I have been researching the Clubman S and very concerned with the cold weather problems several have posted with regards to the S Turbo. I will be garaging my new Mini but this week it was -5 below and although I love the extra boost the S gives I wonder if I'm better off without the headaches and buying just the basic Clubman.

Any thoughts or advice. I'm meeting with the dealer this Saturday so any feedback would be appreciated

Thanks

 

My opinion is you have to buy the car you WANT and not worry if YOUR car will have the problems SOME cars have had. Yes, it seems the "S" can possibly stand for "Silliness" but it also may not in your case. The real question is, do you want and or need the extra punch the S model offers? If so, then buy it. IMHO, I did not want or need it so I went with the base model. Had I wanted or needed the "S" I wouldn't have been too concerned (although it does cross my mind) by some of the reported issues I believe get way over reported online anyway.

Good luck and have a blast with WHATEVER you get! Have you test drove both models? I am trading in a 2wd SUV that moves like a turtle so honestly the base clubman felt like a rocket ship to me!

 

Can I ask how much you paid for yours because those are pretty close to the options I'm wanting on the basic Clubman. British Green, Black Bonnet stripes, Cold weather pkg, Sunroof, Garage opener, Auto Dimming, and Ipod adapter.
Thanks for your post!

 

Remember that message boards - regardless of if it is MINI or Honda - are more likely to attract problem posts. You can't tell stastically if a problem hits 1 out of 100,000 cars or 1 out of 10 from a message board and it is easy to read these posts and get spooked. A friend of mine that has had a MINI for years told me about NAM and warned me that if I read the posts it would be easy to get the impressions that all MINI's have problems when that is not the case.

BMW clearly had a problem with some early S engines and they are modifying the timing chain tensioner under warranty. Cars manufactured in 09 leave the factory with the mods. There is still some talk as to whether this completely cured the problem.

If you like the power and awsome low end torque of the turbo MINI (I certainly had to have it) I would get it and not let problems scare you. You have a 50,000 mi warranty and if you don't feel comfortable trade it before the warranty expires. After lurking here for a while I took the plunge and ordered the MCS. I have nearly 7,000 flawless miles on it so far and love driving this MINI.

Good luck whatever you decide.

 

I was able to get $1300 off msrp. Better than some worse than some I am sure. Depending on where and who you deal with, you can do better price wise than a year ago at MINI dealers. A year ago and earlier many dealers were charging msrp and above. Of course the more you spend the more they will deal and also you can get better prices ordering cars already on the lot or even 2009 models. Also, if you are willing to take accessories instead off cash off then you can do some dealing. For example, adding bonnet stripes etc... a la cart things that might not be included in the car you want. Sounds like you should consider the convenience package.

The car I bought was exactly what I wanted and I lucked out cuz it was already in production in England when I bought it so I didn't have to wait the full six weeks. Just a few weeks...and that's still too much, lol!

 

Base Cooper or "S" get whatever turns you on. You will be happy no matter which way you go. Don't really think the "cold chatter problem" in the "S" is worth worrying about.