Just picked up a used 2003 MCS w/ 20k miles (chilli red w/ black top)...lovin it, although I do miss my old WRX :(

One thing I noticed was how tall? 1st gear is. I have to wait a bit for the RPMs to drop to get a nice smooth shift to 2nd. The gearbox is like butter and teh car is so easy to drive (other than that pesky 1 to 2 shift )

Just wanted to say "hi" and i'll see ya guys around.

Nirmit

 

Hello Nermit!

Although I'm not in Chicago . . . . practice shifting faster and just use the RPM's. It brings on a few glares, but they will disappear out of sight soon enough. The other route is to go for 2nd much sooner if you prefer to take it easy.

Mine's also a used find. 2002 MCS that had 17k on it and clean. Had it a year and 12k more miles already. Who said a guy's daily ride had to be like everyone else's?

 

Welcome to NAM, Nirmit! First gear in the 2003s is tall. I rev my '03 up, way up, to launch! Also, if you have DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), turn it off unless you are in wet weather...that will aid in launching, too. Happy motoring!

 

Welcome shukes24 any pics?

Check out CMMC for local events. My MCC was lightly used also when I got it a year ago. We'll see you on the roads if you're in the northern 'burbs

Enjoy your new ride

 

welcome !

 

Nirmit,

ALoha and welcome to NAM. Yup in the 2003 model MCS the 1st gear is tall but that just means that 2nd will take you pretty far (about 67 mph). Get up to redline for maximum fun.

In the 2005 and later years the gearing did change in the MCS getrag transmission for the better. The LSD factory option adds to the fun.

Those with the current MCS manual transmission and LSD have a great performance setup right out of the factory. Give that combo a test drive if you can. Now that is really nice.

 

thanks for the welcome all. i'll definitely check out the chicago mini club! do you guys have weekly/monthly meetings?

 

I can't speak for Gabe/Steve/Taylor and company... but you can check out the list of upcoming events on the site. It looks like there's something going on every month or so. Check it out A few members are doing MOTD and I know a few others are doing MOT. Gotta pack in as much motoring as you can while the Chicago weather is good

 

hey Nirmit!

come by my place sometime and we can talk MINI. you know where
to fine me. the 1-2 shift is a little tricky at first...just let out the
clutch very gently and slow into 2nd and it will catch very smoothly
(seemless). took me a while to get use to at first.

photo shoot?

ken

 

hey ken,
our year end is finally complete so i will have some time to enjoy my life outside of work so i'm down! woo hoo i get my freetime back.

definitely photoshoot time, i've been meaning to do one for awhile. have you come across any spots worthy? i'd like to do some nighttime shots downtown with the skyline in the background, etc..before we do though, i need new tires so i figure i'll just upgrade the wheels too

nirmit

 

^ ok, let me know when you're ready. spots... no, not really. the
only place that had a simple background was the new sports center's back
lot by schaumburg airport.

im not too fond of driving downtown at night...can't see the POTHOLES!