I have to say that finally seeing one has taken away all fears about the changes in the shape. I LOVE THE JCW AERO KIT!

I drove a Pepper White Black with Premium and Cold weather packages. I was pleased with the acceleration and the 6 speed tranny. The ride was much smoother than the '06 MCSc that I drove to the dealer. But it did seem a touch marshmellowy. Bill Jacobs MINI didn't have a JCW suspension or engine package to sample.

I was very pleased with the new car's performance. I must say I was dissappointed with the lack of dead space on the mirror controlls and their location change to the drivers door. I also did not like the location of the on off switch/volume ****. Not where I thought it would be but lower. I was also freaked out by the turn signal switch. It doesn't stay up or down untill the turn is completed. And there is no way to cancle the signal if you accidentally set it off (or at least I couldn't find out how to cancle it.)

I wish that MINIUSA would get the JCW engine and suspension package prices on the configurator. Has anyone noticed that the JCW goodies do not appear on the car's picture? They show up on the price but not on the picture, At least not on my computer (Win XP/IE6.0.29)

 

Can't say I'm not biased since I just picked mine up... but I love it! I'm still getting used to odd control locations and intricacies. This was usually the primary criticism the car magazines had. Of course, owning one you quickly adjust and it all makes sense, it's just a bit different. The volume **** is definitely the strangest location, but I just use the steering wheel controls for volume. I'm a little bummed there isn't a pause or mute button, but no big deal. The turn signals have two settings, tap light for lane change, and tap harder for a signal that stays on until you complete a turn. tapping it in the opposite direction cancels the turn signal.

I think with the JCW kits, MINI USA wanted to first launch it as a dealer add on through their parts and service department, not something you spec with the car but considering so many other JCW mods are built into the configurator tool, I'm sure it is just a matter of time. As of this weekend, my MA still didn't even know about the Engine Tuning Kit!

In case you do get one, my MA shared some good information with me. He said they typically mail out a 25% off one aftermarket accessory coupon about 4-6 months after you buy a new car. That would make a sizeable dent in the cost of the JCW suspension or Tuning kit!

 

to my understanding you can change the settings for the turn signals in the cars on board computer. Obviously it won't stay up or down, but if you just tap it down to the first click it will either (by default) use the lane change settings, or you can set it to just flash while you hold it in that position much like any other car. Please someone correct me if I am wrong as I don't own a MINI yet.

 

You can change the number of times the blinker blinks, or you can have it only blink while you hold it at the fail safe point. If you go beyond that, it blinks until you turn. You can cancel by tapping in the other direction. Pretty simple.

As for the volume ****, critics have maintained that it is in a funny place. However, after driving since February (I'm Week 3 production), the volume **** is exactly where I want it. It is level with the shift ****. So if I rest my hand on the stick shift, the volume is right there where I want it. Or, you can use the MFSW to change the volume and ignore the console entirely. It's all about learning the quirks of a new car.

 

Lots in R56 take some getting used to...now that I've been driving mine for a few months the controls in my R50 (that my daughter drives) feel awkward to me. R56 has a more subtle, comfortable ride, but it apparently comes alive when pushed...pretty cool I think!

 

I drive an 03MCS. I test drove an 07MCS.

I like the way the 07 engine is all-in right off the clutch. Much better response than the 03. I realize the gearing is different, but the torque curve is obviously wide (starts 170 lbs at 1600 rpm, right?).

dan