Greetings guys, I am sort of new to the forum. I kind of lurked around but decided to join so I could learn more about my wife's 2011 MINI Cooper S. I am mostly a Bimmer guy having owned a former '09 135i which I traded for a '04 M3 with some decent goodies I have added within the past year. My wife has so far purchased on her own Konig Feather 17" wheels, non-runflat Kumho? (I am overseas and honestly can't remember what type) tires, and an nVidia cat-back exhaust which has yet to be installed. Her '11 MCS is Chili Red with black roof, optioned with Steptronic (not sure if it is called something different in MINI speak), Harmon Kardon stereo w/iPod connectivity, Blue Tooth, anthracite headline, rear fog lights, xenon headlights w/ blacked out housings and probably some other things I cannot recall at this time. I will include a photo of her car (though this is when it was fresh on the dealer floor, will have to look for a more current photo as well as my M3. Well, I hope to learn a lot from you guys and keep you posted on what my wife does with her MCS.

 

Sounds like she got a nicely optioned MCS. The Steptronic is reference to the automatic transmission. This option allows the use of paddle shifters and also gives the driver the choice of using a manual mode if they choose. My wife's 2010 MCS has this setup as well. She never plays with the paddles or manual mode, but I do when I drive her car.




I have my own MINI (2009 MCS w/ 6 spd manual) that I drive on a regular basis.

 

Welcome to NAM!

Are you military? Which branch?

 

You and your wife have two very awesome MINIs. Got lucky with my wife's build since it was completed just before the tsunami hit Japan (because of the Aisin trans). I feel the stock/sport throttle mapping is better in the MINI Cooper S than it was in my former '09 135i. I have contemplated from time to time about still getting a Sprint Booster for her MCS since I liked it for my 135i but feel that there are better mods out there that would suit the car better than remapping the throttle. I think basic ride-adjustable coilovers and swaybars and better tires (like the Star Specs I run on my M3) would really wake the car up. From what I do know (or think I know)about the MINI Cooper S that my wife has is that is powered by a twin-scroll turbocharged 1.6L engine (N14B16) and that is direct injected and that the suspension design can support true coilovers all around (unlike the shock/spring divorce in the rear that BMWs have). Unfortunately the MCS doesn't come with an LSD but then neither do non M cars so not too surprised there but would like to have one fitted maybe in 1-2 years. Kind of sad that the Recaro option just came out through the dealers but I guess Recaro Sportster CS seats await via the aftermarket. Those who make judgements or speak negative of the MINI have never owned or driven one, hell I was perfectly happy with the "Justa" but my wife was hooked with the MCS. Kick question on the base MINI, has anyone ran ITBs on them?

 

Yes, Marines going on towards 7 years now. Picked up the M3 and MCS in Hawaii, both the cars and the wife are in TX while I finish up a 12 month involuntary unaccompanied tour here on Okinawa. On the bright side there are a lot of late 90s Rover Minis? here and they look stunning despite a need of TLC due to years of typhoons and salty air. There also a couple of R53 MINIs here too and it makes me miss my wife's car alot, it would be right at home here.

 

Thank so much for serving! Especially apt to thank you on Veteran's Day.

We have quite a few active duty and retired military persons here on NAM. Retired Air Force myself. Attended the NCO Academy on Okinawa back in 1991. Ivan certainly see how cars could get eaten up by salt air there. You can practically taste salt most places on the island.