Hi guys, newbie here, both to the boards and Mini.

I am seriously considering ordering a 2012 Mini Countryman, and I'm having trouble deciding between the S and the All4 S. When I test drove the 2011 S, I couldn't really get too much of a sense of the handling because we took a freeway route, so no real curvy bits. I'd love some help from owners and people with more experience in deciding which one to get!

Background info: I live in Houston, which, despite the current drought, typically gets HEAVY rain several times a year. No snow in Texas, though!

Here are my concerns:

1) I've never had a front wheel drive car, and I'm concerned about torque steer/understeer/general handling--we have a lot of potholes in Houston to hit, too!

2) I'm concerned about the stability of a FWD in bad weather conditions (see rain, above).

3) I'm told the All4 adds a good amount of weight to the car, and I'm concerned as to how that affects performance--I like a zippy car!

4) The All4 costs about $2000 more, and I'm wondering if it's worth the extra money.

So, I guess, basically what I want to know is which one would you/did you go for and why? Is it really worth it to spring for the All4, or is it not worth the extra cost and reduction in performance? How much does it actually affect the handling?

Thanks for your help in advance!

 

Obviously it will all come down to your own needs and opinion, but I went with the S and not the All4. Part of the deciding factor for me is that it isn't my only car in the family (wife has a Rav4 with all wheel drive) so if the weather got bad we could take that (but to be honest if the weather got that bad... I would be working from home that day anyways).

So, I went for a little better speed, knew about torque steer on a FWD car , wanted the better gas mileage, and haven't had an issue without all wheel drive this far in my life...

So a good set of apporpriate snow tires will hand the weather if needed. Honestly, my CM will at worst only see an unpaved road for the majority of its life.

 

I had the same dilema. I live 60 miles north of San Francisco and it rains a lot here in the winter- no snow. Did a ton of research and was really leanig towards the All4 but ordered an S.
What made up my mind was the fact that I currently have a 4WD Pathfinder that has seen 4WD for about 5 minutes in the seven years I've owned it.
Also came across some articles discussing this same dilema. Most of them stated that the S is more than adequate for winter driving even in snow (just put on some snow tires).
So I plan on changing out the run-flats for some good overall performance tires and I'll be okay. I used to be stationed at Ft Polk and have been to Houston numerous times, I think you'll be just fine with the S.
Good luck!

 

I purchased the ALL4. I've had FWD cars before, and I don't like the torque steer that's usually present (sometimes it's fun, but I'm past that for my daily ride). My previous ride was a Honda Pilot AWD, and Honda had done a nice job of making the behavior of this, basically FWD car, neutral. While shopping I found that several companies had worked at taming the torque steer, including using judicious braking when accelerating (Excuse Me?).

BMW/MINI did a fine job of making the handling of the ALL4 neutral, as confirmed by blasting up and down twisty roads, so I can recommend their solution.

During some heavy rain (as bad as it gets here), I took the ALL4 to a parking lot and exercised it thoroughly. I had to turn off the stability control and traction control to get everything loose enough to drift it around - but it does that very nicely. Otherwise, rock solid.

I'm sure lighter MINIs with the same engine perform more quickly, but, in general, the behavior has been adequate for me with this compromise. The first gear with the manual transmission is a little tall to get aggressive acceleration off the line, IMO. Once the turbo kicks in, and it does so at a pretty low RPM, things are fine.

I ended up getting the ALL4 model, automatic temperature control, and adaptive xenon lighting (highly recommended), which pumped the price up but, in my opinion, those options were worth it.

 

In my cases in my experience, FWD cars handle better than RWD cars. As soon as you have the time and exposure to learn the differences in handling, the stability and comfort of a FWD car is a beautiful thing. Handling in bad weather like heavy rain will likely be better with AWD, but is it necessary? I don't think so. But if you're concerned in the least, I say go All4. My girlfriend got the All4 model, but we're in Colorado, and the snow can be horrendous.

Good luck with your decision!

 

We live in FL, and like you, have a horrendous rainy season with tons of tropical moisture. I currently own an AWD MDX, but I can't take the gas mileage anymore and my husband has a 2007 MDX so we really didn't need two. I am going to ditch the run flats as soon as they roll my Countryman S off the truck and switch them out for some Michelin Super Sports which are also rated very well for wet driving traction. the only thing I worry about when my S arrives is flooded streets. No more driving through like with my Acura. Not enough clearance with the CM, AWD or not. Save your money and use it for the lounge leather!

 

should be $1600 difference, 1mpg, .2 slower on 0-60, about 250lbs. Only kicks in when needed. For that, I find the piece of mind knowing its a safer, better handling car with better resale value.

 

I went with the All4 because my last car was an AWD and I liked the way it handled. But my CM has already been through numerous torrential downpours, including one hurricane. The roads here are notorious for aquaplaning and every time it rains I see someone off into the ditch or wrapped up in the center median cables. I lost count of how many. The other day I was in a big storm with 50mph cross-winds, one of these where people put on their hazards and actually slow down if you can believe that, and the car still felt super stable and glued to the road. Amazing. I'm glad I went with the All4.

 

I would get the standard S. I have heard the all 4 works fantastic in the snow. I will go with the standard S when I purchase my Countryman. I live in Florida which is hot and wet. No snow, but maybe this year by the way the weather has been going.

 

Thanks so much for the advice, everyone! I really appreciate y'all's input. After some more research and careful consideration (and in no small part due to the input from these boards), I think I'm going to order the S and upgrade to some decent performance tires once I get it. My husband is already talking about how he wants to help me soup it up with a SprintBooster and cold air intake, so it shouldn't be too hard to convince him to spring for new tires, too!

Without the run-flats, though, what's the best option? Is a slime/compressor kit and a good AAA membership sufficient, or should I spring for a donut spare or something? And if I get a spare, where the heck do I keep it in the car? (LOL) We're planning on taking this baby on some road trips, so the last thing I want is to be stuck in the middle of nowhere without a spare or with an insufficient compressor!

 

I would suggest Slime, AAA and a compressor for your normal around town driving, but purchase a spare too. Leave it in the garage and pack it when you're going on long road trips, for the unlikely event of a sidewall puncture or something else Slime can't handle. That way you're covered for everything.

 

That's a terrific idea! Thanks so much!

 

No problem!

 

You can puchase a ContiComfort Kit from Tire Rack. Also Slime offers a kit on their website. It is a compressor with a built in tire sealant. It is a pretty cool system. Plan on getting one when I change out the RFs.

 

Under the drivers seat is a divot with Velcro strap, that as rumor goes, will hold a BMW mobility kit perfectly.

I can't find any specific info but maybe someone else has some more info.

 

Get the ALL4...you'll never regret it!

CM ALL4 did very well at the MINIs ON THE DRAGON this year!

 

Now you have me interested. I didn't know about this.

 

I have the Manual S. Didn't get the all4. I can drive in snow just fine with front wheel. Been doing it for well over 30 years.

As for the spare. Bought a matching rim to whats on the car. Added the tire.
It WILL fit in the boot with the cover lifted. Set it down in the bucket and got a ratcheting strap to keep it in place...in case of an accident etc. So the tire doesn't end up in my lap... Also have the premium slime kit with the worms etc... Doesn't take up much room behind the tire.

Love the zippyness of the front wheel. RF tires are coming off. Hate them.
Should be happening in a few weeks. RFs are horrid.

Best of luck with whatever you choose. The mini is going to be fun no matter which one you get

 

Well, it's official! Placed my order today! I wasn't expecting to get one so soon, but I'm turning 30 in a few days and my family surprised me by taking me to the dealership today! Looks like I'll be joining the Surf Blue club, too, although the Royal Gray gave it a good run for its money.

I ended up getting the S. I went for the rear bench seat (more practical for my needs), so it won't go into production until November and my dealer told me it'd probably be here in December/January. I'm SO excited! I can't WAIT!

 

 

We ordered Royal Gray and switched it at the last minute for Surf Blue. Love the Surf Blue.

 

[QUOTE=fused;3360631]I have the Manual S. Didn't get the all4. I can drive in snow just fine with front wheel. Been doing it for well over 30 years.

As for the spare. Bought a matching rim to whats on the car. Added the tire.
It WILL fit in the boot with the cover lifted. Set it down in the bucket and got a ratcheting strap to keep it in place...in case of an accident etc. So the tire doesn't end up in my lap... Also have the premium slime kit with the worms etc... Doesn't take up much room behind the tire.

Where do you attach the ratchet strap to? I plan on buying a full size spare too...when I get my CM. Thanks.

 

[QUOTE=fused;3360631]I have the Manual S. Didn't get the all4. I can drive in snow just fine with front wheel. Been doing it for well over 30 years.

As for the spare. Bought a matching rim to whats on the car. Added the tire.
It WILL fit in the boot with the cover lifted. Set it down in the bucket and got a ratcheting strap to keep it in place...in case of an accident etc. So the tire doesn't end up in my lap...


Great idea! Where do you attach the ratchet strap ends to when tightening?i do not have my CM yet.