Hey everyone, I have a small classic restoration shop in NJ and I'm known by metalsoul and klubvintage (the name of my shop) on all of the BMW and other car forums that I frequent but I'm excited to become a member on this forum!
I've wanted one since I first saw the Italian Job in the theaters, but it never really fit my needs before, and then we had kids and it fit my needs even less. But with the kid-hauling land rover getting 13mgs, the need for a gas-saver came up and since my wife hates riding in my e21's and e30's (except for the convertibles I took the opportunity to look for my ideal S!

And after a long search I found my R56...a 2008 S in Astro Black metallic with Redwood leather and piano black interior trim (the only one I could find). Certified and with only 35k, its completely stock but I got the dealer to add on the roof racks.

It has the Cold weather, Sport, and Premium packages and 17" webs and some other odds and ends.

Here's my intro pic...

 

Welcome aboard. I gave up my BMWs for MINIs 4 years ago. No regrets. I loved the 330 convertible, but it felt so heavy to drive after getting the first Clubman. Sold that last year for a 2012 MINI convertible and the 2012 CM ALL4S. I kept my CUBE for the dogs' ride and the MINIs for my pleasure. The only problem is deciding which one to drive. Of course, the CUBE is used for any errands requiring parking lots. Will not sacrifice the MINIs to carts and mean people.
Enjoy your new ride.

 

Welcome! Also a BMW owner (2002 M3 convertible) and new MINI owner. Love the MINI almost as much as my M3!

 

Same here... 2009 JCW purchased after the lease on my 06 330xi was up. I still like BMWs though. My wife's dd is a 2011 X5. The X5 is great on gas. We average around 20mpg in mixed city/highway driving.

But like others have stated the steering is heavy with the BMWs.

 

Welcome my man! Have fun with it.

 

Welcome! Where is your shop located?

 

Congrats and welcome.
My 07 MCS in Sparkling Silver also has the redwood lounge interior and piano black. I love
the color.
Get lots of complitments on it. I don't think it's a color (interior) that's picked alot.

 

Welcome and congrats on finding a sweet MINI!

 

welcome..

 

Thanks guys, and familiar faces, er "Users!" And thanks CJ and Jeff for turning me onto this forum! I'm loving this car more everyday, really enjoying the handling of it and learning how it wants to be driven!

John, my shop is on rte 518 on the border of Lambertville and Hopewell, not far from you in Flemington at all! In fact many of the e30 chassis BMW's that you'll se around Flemington came out of my shop! You're more than welcome to come by sometime and visit!

 

I wish I didn't have my Classic Mini up for sale, I would drive that over!

I'll have to stop by sometime in my R53, I would love to see the shop and talk about MINIs. We'll set something up in the near future.

By the way, last summer I did two MINI rallies from Clinton (closer to Round Valley) and we stopped at Dilly's Corner for lunch. If I do it again, I'll let you know.

 

I love the red interior!

 

Welcome to the fun!

 

Thanks guys! That sounds good John I'd love to join in on the next one! Do you have a link to the sale of your classic?