I have had my car about 4 months now, and love it. I have a US spec car but living in Germany atm. The autobahns here are just too much fun, including nurburgring . I have about $5000 I can throw on upgrade on my car. From the stuff I read I cant really get a good concept of good stuff to buy for it. I was looking at an alta cold air intake and the exhaust system they offered, but someone at work said to get something else. Everything I read says they are pretty decent though so Im kind of confused. So, I come to you guys for help. What upgrades should I start with to get the best bang for my buck, and to make my car go really fast . I dont want my car to sound like a civic when im done though lol. Thanks for the help in advance

 

The JCW Stage 1 is a great upgrade and the exhaust’s tone is simply deepened and not louder. You can get the same stuff done cheaper but you don't get the warranty or the ECU.

On the other hand there’s this.

 

And, unless your 07 is a cabrio, you may want to ask in the modifications forum for the 2d Generation MINIs -- you'll probably get more (and better) feedback