Well, we made the call. The 8 year old BMW 135i is gone. Man, when they get older the problems and $$ can really snowball. Clear coat failing, various sensors failing, etc. Loved the car but it was time to go.

We were looking and my wife took it in for the Takata airbag swap. While there she got talking with sales girl about the 2016 sitting on the showroom with 170 Miles. They were willing to essentially sell that for what a used 2016 with 10K Miles is going for, but with new car warranty as it never had been titled. They sweetened deal by offering me more than I could have sold the BMW for privately (had twice been rear ended, repairs by BMW but that becomes a haggle point). Wasn’t looking to buy but picked up the performance Cooper version for Civic price.

Man, this thing is fun and actually has more room inside than my 1M. I put a short shifter in with Whalen custom shift **** and added 3M crystal tint to knock down heat. Leaving stock until run flats burn off then getting some good summer tires. Wife is thrilled and have to say my wallet is happy - and yeah this is a blast to drive. Almost no torque steer but lots of torque. It is fast and handles great. After break-in, will likely put the Dinan Elite on.

We need to get this out to AutoX.

 

Nice deal, and love the color combo welcome

 

Congrats sounds like you got the good end of that deal.

 

Sweet ... Like the low miles when buying.
And Welcome.

 

Welcome to NAM.

Had a 135i so know about the legroom but would think there was a little more width to the car. The 135 had great power but you could not hide that weight compared to the MINI. You are now in a group that recognizes that the MINI is not just a "cute little" car but rather a sporty great handling small car.

 

Welcome to NAM. Great looking car!!!

 

Welcome. Nice JCW and cool shift ****.

 

car looks great, well done. Im sure you will love the power of the Dinan elite when time comes

 

So that's where that car went... I've been watching that car on the lot for about 8 months waiting until my timing is right. Now the timing is right and I noticed the car was gone. Congrats on snagging the JCW. It's optioned perfect with the slicktop, chrono package and that great melting silver/red. Enjoy, maybe I'll see you in the wild - I'm picking mine up Sunday.

 

Small world

 

I was absolutely surprised that it had not been sold before then. No fewer than 4 different BMW and Mini sales folks said they were looking at buying it AFTER we had bought the car. I agree, very happy with what we picked up. Needs Good Summer tires, probably won't resist a michelin sale at Costco - right now I can pickup 4 215/45R17 MPSS for a bit over $600. What I really want is Dinan Elite, JCW Pro Coilovers, and Quaife differential...but all in good time. Want it lowered, but want the handling to be "right". With Dinan, the mechanical differential + e-Diff will be appreciated.

Fun car, my wife and I trade days for driving it...not that our Honda Ridgeline is a bad truck to drive

I have two other projects in the garage that will probably slow down my mod investment in Mini - 2005 S2000 and 1977 280z.
1977 280 Z and 2005 S2000

 

Congrats on new JCW - are you getting the 2017 black one from the lot?

 

I couldn't find a JCW car optioned as I wanted it. I found a 2016 at the other area dealer with everything I wanted, and nothing that I didn't. They must have really wanted it gone as it was almost $11k off the sicker. Couldn't resist, and loving the car already. Now like you, I'm prioritizing the list of mods. A slippery slope I can't resist!

 

Welcome to NAM! Looks great!