Well, this is significant because it has replaced my '02 IB/W MC - a decision that was difficult and odd to make. I test drove a number of cars since I attended the MINI Cabrio intro at the New York auto show several weeks ago. Seems like the show was a catalyst for me to start looking...I looked at a number of privately owned M Coupes, but I really had to sell the MINI first. In the end, I was able to trade my MC in at the same dealer I bought it from, and snagged a great deal on a CPO Z3 Coupe with excellent financing terms.

It's a 3 liter inline 6, 225 hp@ 5900 RPM's, 214 lbs-ft @ 3500 RPM's. After driving it, I knew it was what I had been looking for as the "replacement" for the MINI. Thanks to this site and the MINI community, I have expanded my knowledge base on cars - and the modding of my Cooper was a valuable experience.

Some pics of the new ride:













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Gorgous car - the 3.0L Z3 Coupe is one of the most rare, overlooked, yet amazing drivers cars out there. Good choice. The only thing that will compete with this car won't be out for another 2-3 years - the 2 series coupe (or 1 series depending on who you talk to).

BTW why did you sell your MC?

 

Gabe, thanks.

It's hard for me to really say why I sold the MINI. There were a few times lately when I had been coming out of toll booths, or merging onto the highway, where I would hit the rev limiter. But it wasn't really just about the power. MINI has great handling, the community is great. I had test driven the MCS a few times, and had talked trade a number of times as well. Call it odd, but I just felt it was time to sell - achange of pace if you will. I didn't expect to do it at this point either. I will say that I think the build quality on the '04s is better than my '02, and perhaps some of the warranty issues I experienced led me away from another MINI. But if BMW has a game plan to move MINI owners into BMW's, it worked for me. My salesman made the transition painless - from the aggressive financing BMW offered on CPO cars, to the trade, it was handled very well. I can only hope that their service is as good with the car.

 

Love it and congrats! It's a gorgeous car.

My brother has an 02 M Coupe, laguna seca blue...slightly modded to push around 350hp. i'm going to kansas city this week and will be taking pictures of it.

enjoy it! it's a hot ride!


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Definitely my most favorite BMW!!
It's a contriversial style, a love it or hate it type, but I love it!

 

Wow, what a beauty. If I had to trade, that would be my choice too. Congrats and enjoy.

 

Dan -

Awesome choice! I can't wait to see it in person. If you still hit the rev limiter coming out of toll booths in that thing.. you might want to get you foot checked for lead

 

Dan,
Im jealous. That thing is uglyriffic (thats good). Best of luck with it.

--
Cheese

 

Thanks all....

Hey Cheese - I think we need to have a former MINI owner reunion or something, especially if vdubdoug sell his MCS.....

 

Congrats, Dan. The big question ... have you done any Dorifting yet?

 

Thanks Andy....no Dorifting as of yet. In fact, I need to learn since it's so long since I owned a RWD car...

 

From one unique coupe to another unique coupe. Nice choice. I've always liked the fixed head Z3. Great color combo too. Enjoy your new freedom machine.

 

>>Thanks all....
>>
>>Hey Cheese - I think we need to have a former MINI owner reunion or something, especially if vdubdoug sell his MCS.....

Doug is ready to go :smile: I found a new location that'll accomodate more than one "car"....



--
Cheese

 

New Car

 

DAMN.....time for that photo shoot...that looks like they may have filmed "Scarface" there...but I get the feeling that ain't Miami.

Doug - congrats! And Cheese - lets get the cameras ready.....

 

I am Free This Weekend

 

I might be around. I want to go to the SEMA Auto Salon but let me know.

 

I was going to do a NASA Auto-X on Sunday, but I can easily be swayed meet up either day.

SEMA in AC, right Cheese?

 

Yeah, SEMA in AC. I'm around whenever.

--
Cheese

 

let me see what I have planned besides opening up the pool

 

What car is that doug - it LOOKS like a Focus ZX5 and it IS in front of a Ford dealer...

 

>>What car is that doug - it LOOKS like a Focus ZX5 and it IS in front of a Ford dealer...
>>
>>
It is a Focus Svt 5 door with leather recaro's :smile: Very easy to drive and about as quick as a stock cooper s.

 

dan- looks good! nice job.

 

ken- thanks! you can see that I still like blue, and the wheels are similar to the R90's...it's just a tad peppier than my Cooper