My wife moved from 2007 MCS to 2011 MCS and is disappointed by the new car. She can't quite put her finger on the reason, maybe it is the quieter interior. Anybody else have a similar impression?

I drove the car and it felt different to me too, maybe it just has to get through the break-in period.

 

I had a 2011 loaner recently and I agree it did seem quieter - but my 2010 is pretty solid, to be honest. It seems that every "facelift" refines the car a little more.

 

me and my wife were talking about that same thing, she still loves it however..but the ride seems much softer to her, more car like, not as harsh as her '09 I think she misses the harshness LOL

 

this again probably due to people complaining about the runflats. they're trying to compensate by making the ride softer. on average, the runflats are a must on this car because it's such a small car and no space for spare. if you make it bigger to make space for spare then some will complain it's getting heavier. MINI can't win. the first iteration was excellent. changes are being made to those who complains, MINI is listening. it's good and bad. can't make everyone happy.

 

The justa has space for a spare in the same body shell. BMW went with the central exhaust on the "S" and had to dump the spare in the process. A sportier look twin tip exhaust could have been used on the right side (like the justa) and "S" owners could have had a spare and much better (non runflat) tires.

 

If she never had the ECU re-flashed on the '07, you're probably noticing the drop of a few ponies. '07 was the first year of the 2nd gen MCS; after it was released, BMW felt the MCS's power was just a bit too close to that of the JCW; it was actually putting out more than the stated 173 hp. Anyway, starting late in '07 they sort of 'de-tuned' it. I noticed the same thing you did when I traded my '07 for my current '10, and I was pretty disappointed as well. Then I got a RMW tune, and now I'm close to JCW specs and I couldn't be happier with it.

 

New Mustangs and Camaros do not come with spares either but no runflats. Mustang has a airpump and a can of tyre sealant. However I have no complaints about the runflats on my 11 MCS

 

But the 2011's actually upped the Horsepower to 181 I believe, the 11's have more HP than the stock 2007

 

I think I'd be much happier with the '11, knowing what improvements they made to the engine and clutch. Besides, if you want a more visceral driving experience just lower it. I'll take this problem you speak of over cold start issues any day of the week.

 

had the same feelings when I went from an 02S to an 07S

car felt more 'refined' at the cost of the raw spiritedness I was/am looking for.

My 07 reminds me of my 75 Cutlass Salon ... while my 02 was closer to my Miata so far as the fun factor.

 

Ah, I don't think it's that gutless...I do miss my 06 but I can appreciate the improvement for those who *don't* want the harsh ride (I don't really mind one way or the other). My only true complaint is that it's much harder to tear into things (especially the interior) to make modifications. The old one came apart and went back together like Tinker Toys

 

Going from a 2010 MCS to an 2011 JCW so I should know in a month. Is in the middle of the atlantic right now.

 

I went from a 2009 JCW with sports suspension to a 2011 JCW with sports suspension and feel no difference in ride/handling/power. As noted by others, the S actually has more power than it did in 2007. Perhaps her previous ride had sports suspension and the new one doesn't?