Hi all -

I purchased a 2016 Countryman back in late December. I had a 2005 R53 convertible that I loved (understatement). But it was time to trade it in as the costs for the age were getting prohibitive and the manual shift was bugging my shoulder. Anyway, I got the R60 because I always thought that they looked fun and I live in Colorado so the ALL4 fit our needs.

After having the R60 for seven months now I am not enjoying it as much as I thought I would. Yes, it's a Mini, but it doesn't feel like a Mini. I know that a Countryman will never drive like a convertible but, to me, I just feel like I am driving a smaller SUV.

Has anyone else gone through this? Did you stick it out? I'm seriously considering trading it back in and getting an R56 four door instead. I know I'll take a hit financially but maybe it's what I need to do. Yeah, it was great in the snow but the convertible wasn't horrible and I'm sure the R56 will be fine, there are tons of them in this town.

Anyway, just venting and seeing if anyone else has had these feelings.

Oh, the dealer offered to have me trade it in for a 2017 Countryman model (he says it's better, I think it's just more revenue to them) but I just don't like the looks of those.

(should I cross post this in the R56 forum)?

Thanks -

Steve

 

I had the same feeling going from my Cooper S to CMA4. However, things improved with the sprint booster and ECU tune. It drives much more sporty and feels more "zippy". I hear improvements can also be made with new front sway bar.

You will never get the feel of a small go cart, but it can be more fun.

And your are right, going to another model year isn't going to make the car magically feel like a coupe.

 

Thanks for the input. I've read a little about the ECU but am still confused on what it exactly does and where one gets it from. It looks like I have to disassemble something and send it away (not sure I could do that).

What about the booster? Is that an easy add-on? I stopped working on my cars about 30 years ago.

What would be the cost of those two?

I'm probably going to call the dealer and see what they can offer me also.

I think we just got caught up in that I really needed to get a new(er) car and even though we got a great deal (we got it on December 31st) I've always wondered if I just should have waited a bit longer.

Steve

 

I went from Subaru STi to my '16 R60 JCW in January. Main driver for the switch was the STi was getting up there in age and I was needing more room for teenagers. Like you, after the initial new car thrill I was a bit underwhelmed. Handling was way better than the STi but was no where near as responsive to the throttle. I've since added the torque arm bushing inserts and the JB+ module. Mine's a stick, so the inserts made the clutch engagement feel more predictable allowing me to have smoother take offs and that nice pop when you shift through gears. I assume that with an automatic it would be like adding an old school shift kit to the tranny. The shifts would be more precise.
As far as tuning goes and assuming you have an S, the JB+ was an easy simple upgrade to get the engine torque to come on sooner and is easily removable for warranty work. A full ECU tune would get you the most out of the engine. I worked with forum member MarioKart for the JB+ and he also does the ECU retune which requires you to pull the ECU and ship it to him. Hope this helps.

 

Here ya go.

Took about 5 minutes each to install. Make sure to get the correct version for your vehicle.

https://www.sprintboosterusa.com/default.aspx

http://www.burgertuning.com/Mini_Coo...nce_tuner.html

Both together made big difference. I have the sprint booster on high and the JB Tune at the recommended level.

As far as the dealer, I don't think they have anything they can do that actually helps performance. You can get a JW Cooper works for older mini's, but they are not available for CMs.

I haven't done the sway bar. It requires work under the car that doesn't seem difficult, just get hands dirty.

 

Was you R52 an S or a Justa?

Did a Blue Ridge Parkway Tour in June. Our group, that did some off-parkway twisties, included a CM S will all4. I was amazed at how well it handled. I am thinking your CM-all4 is pushing at least another 800 lbs around. That weight is going to change how the how feels and even with more horsepower, you will still know it is there.

 

It was an S. Yeah, I know it's a MUCH bigger car. And I do like the look of it compared to other SUV's (Toyota, Honda, etc..). The extra room and clearance off the ground (i.e. easier to get in) is nice also. I just miss the old one I guess and hopefully I'll get used to this one. Maybe a trip up the mountains would help...

Steve

 

Thanks, I'll look into these more. Still unsure what to do which is why I figured I'd see if anyone else had these same feelings at some point.

Steve

 

I have have a JB+, downpipe, bigger turbos, suspension, wheels and ECU tuning forsale for the Countryman.

mQubed Motorsport, Manic Tuning Dealer

 

I went through the same thing, went from an 08 MCS to a 15 CMS and it was a big let down. It looked great with the JCW exterior/interior and all but it just drove like a dog even with the sport package... it's just a small SUV. After contemplating going back to the 2 door MCS and not really liking the new models I went back to my first love this past weekend actually; a 17 370Z. My CM was amazing maintenance wise with not a single issue the whole two years of ownership but I just hated driving it, loved looking at it but that was it. I don't want to bad mouth Mini but they're getting too big and not the Minis they used to be.

 

2011 CM was my first MINI , beyond the road noise I loved it. You could probably do a bit on the suspension side of things to make it more MINI. With a JB or a tune (see Mario above) performance wise it also is nice. Didn't feel SUV to me at all.

I still drive it a bit as my son has it and it is still fun. However the F series 2 or 4 doors are a lot more fun to drive, just not so practical if you want to lug stuff around.