deals can be done

 

My car was 1. time registreed the 27. april. 2018. It has been a management car and not used for demos. I will ask my dealer what the build date is.

 

Then you don't have a GPF so you can fit what you like or will fit, even a JCW Pro exhaust - cat back.


People get confused when it comes to LCI cars and GPF's, certainly between the Cooper S and JCW.


Just to re-confirm the GPF's were fitted to the Cooper S from May 2018 on-ward, the GPF will be fitted to JCW's after March 2019 - NO JCW manufactured before March 2019 have a GPF fitted.


All the JCW's sold after Feb 2018 are old stock until the new model comes out in March 2019 - I hope this makes sense.


As for your car not popping and banging, I think you need to try harder

 

When we compared V5C information between Donna's LCI and my pre 2017 November build JCW (when we both got them new in March 2018) My pre November 2017 build had a much higher noise (drive by and static) specified. Obviously Donna's LCI is pre WLTP which means a Particulate Filter is not fitted, but will be on the latest batch, which can only make things even quieter. Bad news for a car thats sold on its noise as part of the character.

 

A proper and righteous sound for a mini JCW, it sounds just like mine! Pops. bangs, gurgles are a mini trademark!

 

To add:

I think the LCI JCW (2018) was built until June/July. I have one that was built in March (20-3-2018 to be precise) and I have no GPF. It also didn't pop much to start with. Then I put the JCW pro exhaust on it and it pops like a maniac.

I can imagine the new one (post March 2019) will be even quieter than mine was at the start.

 

I have posted this before, but the JCW Pro Exhaust is not available due to "Type Approval" not emissions. Generally the emission are not effected by the exhaust pipe fitted, provided the ECU / Lambda sensors / Cat and GPF are working within spec with the new exhaust. The problem is noise. Noise regulation has remained unchanged since 1995, but was updated in 2014. Basically drive by noise is being reduced by 2db increments over the next 4 years. 2db may not sound much, but 3db is actually 1/2 the noise level, so these changes are going to make a significant change in car noise levels.

The JCW Pro Exhaust has another problem with the flap. Because of "cheat devices" (Thanks VW), the flap is being considered as a "cheat device" and will have to be tested Open and Closed for noise from 2020. This is not just a sad day for people who want Mini's to sound noisy, but also supercars that should sound noisy. Hence from MINIs perspective there is little point developing (and getting approval for) a quieter version of the JCW Pro Exhaust for only 2 years sales.

I have a JCW with the JCW Pro Exhaust, I purchased it knowing the rule changes where coming into force, and cars will no longer be noisy. In truth it's a pointless upgrade, because it's illegal to use it on the road, and I don't know of any track in the UK that would let you use that exhaust during a track day. BUT it's the reason I loved my F55 MCS with JCW tuning kit and the reason I purchased one of the last JCWs that could have the JCW Pro Exhaust fitted officially.

The world of cars is changing, It makes some cars more difficult to justify, removes the DNA of others, and it saddens me. It's the reason BMW introduced fake sound, so one day we all accept an all electric M car silently driving by while the driver enjoys a V8 soundtrack coming from the stereo.

For reference https://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/automotive/environment-protection/noise-reduction_en

 

I might be able to answer the waggling for you here and now seeing as you have 17"

Ive had 8 months of this and just changed the front tyres from Hankook (which I imagine you have) to some Dunlop Sport Maxx. It has transformed the car.

15,16 and 17 come out of the factory with Hankook it seems but must be a harder rubber and just does not work on a performance car. DM if you want any more info!

 

15,16 and 17 come out of the factory with Hankook it seems but must be a harder rubber and just does not work on a performance car. DM if you want any more info!

That's interesting. I've heard runflats are noisy - but when I had my last JCW I had the 18" with Dunlops and the noise never bothered me at all. I've just ordered a 2019 JCW and have gone for the 17" black track spoke with runflats this time so I'll see if I notice the difference. I thought maybe I was just hardened to the noise given some of the cars I've driven about in over the years lol. Thanks for the info

 

The WAGGLING is a nightmare on mine, it also has 17's but i have the Bridgestone's not Hankooks. I'd love to get this sorted but cant afford to upgrade the Rims maybe the tyres soon though.

To jump back to the dreaded noise issue, as we all seem to agree the cars no longer Pop and Bang, BUT on a cold start the car is much louder and today i revved her up whilst at work and sure enough Pop Pop bang, woooah wtf is happening, this is what it should sound like , but as soon as it warms up that is the end of that Boo hiss.
So what is the engine doing when it first starts? Is it like an old school choke? So is over fueling ??
Wish i could keep it sounding this way, hopefully one of you will try the same and see what happens.
There might be hope yet.

 

To jump back to the dreaded noise issue, as we all seem to agree the cars no longer Pop and Bang, BUT on a cold start the car is much louder and today i revved her up whilst at work and sure enough Pop Pop bang, woooah wtf is happening, this is what it should sound like , but as soon as it warms up that is the end of that Boo hiss.
So what is the engine doing when it first starts? Is it like an old school choke? So is over fueling ??
Wish i could keep it sounding this way, hopefully one of you will try the same and see what happens.
There might be hope yet.

I LOVE the start up growl! I wish it was like that all the time! Best pops are at 6.00am when I leave my street. Neighbours must hate me but a lovely way to start your day

 

BRP tunnel with proper pos, bangs, and gurgles.

 

Our JCW was manufactured in October 2018 and has just done slightly 1,000kms.

There's plenty of pops and bangs in sport mode, it's very easy to induce them while on the overrun, even at 2k rpm.

Still in the run in period so I've not even gone past the 4.5rpm mark yet.

 

Fuel. When I use another brand other than Shell 91 (highest at this altitude) I get very little to no "extra" sounds.

 

Agree. I only use Tesco Momentum 99RON....I don't believe all this 'supermarket fuel' nonsense

 

I picked up a new JCW in the UK a few weeks ago. I am trying to go gentle for the first 1,000 but there are some pops to hear. I have two other JCWs (2015 and 2017) and they are definitely louder. Hopefully our new one will open in time (please god)

 

Very unlikely due to the more ... choked exhaust: dpf (particulate filter) presence for petrol car.

 

mine JCW is a July 2019... no pop and bangs... I feel very very sad..
Will a remap solve this "identity issue" ?

 

nobody else with JCW late 2019.... ?
I miss the pop and bangs... DPF killed the JCW...

 

I have a DPF 2019 JCW... pops and bangs plenty.... I’ve found it’s better in cold weather and with standard 95 unleaded....

Remove the boot boards and parcel shelf if you can’t hear them. Also blip the throttle in a the auto to force a change down to make it pop. Or hold down left flappy paddle to find lowest gear...

 

I have a DPF 2019 JCW... pops and bangs plenty.... I’ve found it’s better in cold weather and with standard 95 unleaded....

Remove the boot boards and parcel shelf if you can’t hear them. Also blip the throttle in a the auto to force a change down to make it pop. Or hold down left flappy paddle to find lowest gear...

Ok. I will try to ear ... eehhehehehehe
Will remove all the thinks in the boot. Still I opened the window.. the other day and nothing.
I have had a Lotus Elise 111R (toyota engine) and I could ear all the rumble.

 

2019 JCW, august make, purchased in Russia and imported by dealer from Belgium. Mine does have pops and bangs starting from around 3K RPM. Also, dealer’s paper claim Euro-5 ecological class, not euro-6 or 6d.

 

Hi @LazyLancer. Don´t get me wrong. But it is very strange that a production august 2019 JCWdoesn´t have GPF and not be euro-6 or 6d. Mine is production June 2019, and euro 6 and no pops and bangs. Very "taimed" exhaust.
Are you sure that you have a 2019 production? Even if it is a 0km import / new... that was in stock in Belgium.
Several countries had to sale their stock pre-euro6 a very good price to end them. (European Importer rules)

Or yours in Russia was "get rid off" the GPF and all the crap that EU regulations impose at the Dealership and meet the Russian regulation?

Last doubt... when you say.. dealer.. is car dealer.. ou MINI Official Dealership?

Regards.

Flavio

 

I'm sorry, i'm usually reluctant when it comes to posting some personal information online and VIN numbers of my cars are on that list. Maybe that due to being born in Russia where used "copycat" cars with fake numbers and\or license plates (sometimes stolen in a neighboring country) are a (rare, but still) reality.
However, i tried to google up some "check VIN number" websites and one of them gives me this (click to enlarge):

Below is a list of all the installed equipment and the list is spot on. Which makes me believe this info is correct overall.
And it states Sep 18 2019 as production date.

But i also stumbled upon some very interesting info in the bottom

S1A1A​	LAENDERSPEZIFISCHES MOTORMANAGEMENT​
S1CAA​	SELEKTION COP RELEVANTER FAHRZEUGE​

LAENDERSPEZIFISCHES MOTORMANAGEMENT translates as "Region-specific engine management" and SELEKTION COP RELEVANTER FAHRZEUGE is something about CoP compliance which is roughly "The CoP (Conformity of Production) is the proof that the manufactured vehicles (production) comply with the requirements placed on them (eg pollutant emission values)".

Which in turn leads me to a hypothesis that cars built for Russia are indeed built without any EU regulations in mind.
The website i used is https://www.mdecoder.com/ , you can try inputting your own VIN to see if you have those options too.

P.S. Or yet again i haven't heard a pre-2019 JCW to understand mine is toned down as well.
P.P.S. Will make an exhaust sound video tomorrow if i dont forget

 

@LazyLancer
great. I will do the same and we will compare. Ehehehheh great post.
You are right!!! And I’m sorry It wasn’t my intention know anything personal. I only wanted to help. And well done. Better that way.
Flavio