Seeking consensus opinions on MCS performance/handling options

[ROJA]

Hi folks. I've been lurking here a while, but this is my first post. I currently drive a Honda Fit and a first-generation Mazda Miata (1996). The folks at miata.net (another great forum) pointed me this way. There seems to be a lot of overlap between the Mini crowd and the Miata crowd.

I am starting to think hard about getting a new MCS. I would probably order mine so I could pick the exact options and colors I want. From my first discussions with dealers, it seems like that doesn't affect the price much (versus picking one they have on the lot).

The most important factor to me in setting up a Mini is getting the best handling and making it really fun to drive. I think there are a few threads out there about some of the individual options, but I haven't seen one thread comparing all the handling/performance options.

It seems like these are the items to choose from. I would love to get your opinions on any or all of these.

Sport Package ($1500) (I am pretty sure I don't want this because I've heard the 17" wheels don't handle or ride as well as the 16" wheels)

Sport Suspension ($500)

DTC ($500)

LSD ($500)

JCW rotors ($218)

JCW suspension ($1255)

JCW strut brace ($269)

I want to get the most performance for the least money. Which boxes should I check?

Thanks in advance and looking forward to getting to know many of you!

[ROJA]

Just read a few more old threads and it looks like some of my questions may be moot. The LSD, which was apparently a key performance option, is now (2010 models) being replaced by an optional electronic traction control. This means that you won't be able to order LSD, but you should order Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC). http://www.motoringfile.com/2009/07/...slip-for-2010/

Apparently Mini says the EDLC is better than the mechanical LSD and weighs less. I'm sure that will debated hotly, but I won't have a choice (unless I want to find a remaining '09 with LSD).

I am leaning with the following right now for my proposed 2010
MCS build:
MT- always
EDLC- yes
DTC- not sure, will it be replaced by EDLC?
Sport Package- no
Sport Suspension- yes
LSD- not avail.
JCW stuff- none of it

Any changes or items I'm missing?

[ron-s mini]

The word "consensus" and Mini Cooper is an oxymoron.

I would get stock suspension then add aftermarket suspension. Same with wheels and tires.

I found after market wheel and tires were less expensive than buying the wheels I liked from Mini and I have the original set of stock wheels & tires to sell.

Aftermarket suspension give you many more choices and might be less expensive also.

The downside to this is that it not financed with the new purchase.

[bratling]

Originally Posted by ROJA

I am leaning with the following right now for my proposed 2010
MCS build:
MT- always
EDLC- yes
DTC- not sure, will it be replaced by EDLC?
Sport Package- no
Sport Suspension- yes
LSD- not avail.
JCW stuff- none of it

Any changes or items I'm missing?

If you live in a climate with cold winters, the winter package may be worthwhile. The heated seats & mirrors rock.

Also, if they try to upsell you on wheels, go aftermarket. Mini asks $2000-3000, depending on the design, for 4 wheels with tires. You can do better than that *and* get much lighter wheels in the aftermarket.

enjoy

[Augie05]

I would highly recommend the JCW suspension. I bought the complete kit (springs, shocks, front and rear sway bars) for less than $1000 from Morristown Mini. (they have great prices on Mini stuff) I had the kit installed by a local expert for a really good price. I am extremely happy with the kit. I bought the car with the stock standard suspension.

I also upgraded my wheels to 17" BBS (closeout on Tirerack) and they allowed me to drop about 7 pounds of unsprung weight per corner.

My car handles great! Good luck with your future potential Mini!

[ROJA]

Thanks for the feedback so far. What does the JCW suspension get you that the sport suspension doesn't? Did you drive for a while with the original suspension for comparison purposes?

The extra cost is not huge (about $750) and it would be well worth it to me to order it from the beginning and have it installed at the factory to keep everything under warranty.

Thanks!

[Robin Casady]

Originally Posted by ROJA

Sport Package ($1500) (I am pretty sure I don't want this because I've heard the 17" wheels don't handle or ride as well as the 16" wheels)

The OEM wheels are quite heavy. I agree with everyone on going after-market for wheels. I have (and like) Rota Slipstream 16x7" wheels. The OEM 16" wheels are 16x6.5" and come with 195/55-16 tires. I use 205/55-16 tires. They are 0.4" larger in O.D. than OEM. The other choice is 205/50-16 which are about 0.4" undersize. More comfort, better economy, and a more accurate speedometer with the 55. Better acceleration (lower effective gearing), and lower ride height with the 50. If looks are important, there will be a larger gap in the wheel wells with the 50.

The Slipstreams weigh just under 14 lbs. and are currently on sale for $160 ea. Factory 17" wheels weigh about 22.5 lbs. Don't know what the OEM 16" weigh. My 2007 came with the 17".

Sport Suspension ($500)

Never driven a MINI with anything other than stock suspension, so can't compare. I have heard people say that the JCW is better.

DTC ($500)

This is the option you want. It includes EDLC, and gives you the most control over what electronic system is running. You can turn off DSC, or DSC and DTC, and leave only EDLC working. There is a thread about LSD vs. EDLC. From that, the MotoringFile article, and my own experience with LSD on an MCS, I'm under the impression that EDLC is a better system than LSD.

JCW rotors ($218)

IIRC, these are about the same as the stock MCS brakes, but drilled. If they are larger, I believe they would require 17" wheels. Unless you are into bling, most people seem to think drill rotors are a bad idea. They were designed to overcome a problem with pads that no longer exists, and they can lead to cracking in the rotors.

JCW suspension ($1255)

I'd research this option, and compare it to after-market options. It does have the warranty advantage over after-market, but there are a lot of options available for the MMCS.

JCW strut brace ($269)

I have it, and didn't drive the car very much without it, so I can't say how much benefit there is. Some believe it is just bling.[/quote]

Originally Posted by ROJA

DTC- not sure, will it be replaced by EDLC?

DTC includes EDLC. Definitely go for this option.

Any changes or items I'm missing?

If you really want a hot MINI, get the JCW instead of the MCS.
Might not be in your budget, though.

There are threads about options people most regret not getting, and many on what options a person should get. I'd go through those and see what you think.

Personally, I loaded mine with NAV, Convenience Package, and the Cold Weather Package, and I don't regret them.

I really like the Comfort Access, rain sensing wipers, auto dimming mirror, Park Distance Control, and heated seats.

I like the NAV a lot as well because it is really an integrated interface for the car's computer system, but it is a very expensive option.

[Mato]

i think the reason the 17in doesnt ride as well is because they are fitted out with run flats... and I can tell you they are hard!

which suprised me because im used to drive my dads 328 with 18in runflat and they were softer than the minis...

btw is that EDLC included on MCS 09 models? (from July*)

[Hmmm]

Any reason you aren't looking at a JCW Cooper?

Sort of looks like you went for a Cooper with lots of nice upgrades to not very many at all.

Personally, if you are ordering your car, I would get what you can afford from the factory. a JCW will have a LOT of the options you want, but a bit of uniqueness not found in most Cooper S's.

[ROJA]

Originally Posted by Hmmm

Any reason you aren't looking at a JCW Cooper?

Sort of looks like you went for a Cooper with lots of nice upgrades to not very many at all.

Personally, if you are ordering your car, I would get what you can afford from the factory. a JCW will have a LOT of the options you want, but a bit of uniqueness not found in most Cooper S's.

It's funny, I originally planned to get a stripped base MINI (non-S) because it was such a steal at $19k. Then I drove them back to back and I knew the MCS was the car for me (whooooosh goes the turbo!!!). I can do the performance upgrades I need and still keep the price at around $24-25k. Isn't the JCW a lot more expensive? I really don't want to spend more than $24-25k, so I think I will just go with the MCS with the Sport Suspension, maybe the sunroof/cruise package, and the DTC.

EDIT- Just checked and the JCW starts at $29k. That is just more than I can spend on a toy!


Thanks again for the feedback. Surely many more questions to come...

[snid]

If you want a MINI to handle more like your Miata than your Fit, you'll need to go aftermarket for a couple of key pieces. You'll want front camber plates and a rear swaybar. This will help remove the understeer tendencies of the stock MINI.

I'm a big fan of the JCW suspension, though I've only experienced in on the first gen cars. I had the stock Sports Suspension on my Cooper, then went to the JCW suspension after a couple of years. The JCW suspension is still comfortable on the road, but also handles really well autocrossing or on the track. It was also very durable. Beware of recommendations to put lowering springs on the stock struts - the stock struts will not last very long with lowering springs.

If you're planning on going aftermarket for suspension, don't bother with the JCW suspension as you'll just be pulling it off anyway. If you want to stay "stock", the JCW is very, very good. I noticed a much larger difference going from the base suspension to the JCW suspension than I did going from the JCW suspension to KW coilovers.