I took delivery at Mini Murray on 1 Sept and drove it back to Seattle through McCall, ID to visit a friend. Specs PW/PW MC, JCW SK, Premium, Convenience, Xenons, DSC, Fr and Rr Fogs, Chrome Interior, Sport Seats with Cloth. iPod integration coming soon. Hope this will help some decide on some of the options.

The requirement was to have a comfortable daily commuter with decent mileage and mimimal distractions as well as a fun car for me to tour in evenings and weekends.

JCW Sound Kit - I test drove a non-JCW before taking mine for a spin. It's more than sound, noticable response increase at any RPMs, eager and instant. Tone is very classic and envigorating at idle, WoT, and downshifts. Very pleased for $1325 dealer installed ECU remap, full stainless exhaust and intake, rolled into my financing...so no need to justify adding it in aftermarket with my accountant/SO.

Engine - Much more power and pull than I recall when I test drove one in January. Stronger in any gear than my '06 non-WRX Subaru Impreza at the same RPMs and I'm still babying it by keeping it < 4500 RPMs.

Handling - Excellent for no body roll, steering is precise, and good braking. Tire grip is an issue as expected on the 175s, was planning on changing 15x7s wheels with 205/50/R15s when my tread got low but since it came with the wrong wheels this change is coming soon. Ran Black Creeks Rd, Kuna, ID quite aggessively and was thoroughly impressed.

Premium Pkg - I initially thought just to get the sunroof and MFSW but added the full package. I like the OBC but it's MPG accuracy isn't great +2 MPG off so far. Auto AC has been on manual mostly but was nice for my road trip. Cruise control is the smoothest I've every used with simple intuitive control. Each button push is a 1/2 mpg adjustment. Very nice for my road trip.

Convenience Pkg - I got used to the autodim mirror in my Impreza and like the feature. Auto wipers rock! In Seattle it's suppose to rain a lot, I never liked the distraction of adjusting delay and this works flawlessly. Garage door opener is used daily. My Liftmaster was a "closed system" so programming takes two people or a sunroof and long arms. Good range but needs to be
held for a few seconds.

Surprises - Windows go down a 1/2" when you open the door and close after you close the door. Lights in the bottom of the doors for night visiblity. Chrome door sills with MINI logo, I don't remember seeing these when I test drove. Base stereo has a better sound than expected, enhanced since you get to hear the rear speakers more than you would in a larger car. The HK must be really nice.

Issues - Closing the boot requires a decent slam or I'll get the open door warning light. Clearance is low to get in and out of my driveway, it scapes a bit on the front bumper if I pull in at more than a crawl. A little lower than expected but worth it for handling. I bet the '07s are going to be worse with the longer overhang.

Summary - Option choices make for distraction free driving. Sport seats, leg room and driving position are comfortable for any distance. Power is more than I need for my driving style. Fuel economy is fair from the crude but reliable Chrysler design and is as good as I expected it to be. Best car I've ever owned and driving anything else makes me feel spoiled.

 

All sounds good! The hatch should get easier to close soon, without the "ajar" light coming on.

If you have a JCW, forget the 15" wheel's. The JCW brake rotors are larger in diameter than an standard MCS. You might be able to fit 16", depending on the wheel.

 

It's a MC with the JCW Sound Kit not a MCS with the JCW Pkg.

Nice to know my boot has a break-in period too.

 

Perhaps you misinterpreted what he was talking about. He has the JCW Sound Kit (SK), which is a dealer-installed option for the MC (i.e. not MCS). It has no effect on brake sizes.

The factory-installed JCW Tuning Kit (TK) for the MCS does come bundled with the JCW brakes, however... so you're not wrong, just talking about something else.

EDIT: LOL seems Crusoe managed to reply faster than me.

 

Actually there are some aftermarket 15" wheels that fit over JCW brakes. Alex at TireRack has posted about it:

 

Crusoe-

I concur with your assessment of the JCW SK. I had my stock Cooper for almost 2 years before installing it. There was a noticeable improvement in performance and gas milage. I would attribute it to the ECU remap.

The great sound was from the hardware additions. I wish I could do the same to my new Cooper. Maybe someday.

 

True, I thought they said they had a JCW. Oops.

 

And with all respect to Tire Rack, this article, and my own JCW disagree about 15" wheels on JCW brakes.

http://motoringfile.com/2005/02/26/j...kit_in_detail/

 

None of the OEM 15" wheels will fit. Did you unsuccessfully try one of the TireRack wheels listed?

 

GBMINIgirl in Houston just got her 06 MC with JCW brakes under her R83 16" 5-Stars with the intent to immediately switch them out on delivery. The JCW brakes fit, but just barely.