1st Gen Countryman (R60) Talk (2010-2015) R60 Countryman Discussions

R60 About to order, opinions please

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 17, 2011 | 02:42 PM
  #1  
jklotz's Avatar
jklotz
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, Ga
About to order, opinions please

Hi guys, new here. Thanks for having me.

I'm about to order a CM, and have a few questions. First, how much of a difference does the sport suspension option add? Is it noticeable? I like a sporty ride, as long as it's not punishing.

Secondly, what are the opinions on 18"s vs 17" wheels? I would prefer the cheaper tire replacement costs of 17"s, but if it would be a lot better with the 18"s, then I'd go that route. Is it strictly cosmetic, or does it effect the ride quality?

Lastly, I've read the whole nav thing is fiddly, and has a bad user interface. I'm leaning towards skipping it and installing an aftermarket, but I do like gadgets - having the ip[hone interface might be cool. Opinions?

Thanks guys!
 
Reply
Old Feb 17, 2011 | 03:43 PM
  #2  
ddbullard's Avatar
ddbullard
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Seattle, Wa
I opted for the 17's on my Countryman. (Haven't received it yet) My MA told me that the tires on the 18's have less sidewall, so they ride quite a bit rougher than the 17's.
 
Reply
Old Feb 17, 2011 | 04:27 PM
  #3  
mini_z's Avatar
mini_z
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
From: LI NY
Maybe the Connect, and skipping the NAV, ( I hate mine so for ) Maybe in time I might get used to it.
I got the 17" for now. Will get the 18" without the runflats, and keep the 17" with snow tires
I was getting the sport suspension but my MA told not to, due to hard ride ( I will be driving it in NYC ) You may want to try it out first.
 
Reply
Old Feb 17, 2011 | 04:29 PM
  #4  
Eddyboi77's Avatar
Eddyboi77
4th Gear
15 Year Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 391
Likes: 0
From: Bergen County, New Jersey
whatever you do wind up getting, def opt for the sunroof!
 
Reply
Old Feb 17, 2011 | 04:40 PM
  #5  
lindseybp's Avatar
lindseybp
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 714
Likes: 1
From: Ohio
Originally Posted by ddbullard
I opted for the 17's on my Countryman. (Haven't received it yet) My MA told me that the tires on the 18's have less sidewall, so they ride quite a bit rougher than the 17's.
The 18's are 45 sidwall and the 17's are 55 sidewall so that is true....18's are more low profile than 17's.
 
Reply
Old Feb 17, 2011 | 05:37 PM
  #6  
travelkids's Avatar
travelkids
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
I am about to order a CM4. I had the opportunity to drive one and opt'd for the sport suspension and 17s. I didn't like the soft ride of the normal suspension and that is coming from a person who doesn't like too firm of a ride in a MINI wagon.

Order goes in tomorrow!
 
Reply
Old Feb 17, 2011 | 06:42 PM
  #7  
arrested_cloud's Avatar
arrested_cloud
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: MD
I think you cannot get all season tires with 18" wheels. But check with your MA
 
Reply
Old Feb 17, 2011 | 06:59 PM
  #8  
lindseybp's Avatar
lindseybp
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 714
Likes: 1
From: Ohio
Originally Posted by arrested_cloud
I think you cannot get all season tires with 18" wheels. But check with your MA
Yep, you're right about that.
 
Reply
Old Feb 17, 2011 | 08:26 PM
  #9  
kgelner's Avatar
kgelner
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 433
Likes: 0
From: Denver, CO
Originally Posted by jklotz
Hi guys, new here. Thanks for having me.

I'm about to order a CM, and have a few questions. First, how much of a difference does the sport suspension option add? Is it noticeable? I like a sporty ride, as long as it's not punishing.

Secondly, what are the opinions on 18"s vs 17" wheels? I would prefer the cheaper tire replacement costs of 17"s, but if it would be a lot better with the 18"s, then I'd go that route. Is it strictly cosmetic, or does it effect the ride quality?
I love sport suspension, I didn't think it was too rough in a test drive - the whole thing is a bit less bumpy than a standard MINI, so I personally think opting for a sport suspension is a great idea to help it handle corners better.

To offset the bumpiness a bit, I did opt for the 17" wheels which as stated give a somewhat smoother ride. Others have also noted that non-runflats are smoother still, but I actually like the runflats so I wouldn't know for sure if that's the case.

Lastly, I've read the whole nav thing is fiddly, and has a bad user interface. I'm leaning towards skipping it and installing an aftermarket, but I do like gadgets - having the ip[hone interface might be cool. Opinions?
Thanks guys!
I'm getting Connected, with no Nav. I get the iPhone interface, I too think that will be cool - but I've always hated in-car nav systems and would prefer to just keep using the nav apps I have on my phone. I plan to get some kind of holder that brackets onto the tach, there seem to be a few options - I'd prefer one that somehow runs the cable up there.
 
Reply
Old Feb 18, 2011 | 05:45 AM
  #10  
snowboard1's Avatar
snowboard1
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
From: Philadelphia
Not sure about the sport suspension, but I would get the 17's.

Even though the Nav has some issues I would still get it if I was to do it over. I like having the nav built in. As far as the connected being able to send locations from google maps to the Nav will be great. Waiting to see how the Iphone does on verizon before I get one. Also heard there will be a new iphone soon...
 
Reply
Old Feb 18, 2011 | 07:03 AM
  #11  
jklotz's Avatar
jklotz
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, Ga
Thanks guys, I appreciate the help!
 
Reply
Old Feb 18, 2011 | 09:33 AM
  #12  
Bullydog's Avatar
Bullydog
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: Northern VA
Xenon's for sure.
HK sound system for sure.
Blue tooth, iPod connectivity for sure.
17" black or anthracite wheels for sure.

Exterior Color, Not Sure...
 
Reply
Old Feb 18, 2011 | 09:43 AM
  #13  
arrested_cloud's Avatar
arrested_cloud
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: MD
I did not have the opportunity to play with it before ordering, but i have read in this forum that a whole bunch of people like "Connect".

If you get that you do not need the blue tooth stuff. So if you dealer has any vehicle with that I would suggest you play with it and see if you like it. Not a must have though but ... the more you know !!!
 
Reply
Old Feb 18, 2011 | 01:27 PM
  #14  
jklotz's Avatar
jklotz
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, Ga
Originally Posted by Bullydog
Xenon's for sure.
HK sound system for sure.
Blue tooth, iPod connectivity for sure.
17" black or anthracite wheels for sure.

Exterior Color, Not Sure...
From everything I've read, all 3 of the above sound like a good plan. I'm going that route I think.

Color I've decided on. Silver on black, black wheels. Classy looking!
 
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2011 | 06:39 AM
  #15  
snowboard1's Avatar
snowboard1
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
From: Philadelphia
Here is my silver, just got it tinted! I think it will look great with darker wheels
 
Attached Thumbnails About to order, opinions please-img_2910.jpg  
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2011 | 06:48 AM
  #16  
jklotz's Avatar
jklotz
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, Ga
snowboard, love it! I was set on the black roof, but man that looks good! Hmmmm, back to the mini website. Maybe silver all the way around will be the way to go.
 
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2011 | 06:58 AM
  #17  
lindseybp's Avatar
lindseybp
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 714
Likes: 1
From: Ohio
What tint level is that snowboard? Looks cool!
 
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2011 | 07:03 AM
  #18  
snowboard1's Avatar
snowboard1
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
From: Philadelphia
Originally Posted by lindseybp
What tint level is that snowboard? Looks cool!
35%
 
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2011 | 08:08 AM
  #19  
days-like-this's Avatar
days-like-this
4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 376
Likes: 0
From: salt lake city, utah
Snowboard1, love your tint!!! Here's some pics of silver/silver with anthracite wheels that was at my dealer back in December!
 
Attached Thumbnails About to order, opinions please-photo-1.jpg   About to order, opinions please-photo-3.jpg   About to order, opinions please-photo-4.jpg  
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2011 | 08:10 AM
  #20  
snowboard1's Avatar
snowboard1
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
From: Philadelphia
looks great!
 
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2011 | 08:18 AM
  #21  
thebestbear's Avatar
thebestbear
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 111
Likes: 11
From: Boston
I love the silver. Thanks for the pics guys.
I am waiting for my silver with black roof and flat black wheels.
I am waiting longer to get the sport suspension option. I think it'll be worth the wait.
 
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2011 | 10:01 AM
  #22  
days-like-this's Avatar
days-like-this
4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 376
Likes: 0
From: salt lake city, utah
Here are two silver with black tops screen shots from my MA's youtube vid...
 
Attached Thumbnails About to order, opinions please-screen-shot-2010-12-25-at-10.51.07-pm.jpg   About to order, opinions please-screen-shot-2010-12-25-at-11.10.32-pm.jpg  
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
TheGeekGuy
JCW Garage
27
Sep 27, 2018 07:13 PM
HogWldFLTR
F55/F56 :: Hatch Talk (2014+)
21
Oct 1, 2015 11:38 AM
KristaMcCoy
Stock Problems/Issues
38
Sep 12, 2015 05:37 PM
Robree
1st Gear
3
Sep 9, 2015 08:43 AM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 02:56 AM.