I had bought an '05 MCS in July 2005. Loved it. Got a crush on the BMW 135 in the Spring of '09 and sold my MCS.
I like the 135/6 spd, but miss the FUN of the MINI. Actually have just 5,700 miles on the 135. I am considering selling the 135(it is paid for) and ordering an '11 JCW. I love the Black with the Red Top. Am I nuts? At 67 you would think the lust for cars would subside. Help. Nick

 

Do it, don't live with regret. The bmw is nice, but the jcw is something different all together. Follow your gut I just got rid of a 370hp vw gti, to buy a mini in the spring.

 

Don't laugh, but my ~200hp MCS is the most powerful car I've ever owned. For what I paid for this car I could of got a lot more power with another brand, but I grew up with small European cars so I knew there was more to driving pleasure than just power, like handling and braking. I've learnt through the years that cars which balance all three of these performance points with the experience of a passionate racing heritage tend to become legendary. The MINI is one of those cars, and the JCW is the MINI specimen that best represents that heritage. Your 135 is certainly a great car with a lot of heritage of its own, but MINI is a bit more in-your-face with its heritage. I would suggest driving a JCW to see if trading up really makes sense for you. Your 135 ought to fetch a decent trade-in with so few miles.

 

I'd tell you to think long and hard about it. I'm probably doing the opposite, replacing my '09 MCS with a '11 135i. The MINI is a nice car, but I miss the power and RWD from my last BMW.

 

Since you own the 135 outright keep it and order yourself a '11 JCW

 

I now know my age is becoming a factor. I actually bought my '05 MCS in 7/04 right after the refresh. Prior to getting the MINI I was driving an '01 Corvette. Big change--but I wasn't disappointed. My previous cars have been V8's, Camarro, 5.0 Mustangs. I thought I missed the 0-60 of a big engine so I sold the MINI. The 135 is smooth and fast and I should leave well enough alone. Now retired I have too much time to day dream. Oh, I am still running 40-50 miles per week + biking--that accounts for the low mileage on my 135--"The Red Baron".

 

I understand how you feel. I sold my 2004 BMW 645 convertible for a 2010 MCS- the latter is the most fun car I have ever had...