A quick car history-I won't tell you about my 65 Chevelle--bought new. Since '88: a used 911, new '91 5.0/highly modded, new 98 Z28/modded,new 01 Corvette/modded.

With that in mind--it was a leap of faith when out of nowhere, back in May, I decided I wanted to downsize: sell my Vette and get a MCS. Still not sure why. I had seen them since 02 and thought them "cute/neat" but under 200 HP--didn't register for me. Put deposit for an 05 on 5/29. Born on date:18 July. VPC 8/5. Hung out at the VPC for too long--cup holder, etc fiasco. Took delivery on 8/23. CR/W MCS. Autodim mirror/Garage door opener/rain sensor/HKSystem/Zenons/fogs/body color interior,grey leatherette, chrome interior/exterior--a handsome boy--named him BUD. Born on date and color--like a Budweiser beer can .

Initial impressions: Quick/tight/FUN!! A blast to drive. Talk about shifting--keeps me occupied (never have had an automatic).Thought I would miss an arm rest--I don't. It has been very difficult to keep under 4,500 RPM's--I cheated a few times--no redlining--yet. The zenons are fantastic--make the lights on my 01 Vette seem like the old candle power headlights. I appreciate the self dimming rear view mirror. The car is just Fantastic.

Some glitches: passenger seat back separates from the seat--I have to hug it from time to time. Not sure what that looks like to on lookers . I have noticed a slight stumble at 3,000 rpm's--regardless of gear. I get a "rattle--strange noise that either emanates from the left vent or the tach. I only hear it when I am on a road that isn't real smooth around 40-50 mph. Just a few days ago my passenger window made some strange noises when putting it up. With all the weather here in FL I have not had the window back down. Not real bad--I have had more and worse things with my new former "muscle cars".

Exhaust note: I really smile when someone posts how disturbing the 05 exhaust is when it pops. After having straight pipes on my last 3 cars the MCS is barely audible. This may also have to do with my 61 year old ears :smile:
MODS: Well the stock exhaust lasted for about 1,000 miles. Just had a Magnaflow Performance exhaust put on. MUCH better. Still not REALLY loud. Deep roar--lets you know 168 hp are there. Also noted some quicker throttle response--butt dyno. I like the "trumpet" looking tips--fills the space and comes out a little further. From the rear you don't see much hanging down--if you see the mufflers--you see shining stainless steel--goes well with my exterior chrome bling bling.

I went a couple days with just the exhaust modded. Put in a Promini CAI yesterday. Brings more life to the engine-nice supercharger whine. Not as loud as I thought--but a definite improvement. It seems to have opened up the power/torque even more. A guess--probably 10-12 more HP for around $900. If the ECU has to "learn" the new freer air in-air out flow--it is a quick learner.

Hey, sorry I rambled, actually, I am not. I do love my MCS and I do not really miss my Vette. Thanks for letting me share. Less than 100 miles to 1250!!

 

Congrats, NickNick! Great report on your new baby! See you've moved right into Mod-Land! LMAO!! Have fun and keep us posted on what else you do with your Bud. I'm sure you'll keep playin'!


Clover

 

I'm in my 50s, Nick, and my other car is a 2004 ZO6. I autocross both.

I can't say which is more fun. It's like the best of all possible worlds.

Now I'm thinking of selling my 2003 S and getting a 2005 S with an LSD, to autocross and daily drive. I love the Vette--so much easy performance. But I couldn't think of being without the MINI S.

Who'd a thunk it?

 

Glad you love the your MSC w/ magnaflow...just a word of caution. I to have magnaflow exhaust on my MSC and love it. Only problem is with the exhaust extending out a little it leaves a very interesting burn on your leg if you lean in to close to get in your boot.

 

Great write up doublenick,

BTW (whispering....do the pulley mod.....do the pulley mod). Being a car guy, you'll love the MCS. It's one of the best bang for the buck cars outthere.

 

It is funny that you mentioned the passenger seat back comming off. I went to a dealer yesterday and all of the '05 MCS had screwed up passenger seats. It looked like the clips did not hold the backs on.


Made me have second thought about buying a Mini......

Craig

 

DoubleNick - I know just where you're coming from. I too am a 'car guy', and have had a fleet of Corvettes over the years. That's after coming back to American muscle from Triumph, Jaguar, Porsche, etc. In fact, I just sold a 435hp 1969 Corvette convertible to cover the cost of a new Mini toy. It has to be an S, and it has to have JCW. I still have a modded 2000 Corvette (TWEAKED plates) and a high-hp 1965 Corvette coupe. I'm going to test drive an MCS Saturday, and although I know I'm going to love the Mini, the lower power worries me a little. I'm sure I'll get over it. Just looking for the right midwestern dealer.

 

If you really must have power, why are you going with JCW?

-mike

 

Glad you're enjoying your MCS!! MGCMAN is right, you'll love a reduction pulley. All in due time, I'm sure.

About that seat back. I had that problem with the driver's side on my '03. I had to pop it back on all of the time. When you bring your car in for it's first service, there is some way that they can adjust the guts of the seat so that the hooks hold. Since mine was fixed, the plastic back hasn't popped off ever again. Probably been about a year.

Good luck!

 

On your MagnaFlow...I also self installed mine and followed the directions. Disconnect battery for at least 1/2 hour. Reconnect battery and drive your Mini for at least 30 minutes. Make sure you pull at least a couple of high rpm runs during this time. The ECU will adjust itself to the new fuel/air mixture. If like mine, it will now run like a champ!


hyperlink below for instructions...
http://www.magnaflow.com/07techtips/pdfs/15742.pdf

 

OK guys. Since I'm going to say I'm a Muscle Car guy too and since I almost have my car completed (still need to re-install some rear interior panels)... I drove it today for the first time. I've put about 30 miles on it around town. My first impression is, it's fun to drive but it doesn't pull like a 2,000 lb Cobra with 375 hp V-8. Pretty quiet, good brakes... Nice tight car. Transmission is a little stiff and I can't say I love the hydraulic clutch. Just something to get used to. (My New Beetle shifts better.) I like the Navagation system. Over all I'd say Very Good... I can tell it was made BMW. Checking the computer today it got 27.3 mpg. The Xenon's are nice but I'd like'em better if they were high beams too.

I choose the wrecked MCS over a wrecked C-5. I like the new C-5's but not the insurance and taxes! Parts for the Mini are Cheap.

I'll post some before and after pictures Sunday.

"Cobra Mike"