I was able to do 137 on a down hill run the other day. I was still accelerating but a car pulled out in front of me so I had to slow down. Has anyone been able to do anything faster?

The run was done in a US spec, All4 S with the sport suspension, 18 in wheels, and a manual trans. This was on the German Autobahn, so no laws were broken.

 

I believe MINI specs for the Countryman S is around 228KPH. But even considering it's not the most aerodynamic vehicle on the autobahn, you should not see too many flashing head lights of faster cars behind you.

 

Where are you located? I will be moving to Germany in January (Baumholder). Are you involved in a local MINI club?

 

Gray Raven:
Most people travel at 80-100 mph, so going any faster than that is fairly hard to do. I just got back from a 500 mile road trip and I was only able to go over 110 twice, and over 120 once. Its a lot harder to get high speeds over here than everyone thinks. Then again, I averaged 85+ for the trip, so it is still way faster than in the states.

Aboveliquidice,
I am in Stuttgart, a few hours south of Baumholder. I haven't found any MINI clubs yet, but I have only had the car for 3 weeks and I haven't spent a lot of time looking.

 

I miss Baumholder! Go eat a steak or ribs at the Stadtkrueg!

 

Awesome... I have a friend that just PCS'd to Stuttgart. Did you use Pentagon Auto sales to purchase your MINI? It would be great to read/ hear some first hand experience.

Definitely will. My wife and I are still relatively new to the Army (I will be finishing residency in December), so this will be our first real duty station.

 

I bought our first mini from Pentagon Car Sales in Ramstein. It was a great experience.

 

Can you give some details? Did you purchase for use in Germany, or on your return trip to the states? Also, how did fees and taxes factor in? I am registered in Florida, purchasing and picking up @ Ramstein. The only fee I should pay is the local delivery fee correct? Sales tax is waved in Florida if the vehicle is driven elsewhere for at least six months. Just trying to get a feel for the company and the process.

Thanks for all of the info.

 

I got my car through Pentagon Car Sales just outside of the base. It took about two months to get built and delivered. It was very hassle free. I talked to the rep there about 3 or 4 times before ordering and I emailed him at least a dozen times with questions. He always answered very quickly and never called or emailed me asking if I was ready to buy. He simply waited for me to come in and place my order.

There are some registering costs and some costs to the Canadian Gov as they are the ones in charge of NATO car sales. In the end, it was only a few hundred so not a big deal, and way less than taxes for a new car. I also had to put $1500 down up front, but again, thats to be expected.

All in all, it was by far the best car buying experience I have ever had in my life and I would highly recommend going with them.

 

Just so you know, you will still have to pay sales tax in FL when you register stateside. Everyone, especially salesmen, are confused by this it seems. If the car is driven overseas you will not have to pay the import duty. You will only need to pay the local sales tax rate for either the value of the car when registered or any remaining balance on the loan. Best bet, pay off all but a very small amount and save on the taxes.
I just left Baumholder/Landstuhl last month for FL. You are going to love the area but the last few winters were very brutal. Let me know if you have any questions about the area, my hubby is still there awaiting his MEB results and I am trying to get a head start on our civ life.

 

Haven't tried to go top speed on the highway yet, but in town it seems like everyone is driving so slow now. Driving a manual in the city is frustrating not because of having to shift a lot but because nobody else will just go. The car is so fun to drive I just want to accelerate but everyone else seems to be either zombified or pre-occupied with anything but actually driving.

 

There is a club located in the Ramstein area, about 20 mins from Baumholder. There name is Germini, here is a link from facebook for the club. http://www.facebook.com/#!/GerMINICoopers

 

GatorHeather, Thanks for the warning about sales tax.

sirbikes, I know what you mean. Even on the unlimited autobahn, its rare to find an open section of road that is smooth enough and straight enough to really push the car. Its frustrating to be stuck in traffic going 40 mph and pass the "no speed limit" signs...

mayer, thanks for the link to the MINI club. Ramstein is about 2-3 hours (depending on traffic/construction); but I will check them out.

Does anyone know if the MINIs are faster in 5th or 6th gear? Ever time I have tried to hit high speeds I do it in 6th gear with Sport turned off. I rarly have any warning when I will be able to push it. Usually, traffic opens up and I try and see what she will do until I catch up to the next car. Maybe I just need to get out and find an open section of Autobahn at night and test it out.

 

Lower gears are always going to be faster. Stay in gear until it reaches redline before shifting up if you want the fastest acceleration. If 5th hasn't redlined at 130+mph, stay in 5th, since 6th will offer less pull.