I ordered a '13 R56s in Sept. Of '12. Was frustrated by the "packages". You want one option and have to get 5 others you don't want because they all come together. I kept it pretty simple.
Glad I got - manual, S, XENONS!, auto dim rear view mirror
Glad I didn't get/pay for - have had most of these in loaners - sun roof, navigation, rain sensing windshield, paddle shifters, leather, rear fogs
Wish I had - better stereo, more adjustable wipers
Could take it or leave it - comfort access, heated seats

 

What is the modification called (the parts kit) when you get the Mini lowered so that the wheel wells are fashionably closer to the tires?

 

Bad options: Sunroof, Mini connected, auto AC, Harmon Kardon radio.
Good options: fJCW with all sport suspension components the factory can put on. Heated seats - even in TX, an absolute must like a BBQ and a beer. Xenons are nice. Manual transmission is worthy, auto is not.
Even though I love my R56, I sometimes wish I'd gotten a Clubman...

If you can, get an fJCW. If you're gonna be a bear, be a grizzly. Although you will be charting unknown territory with the new models...

 

Very interesting....

I sit here at almost 2am because I can't sleep. The reason? I think I want another Mini. For the last few weeks, I have been driving past a used R59 sitting at a Toyota dealership.

After owning 5 minis and the last one being Oscar, one of the best I've ever had, I sold it and bought a Porsche 981. I've had the car for 2 years and though it is an excellent car in every aspect, the one thing it does not surpass the mini in is... "fun to drive".

Don't get me wrong, the 981 is a smooth, quick and handles better than my M3 track car but at the end of the day, I miss the fun I had driving the mini.

So back to the thread's topic, after owning a bunch of minis and modifying the crap out of them, I know better to skimp on options. I drew up a JCW roadster and the only thing I think I didn't add is Nav because unless they've changed it, it was cumbersome and not user friendly.



Perhaps we'll see ya'll soon enough... I need to get some sleep.


Mark

 

You'll need lowering springs or coilovers. The website/dealer may call it "sport suspension".

 

Note: Sports Suspension is just a firmer rate, upgraded dampeners, it does not lower the car any. They are non adjustable. Only the GP2 came with adjustable coils.

 

I was under the impression that the JCW sport suspension lowered the car by ~0.5 inches.

 

sport suspension is 1 cm lower than standard on a countryman

the jcw sport suspension is the same as the s sport suspension on the countryman

 

The dealer-installed JCW suspension does lower the car a tad. This suspension is not the same as the factory-installed sport suspension, and is only offered for some models -- I don't think it's available for the Countryman/Paceman, or for the Roadster.