Finally got my 05 Cooper S.. WOW AMAZING!
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5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 924
Likes: 0
From: Central Valley, CA
Finally got my 2005 "S" !!!
Finally got my MINI this past Saturday!!! All I can say is it was worth the 4 month wait and it was well worth it to wait for the 05 and jam pack it with options!
My Hyper Blue Metallic Cooper S consists of the following:
2005 Cooper S - 6-Speed
Black Roof and Black Bonnet Stripes
Premium Package
Sport Package
Cold Weather Package
Black Leatherette
DVD Navigation
H/K Sound
17” R90 Wheels (At dealer this week)
Driving Lights (At dealer this week)
Rear Fog
IPod adapter
LSD
PDC
I have owned many vehicles that I have modded and put over $20,000-$30,000 into. I have NEVER driven off the dealer lot and been so content with a vehicle as I have been with my Cooper S. The power is amazing in stock form, and the whine of the supercharger is music to your ears. The exhaust, although many have complained, is absolutely a perfect tone and resonates in the cabin perfectly.
The suspension with the sport package and the 17”’s is flawless for a stock car, and really isn’t as bad as I expected it to be with the run flats. My R90’s will be on soon, as well as 225/40/17 High Performance non-runflat tires, so I am sure this will even exceed my expectations much more. The tight hard feel of the ride is amazingly similar to my coilovered VW projects.
The LSD is WONDERFUL. I have owned 2 other vehicles in which I had to upgrade to a Quiafe differential. The LSD MINI provides you with is smooth, and eliminates almost all wheel spin, but most importantly the oversteer/understeer factor is nearly eliminated. No fighting hard starts off the line, or sharp turns at higher speeds.
The navigation is also a great addition. I like the fact that so many people have posted their concerns regarding changes, that this version basically eliminates all complaints or wanted upgrades people have voiced. You can choose a British accent for the navigation voice right from the get go, and do not have to download a hack.
The interior was better than I remember on my multiple test drives of 03’s and 04’s. I am most impressed with aluminum trim on dash and doors providing the unfinished “industrial” metal look.
The Harmon Kardon sound system is amazingly clear, loud and full of bass, especially for a stock system. I cannot wait for my iPod adapter!
I have put about 400 miles on it since Saturday and I am waiting patiently to get out of work and turning the key to hear my supercharger whine!
I do want to send mad props out to Bob Smith MINI in Calabasas, CA. Ann Desmond, my motoring advisor, and Ian the Sales Manager, and Megan in Finance, made this purchase the BEST out of the 14 vehicles I have purchased so far in my lifetime! Even though I had to drive 3 1/2 hours to their dealership, I knew from the beginning I made the right decision to go with Bob Smith MINI in Calabasas, and we will be repeat customers later this year when my wife picks up her S!
See my first day pics, after my 240 mile drive home here:
http://www.sfbavw.net/gallery/MINI
My Hyper Blue Metallic Cooper S consists of the following:
2005 Cooper S - 6-Speed
Black Roof and Black Bonnet Stripes
Premium Package
Sport Package
Cold Weather Package
Black Leatherette
DVD Navigation
H/K Sound
17” R90 Wheels (At dealer this week)
Driving Lights (At dealer this week)
Rear Fog
IPod adapter
LSD
PDC
I have owned many vehicles that I have modded and put over $20,000-$30,000 into. I have NEVER driven off the dealer lot and been so content with a vehicle as I have been with my Cooper S. The power is amazing in stock form, and the whine of the supercharger is music to your ears. The exhaust, although many have complained, is absolutely a perfect tone and resonates in the cabin perfectly.
The suspension with the sport package and the 17”’s is flawless for a stock car, and really isn’t as bad as I expected it to be with the run flats. My R90’s will be on soon, as well as 225/40/17 High Performance non-runflat tires, so I am sure this will even exceed my expectations much more. The tight hard feel of the ride is amazingly similar to my coilovered VW projects.
The LSD is WONDERFUL. I have owned 2 other vehicles in which I had to upgrade to a Quiafe differential. The LSD MINI provides you with is smooth, and eliminates almost all wheel spin, but most importantly the oversteer/understeer factor is nearly eliminated. No fighting hard starts off the line, or sharp turns at higher speeds.
The navigation is also a great addition. I like the fact that so many people have posted their concerns regarding changes, that this version basically eliminates all complaints or wanted upgrades people have voiced. You can choose a British accent for the navigation voice right from the get go, and do not have to download a hack.
The interior was better than I remember on my multiple test drives of 03’s and 04’s. I am most impressed with aluminum trim on dash and doors providing the unfinished “industrial” metal look.
The Harmon Kardon sound system is amazingly clear, loud and full of bass, especially for a stock system. I cannot wait for my iPod adapter!
I have put about 400 miles on it since Saturday and I am waiting patiently to get out of work and turning the key to hear my supercharger whine!
I do want to send mad props out to Bob Smith MINI in Calabasas, CA. Ann Desmond, my motoring advisor, and Ian the Sales Manager, and Megan in Finance, made this purchase the BEST out of the 14 vehicles I have purchased so far in my lifetime! Even though I had to drive 3 1/2 hours to their dealership, I knew from the beginning I made the right decision to go with Bob Smith MINI in Calabasas, and we will be repeat customers later this year when my wife picks up her S!
See my first day pics, after my 240 mile drive home here:
http://www.sfbavw.net/gallery/MINI
pug poo picker-upper
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 9,803
Likes: 30
From: California
Lee,
I remember your Jetta projects from the early MKIV days on Vortex. Just fantastic work. I distinctly remember the untimely demise of your first Jetta project.
Congratulations on your new MINI. I have to say I'm very curious to see how the car evolves in your hands.
Dave
"BoraVR6" on vortex from 2000 to 2002
Edit: Threads Merged
I remember your Jetta projects from the early MKIV days on Vortex. Just fantastic work. I distinctly remember the untimely demise of your first Jetta project.
Congratulations on your new MINI. I have to say I'm very curious to see how the car evolves in your hands.
Dave
"BoraVR6" on vortex from 2000 to 2002
Edit: Threads Merged
Last edited by dave; Mar 14, 2005 at 08:46 AM.
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 651
Likes: 0
From: Pinellas Park, FL 33781
The blue was my second choice of colors. I'm hoping I don't regret going with the orange. That looks sharp...
LOL, Is everyone here a Jetta convert? I'm paying off my 03 Jetta 2.0 lease early for the Mini.
Originally Posted by DiD
Lee,
Dave
"BoraVR6" on vortex from 2000 to 2002
Edit: Threads Merged
Dave
"BoraVR6" on vortex from 2000 to 2002
Edit: Threads Merged
Turbius Maximus
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,416
Likes: 0
From: Infinity and beyond
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
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5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 924
Likes: 0
From: Central Valley, CA
Originally Posted by DiD
Lee,
I remember your Jetta projects from the early MKIV days on Vortex. Just fantastic work. I distinctly remember the untimely demise of your first Jetta project.
Congratulations on your new MINI. I have to say I'm very curious to see how the car evolves in your hands.
Dave
"BoraVR6" on vortex from 2000 to 2002
Edit: Threads Merged
I remember your Jetta projects from the early MKIV days on Vortex. Just fantastic work. I distinctly remember the untimely demise of your first Jetta project.
Congratulations on your new MINI. I have to say I'm very curious to see how the car evolves in your hands.
Dave
"BoraVR6" on vortex from 2000 to 2002
Edit: Threads Merged
Formerly PassatDoTd
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
Some of us still drive the VW's.
The MCS I'm picking up Friday will be parked next to our 2003 VW Passat which we love. I considered the GLI but once I saw the MCS in the same price range it was all over.
Happy Motoring!
The MCS I'm picking up Friday will be parked next to our 2003 VW Passat which we love. I considered the GLI but once I saw the MCS in the same price range it was all over.
Happy Motoring!
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 296
Likes: 1
From: Ojai, CA
Originally Posted by Itsdchz
Finally got my MINI this past Saturday!!! All I can say is it was worth the 4 month wait and it was well worth it to wait for the 05 and jam pack it with options!
My Hyper Blue Metallic Cooper S consists of the following:
2005 Cooper S - 6-Speed
Black Roof and Black Bonnet Stripes
Premium Package
Sport Package
Cold Weather Package
Black Leatherette
DVD Navigation
H/K Sound
17” R90 Wheels (At dealer this week)
Driving Lights (At dealer this week)
Rear Fog
IPod adapter
LSD
PDC
I have owned many vehicles that I have modded and put over $20,000-$30,000 into. I have NEVER driven off the dealer lot and been so content with a vehicle as I have been with my Cooper S. The power is amazing in stock form, and the whine of the supercharger is music to your ears. The exhaust, although many have complained, is absolutely a perfect tone and resonates in the cabin perfectly.
The suspension with the sport package and the 17”’s is flawless for a stock car, and really isn’t as bad as I expected it to be with the run flats. My R90’s will be on soon, as well as 225/40/17 High Performance non-runflat tires, so I am sure this will even exceed my expectations much more. The tight hard feel of the ride is amazingly similar to my coilovered VW projects.
The LSD is WONDERFUL. I have owned 2 other vehicles in which I had to upgrade to a Quiafe differential. The LSD MINI provides you with is smooth, and eliminates almost all wheel spin, but most importantly the oversteer/understeer factor is nearly eliminated. No fighting hard starts off the line, or sharp turns at higher speeds.
The navigation is also a great addition. I like the fact that so many people have posted their concerns regarding changes, that this version basically eliminates all complaints or wanted upgrades people have voiced. You can choose a British accent for the navigation voice right from the get go, and do not have to download a hack.
The interior was better than I remember on my multiple test drives of 03’s and 04’s. I am most impressed with aluminum trim on dash and doors providing the unfinished “industrial” metal look.
The Harmon Kardon sound system is amazingly clear, loud and full of bass, especially for a stock system. I cannot wait for my iPod adapter!
I have put about 400 miles on it since Saturday and I am waiting patiently to get out of work and turning the key to hear my supercharger whine!
I do want to send mad props out to Bob Smith MINI in Calabasas, CA. Ann Desmond, my motoring advisor, and Ian the Sales Manager, and Megan in Finance, made this purchase the BEST out of the 14 vehicles I have purchased so far in my lifetime! Even though I had to drive 3 1/2 hours to their dealership, I knew from the beginning I made the right decision to go with Bob Smith MINI in Calabasas, and we will be repeat customers later this year when my wife picks up her S!
See my first day pics, after my 240 mile drive home here:
http://www.sfbavw.net/gallery/MINI
My Hyper Blue Metallic Cooper S consists of the following:
2005 Cooper S - 6-Speed
Black Roof and Black Bonnet Stripes
Premium Package
Sport Package
Cold Weather Package
Black Leatherette
DVD Navigation
H/K Sound
17” R90 Wheels (At dealer this week)
Driving Lights (At dealer this week)
Rear Fog
IPod adapter
LSD
PDC
I have owned many vehicles that I have modded and put over $20,000-$30,000 into. I have NEVER driven off the dealer lot and been so content with a vehicle as I have been with my Cooper S. The power is amazing in stock form, and the whine of the supercharger is music to your ears. The exhaust, although many have complained, is absolutely a perfect tone and resonates in the cabin perfectly.
The suspension with the sport package and the 17”’s is flawless for a stock car, and really isn’t as bad as I expected it to be with the run flats. My R90’s will be on soon, as well as 225/40/17 High Performance non-runflat tires, so I am sure this will even exceed my expectations much more. The tight hard feel of the ride is amazingly similar to my coilovered VW projects.
The LSD is WONDERFUL. I have owned 2 other vehicles in which I had to upgrade to a Quiafe differential. The LSD MINI provides you with is smooth, and eliminates almost all wheel spin, but most importantly the oversteer/understeer factor is nearly eliminated. No fighting hard starts off the line, or sharp turns at higher speeds.
The navigation is also a great addition. I like the fact that so many people have posted their concerns regarding changes, that this version basically eliminates all complaints or wanted upgrades people have voiced. You can choose a British accent for the navigation voice right from the get go, and do not have to download a hack.
The interior was better than I remember on my multiple test drives of 03’s and 04’s. I am most impressed with aluminum trim on dash and doors providing the unfinished “industrial” metal look.
The Harmon Kardon sound system is amazingly clear, loud and full of bass, especially for a stock system. I cannot wait for my iPod adapter!
I have put about 400 miles on it since Saturday and I am waiting patiently to get out of work and turning the key to hear my supercharger whine!
I do want to send mad props out to Bob Smith MINI in Calabasas, CA. Ann Desmond, my motoring advisor, and Ian the Sales Manager, and Megan in Finance, made this purchase the BEST out of the 14 vehicles I have purchased so far in my lifetime! Even though I had to drive 3 1/2 hours to their dealership, I knew from the beginning I made the right decision to go with Bob Smith MINI in Calabasas, and we will be repeat customers later this year when my wife picks up her S!
See my first day pics, after my 240 mile drive home here:
http://www.sfbavw.net/gallery/MINI
Bob Smith is the closest dealer to me and when I visited, Ann was a great help. I seriously considered buying from them, but they wanted a $3000 premium at the time and by buying from Classic Mini at MSRP, I got a great vacation for less than the $3000 I would have paid! I do look forward to seeing them for my service. Have you any reports about their service department?
5th Gear
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 683
Likes: 0
From: Grand Blanc, MI
Great car! I like the color combo a lot. You're right about the 17" S-Lites and the runflats; I was expecting much worse with mine. Dang, that full set of toggles makes me wish I could have gotten the rear fog light for my '05.
Mark
Mark
Thread Starter
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5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 924
Likes: 0
From: Central Valley, CA
Thanks for the props guys! After 5 days of ownership I am 150% satisfied beyond content with my purchase. Just waiting for the Driving Lights, iPod adapter, and R90 wheels to come in. after seeing the R90 wheels in the anthracite available in the MINI catalog, I am wondering if I should have gone that route.
My first mods I am debating on:
- GIAC flashloader, for 15% pulley
- 15% pulley
- Alta Intercooler cover, I was going to do a bigger Intercooler as well, but after reading Andy @ Ross-Tech's info it may not be needed.
- Coilovers, still debating on which brand, as the stock suspension is pretty tight to begin with.
- Tint, A definite here.
- High performance 225/45/17 Tires. I hope they fit, will consult with Eric.
- K&N drop in filter is on its way.
- Rear bumper cover protector
Thats all for right now, may look into control arms and bushings, motor mounts and a VGS mod.
What do you guys think?
Here are some recent pics from last night:
Album here:
http://www.sfbavw.net/gallery/Mini5
Some new images:
Gotta love a little more space in my Garage!
My first mods I am debating on:
- GIAC flashloader, for 15% pulley
- 15% pulley
- Alta Intercooler cover, I was going to do a bigger Intercooler as well, but after reading Andy @ Ross-Tech's info it may not be needed.
- Coilovers, still debating on which brand, as the stock suspension is pretty tight to begin with.
- Tint, A definite here.
- High performance 225/45/17 Tires. I hope they fit, will consult with Eric.
- K&N drop in filter is on its way.
- Rear bumper cover protector
Thats all for right now, may look into control arms and bushings, motor mounts and a VGS mod.
What do you guys think?
Here are some recent pics from last night:
Album here:
http://www.sfbavw.net/gallery/Mini5
Some new images:
Gotta love a little more space in my Garage!
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Tampa (South)
WOW what a beauty. I have been pondering buying a MCS for the last 30 days, and now I am sure I will do it. I just turned 40 and I started my mid-life crisis search by looking at 2 seater sports cars--stereotypical I know. But I have 2 kids and no backseat is just too much of a problem.
So that leaves me with RX-8 (what a gas guzzler for a little car!); WRX (sorry, it's just too ordinary looking IMHO); TT Coupe (this was a fave until my daughter actually tried the backseat, what a joke) and G35 Coupe (too pricey but what a beauty).
I am a tech lovin guy so the Nav system, iPod adapter, HK, and Xenon are wanted. Also must have sunroof and 6spd. I was thinking black, silver, or dark silver/gray, but now you have me looking at that blue color too. And BTW-the black seats and silver dash--good call, we are simpatico...
I am kinda partial to driving lights though, I like that old style look.
I was worried about safety in a tiny car like this, I have a Saab 9-3 now. But what I read suggests the Mini does fine in tests per consumer repots etc
So I guess I have to decide, do I compromise and buy used, or order the perfect one but have to wait all those months. I am having a hard time finding the right car with the Nav system, there don't seem to be many used on the market. I could always buy one in another state and fly there. Is 4 months a normal start to finish for ordering?
Also, do the dealers generally work with the MSRP on the website, or tack on more? Can you negotiate off those prices on new or are they the bottom line? I understand people may not be able to answer these questions, but any advice is welcome. I will also start reading thru all the posts of course...
So that leaves me with RX-8 (what a gas guzzler for a little car!); WRX (sorry, it's just too ordinary looking IMHO); TT Coupe (this was a fave until my daughter actually tried the backseat, what a joke) and G35 Coupe (too pricey but what a beauty).
I am a tech lovin guy so the Nav system, iPod adapter, HK, and Xenon are wanted. Also must have sunroof and 6spd. I was thinking black, silver, or dark silver/gray, but now you have me looking at that blue color too. And BTW-the black seats and silver dash--good call, we are simpatico...
I am kinda partial to driving lights though, I like that old style look.
I was worried about safety in a tiny car like this, I have a Saab 9-3 now. But what I read suggests the Mini does fine in tests per consumer repots etc
So I guess I have to decide, do I compromise and buy used, or order the perfect one but have to wait all those months. I am having a hard time finding the right car with the Nav system, there don't seem to be many used on the market. I could always buy one in another state and fly there. Is 4 months a normal start to finish for ordering?
Also, do the dealers generally work with the MSRP on the website, or tack on more? Can you negotiate off those prices on new or are they the bottom line? I understand people may not be able to answer these questions, but any advice is welcome. I will also start reading thru all the posts of course...
Thread Starter
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5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 924
Likes: 0
From: Central Valley, CA
Some dealers work with MSRP, some tack on up to $5K. It is VERY difficult to find one with the right equipment that isnt spoken for. Best bet is call around and find out what dealers allocation wait time is. You may get lucky and find one with 2 months or less. Also call Classic Mini.
you've caught my attention. now I have MINI-envy! our mcs isnt going to be here till late apr./early may! but...liquid yellow!!!!!!!!! I must say I prefer the hot look of the yellow withought getting the cop-attracting red. but before I saw the LY, I was also a hyper blue/black guy. TOO lucky to have such a loaded S-nav system=HOURS of fun. we also ordered the H/K stereo, that will help a whole lot on those early morning drives to high school.
-Paul
-Paul
7th Gear Gal
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 36,087
Likes: 3
From: Weeblegabber West (aka WLA)
Originally Posted by timallen20
I was worried about safety in a tiny car like this, I have a Saab 9-3 now. But what I read suggests the Mini does fine in tests per consumer repots etc
It's a tough little beast, plus it has six standard airbags! I suggest ordering a custom-spec'd MINI from Classic of Ohio, then flying back to take delivery and returning home via a fun roadtrip!
Clover
