So my current MINI is an 03' MCS. I've done a few things that have made a great difference in it's performance. Specifically, Supercharger pulley, rear sway bar, JCW cold air intake with K&N air filter, brake rotors and pads, etc.

I'm wondering about the Countryman, does anyone know about simple upgrades that will be available in the near future?

 

No matter what upgrades you end up doing on a Countryman, it will never handle like a MINI Cooper. It will have more body roll in the corners, and will feel less connected to the road. I would think things like sway bars, upgraded intakes and brake components will be on the market within a few months after the car goes on sale here.

 

True. That's why I'm keeping my 03'. I do expect that there will be some good opportunities for more performance on the Countryman though.

 

Do the Foam Filters or K&N Panel Filters from the 2011 Hatchback MCS...fit in the Countryman...It's the same engine.

 

I have to assume that most of the performance stuff for the 2011 MCS would be applicable to the CM, engine-wise. They're both powered by the exact same engine, and I would think too that upping the performance ante would only help the car push that All4 system along that much better.

I think outmotoring.com has a CM section already, too. Worth checking out.

 

Just thought it was funny that every review so far has pretty much dis-proven this. Yes, there is a bit more lean but it is as much a Mini as any Mini.

 

Not "exactly" true.
Although the internal engine components may be the same, (I'm not sure) it is configured differently. Specifically, the injection system is different. I'm not sure what else is different, but don't assume any MCS performance parts will work or fit properly.

 

they should be exactly the same enginewise to a 2011... so intake, boost tubes, intercooler, ECU upgrades (except maybe the all4... not sure if ecu is different in that one due to the all wheel drive)... i would assume the downpipe for aftermarket systems might be the same, but obviously exhaust is different. not sure about suspension really, could look into that stuff...

the only thing that should be different is the pcv system and the double vanos (which is new to all MCS engines...but not JCW... wtf to that btw...)

 

Correct. Same as a 2011, but all "S" models are a little different in 2011. I'm not sure what it all means, but the options will definitely come out for the new cars. Hopefully sooner than later.

Here's a quote from CD:
Both S versions come with the turbocharged version of the 1.6-liter, which gets the aforementioned upgrades and now features BMW’s Valvetronic system in addition to variable intake- and exhaust-valve timing and direct injection. Valvetronic uses variable lift—in the Countryman it ranges from 0.2 to 9.0 mm—to control the volume of air going into the cylinders. This eliminates the need for a throttle butterfly and improves efficiency and engine response. Output is increased to 181 hp, up 9 hp, and torque goes from 177 lb-ft to 192. As an added bonus, the turbocharged Countryman achieves almost the same combined fuel-economy rating as the naturally aspirated version in the European combined cycle. EPA figures haven’t been announced yet, but Mini is hoping the cars will achieve nearly 34 or 35 mpg on the highway.

 

I think I read somewhere that the Alta Accessport will be available once they get access to a countryman. I will definitely consider this, I had the Cobb accessport for a saab 92X ( same as subaru WRX). In stage 1 the power was much better and the car got better mileage. I think there was also an economy map for better mileage which I never tried. I thought it would be cool if the Sport button could be set up as an economy mode so that you could toggle between stage 1 and economy... I guess I have to wait for it to exist first!

 

ditto on the Alta Accessport for me too (coming from a subie wrx). Can't wait to see possible improvements to mileage with this mod!

 

Sent a message to ALTA_Chris at Alta. The accessport is several months out. They would also like a Countryman to fine tune on the dyno. Anyone in Texas or Portland interested should contact him

 

The airbox on the 2011 is actually different, so we need to verify the drop in filters are the same, we've already found the the screws in the airbox are in different locations.

 

Although it Obviously is bigger i have to strongly disagree... Im with a MINI club in Colorado and we have been on Runs in the Mountains many times with our new CM ALL4 and yes there is a lil body lean, but i have NO problems at all keeping up with the JCW's or other modded MINIS... and our is stock. The performance most are talking about is the extreem mods or by professionals on a track...
I have no problem keeping up with any other MINI on the streets or twistys.

Added any Mods done to performance and suspension will only improve this! I say get a CM and go crazy!

 

Got a message from Alta, The Accessport for all 2011s is on hold