'07 MCS 6-speed with no sport package or LSD.

It's a little BMW, and feels like it. I was expecting horrific torque steer, but it was totally tolerable. It's there, but practically negligible. I bet with the LSD, sport suspension and some stickier tires (215/45/17 summers instead of 195/xx/16 all seasons?) it would have been mitigated even further.

Clutch was predictable, if a little numb. Shifter was typical BMW stock -- a tiny bit rubbery, with a slightly longer throw than I'd prefer, but a totally livable and satisfying rowing experience.

Steering was excellent, despite the electric boost... in sport mode. With the sport button off, it felt 10x more loosey-goosey... I can tell that button would always be pressed were I to own one.

Given that it's got just a little 1.6L blown 4-banger, it felt surprisingly peppy and torquey... minimal low-rev turbo lag, plenty of twist off the line and at low revs, without feeling like it runs out of steam too early in higher revs. Nice, smooth, consistent power... I like this engine a lot.

Overboost comes on at WOT for an extra kick in the pants... you can feel it, but it comes on smoothly. I was half-expecting a kickdown switch on the accelerator like on a Steptronic BMW, and a sudden torque-steery burst of go, but instead it was a gentle surge -- a composed effort of the engine to just do as directed. Very nice. Not gimmicky -- just useful.

I've never driven an R53, but I can't imagine the much praised s/c whine and exhaust burble from that Chrysler powerplant being more attractive than the ample torque and silky delivery this turbocharged BMW mill delivers. I don't understand the 1st generation purists on this issue.

The interior design, on the other hand, is extremely gimmicky. I imagine there are tons of ergonomic no-nos, though I can't detail any at present. I must admit I like the toggles, even though they don't really make sense... but they feel like quality switchgear. The climate controls are a little cheap feeling, but not horrible. Better than a Civic, not quite as nice as on an E46 BMW.

The whole package is solid and tight feeling, though, like a teeny BMW should feel. It's really everything I like in a car, FWD excepted. But the test drive makes me think I could live with that, much to my surprise.

It really seems like the perfect car for fun street driving. I'm sure my RX-8 would be much more satisfying on the track, where its balance and handling elegance can shine. But I think the tight solidity, quicker steering, lightness, greater low end grunt, and overall German/BMW feel of the R56 probably give it an edge on the day-to-day street funometer. Not to even mention the fact that it drinks half as much.

I think I want one.

 

I think you got a pretty good idea about the MCS. Aside from all the crazy options the only option i would suggest is the Sport package you get the 17s, xenon lights and the stripes if you want them. If you are getting the car for the handling and the sportyness this is it.(LSD is nice too) Looks like you have done you homework. next part is ordering one and the wait is unbearable

 

Why would you want to buy heavier wheels? Those new crown spokes are just dressed up s-heavies.

 

I think I'd go with some 17" O.Z. Ultraleggeras, with 215/45/17 summer rubber (non-runflat)... would order with 16" bridge spokes and all seasons, and use those as my winter wheels.

My only concern is with the strength of the Ultraleggeras... I drive into NYC often, and nasty potholes can sneak up on you quick. I'd prefer the lightweight O.Z.s, but would also consider a set of (heavier) R99s as an alternative, if they're appreciably stronger.

 

Hi Plaz!

 

Good review! It is nice to hear someone echo my test drive thoughts.

I have the OZ UL 17" wheels on my Audi A4 and I am very happy with them. I may get them for my MCS which I ordered in mid-December.

 

I guess I should not be surprised to see you here.

 

Yay, I'm not alone!

Thanks for the feedback.