I recently purchased a 2007 cooper S after coming out of my M3. The R56 continues to surprise me in its abilities, a track day is definitely in store.

My old M3.


My Cooper S

 

Nice looking S. Great color and I like the black wheels.

 

Welcome aboard and good luck. Read up as much as you can to all the quirks and issues so that you are prepared before you track it.

 

Very nice!

 

Welcome , came from BMW side too. There is nothing that handles like the MINI . E46 M3 in Laguna SECA blue with CSL bits . Sign me up.

 

Welcome aboard...now you really understand what all this crazy excitement over MINIs is

Tracking - where abouts?

A freebee mod for you - there is a little plastic pin at the top of the strut tower that you can pull and get some more negative camber. Jack the car up, pull the pin, loosen the 3 shock nuts, push the wheel over till it stops and retighten the 3 nuts. Reset the toe-in by turning in the tie rod by a half turn. Repeat on the other side.

This is one of the easiest/best mods you can do to improve handling and the feel of the turn-in.

Enjoy.

 

I came from an 06 Interlagos Blue M3 to an 09 factory JCW. I made the switch because my commute was changing from 35 miles to 65 miles round trip and I took a big pay cut (dream job I could not pass up). The M3 was a great car. The Mini is great in a spritley sortof way. It feels more agile to me. I was just as fast in autocross in it too.

I save about $100 a month in gas with this car (compared to the M3) and it is still under warranty.

Bob

 

Funny this mod exists on the M3 too, I'll def have to give it a shot. As far as tracking mostly in the South Eastern Region. I usually participate through HP/DE providers like Chin motorsports, NASA and Hooked on driving. Wheels are for sale and posted in the marketplace.

 

Nice - Have you looked into TrackDaze? They run at VIR. Some of NE MINIs are looking to make it down there this year.

Another thing that the MINI likes is a wider track. If you are looking at a set of track wheels try either a 42 or 38 mm offset in place of the stock 48 mm. And yes you can line up 4 wheels/tires across the back of the MINI with the rear seat down...they are a do-it-all car