Apparently there is a safety recall involving the 2009 JCW MINIs, including the JCW Clubman regarding the front brakes. Apparently brake performance may be degraded under certain conditions (and I don’t think they mean track weekend brake fade ;)). If you have one of these cars, get it checked out ASAP. Here is a copy of the actual recall:

Make / Models : MINI / JCW & MINI / JCW CLUBMAN

Model/Build Years: 2009

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V507000

Component:
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC

Potential Number Of Units Affected : 560

Summary:
BMW IS RECALLING 560 MY 2009 JCW (JOHN COOPER WORKS) AND JCW CLUBMAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 16 INCH DIAMETER FRONT BRAKE DISCS RATHER THAN 17 INCH DISCS. UNDER CONDITIONS OF INTENSE BRAKE USAGE, BRAKING PERFORMANCE WOULD BE REDUCED.

Consequence:
DEPENDING ON TRAFFIC AND ROAD CONDITIONS, AS WELL AS A DRIVER’S REACTIONS, REDUCED BRAKE PERFORMANCE COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT BRAKE DISCS AND PADS AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THEM. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW/MINI AT 1-866-275-6464 OR BY E-MAIL AT MINI.ASSISTANCE@ASKMINIUSA.COM..

Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

[ Recall Document Download ]