Hey Everyone,

After five years of ownership I've moved on. My R50 was fantastic, tons of fun, but I found myself in need of a bigger, more comfortable car, something more suitable for highway cruising, and that has at least enough power to pass at speed without having to turn off the AC.

This forum has been incredibly helpful. I don't think there's a friendlier group of enthusiasts out there.

I'm glad to be staying with the BMW family... I got a great deal on a 2011 CPO 328xi 6MT, with only 30,000KM on the odometer. I believe it was the last year for the sedan to get the i6 N52 motor, which is an absolute joy to wind out.

I miss the MINI sometimes already, I'm sure I'll be back when I have the space and cash to keep two cars on the road

(If anyone needs a stock airbox with a new filter, hit me up.)

 

You've got a lot of experience and wisdom locked away. Don't be a stranger. The Zipster posts once in a while when he can contribute and your input would always be welcome.
Enjoy your shiny new toy and remember: Keep you mind between your ears, your wheels between the ditches and the greasy side down.

 

Beautiful car. I've said it many times: so many cars so little time. Congratulations and good luck.

 

Good replacement. Don't worry even the supercharged MINIs barely run with the a/c on.

 

Enjoy the new Bimmer!

 

Hope to you back again and I know EXACTLY the choice you had to make.
It is difficult to turn your back on a car you love, but great to have a fresh one!!

 

Your new car is beautiful !!

 

Very nice - you picked the right color

 

Thanks for all the kind words everyone! I am really enjoying the new car! It doesn't handle as flat and sharp as the MINI, but it definitely hustle when pushed through the bends, and there's just something *nice* about driving a bigger, smoother car that irons out rough roads. I'm avoiding the mod rabbit hole as it's a CPO car and my dealer is not mod-friendly, so it'll just be wheels, audio and tint.

I'd be lying if I said I didn't get a little choked up when I patted the hood of the Cooper and said goodbye, but I know she'll be a great reliable little runner for the next owner. The hardest part has been resisting the urge to wave at MINI drivers!

I'll still lurk here from time to time, and hopefully I'll be able to contribute a bit of the knowledge I've soaked up over the last few years