I finally got to test drive an '06 Mini Cooper S last night and I have to say that I was thoroughly impressed with its performance. I found it to be a very nicely balanced package of quickness, sure footed-ness, and agility. I was also amazed at the interior room, front and back, considering the tiny exterior dimensions. About the only negative I could find with the car was the somewhat questionable quality of the dash and console materials. The panels, *****, and switches felt pretty flimsy to me for the relatively high sticker price.

As long as I can work out some way to get a reasonable trade-in/sale price for my current vehicle, I will be buying or ordering a Dark Silver MCS within the month.

Before I do that, I've got a few questions for you all,

1) Does anyone have any qualitative or quantitative data on acceleration from say 55mph to 100mph for the stock MCS? RPMs at 70mph in 6th? I didn't get to really check out its top end too much last night as there was relatively heavy traffic doing almost exactly the speed limit on the highway portion of my test drive. I have a big problem in my current car w/ picking up a bit too much speed too quickly on my mostly highway daily commute (one of the big reasons I'm looking at getting rid of it). I know, I know, use cruise control or some self control... etc... What can I say? My right foot tends to get its own ideas about how fast is too fast from time to time....

2) Anyone have the JCW Air Filter kit installed? Any impressions? I see they say it's about a 5hp boost, probably just barely noticable to my butt dyno by itself, but does it move the power band up/down the tachometer at all? I like the idea of the enclosed box and the variable intake. I'm thinking it maybe worth it just for the added supercharger scream. Am I on crack?

3) I'm looking at purchasing from either Cincinnati MINI or Midwestern MINI at the moment. Any Ohio MINI types have any praise or horror stories from either of these sales departments? This is my first experience with a MINI or BMW dealer and I'm not sure what to expect as far as pricing/install charges for dealer options/decent trade-in deals and pretty much despise the whole haggling/deal making process in general. At the same time I'd really rather not get taken for a ride.

Thanks a bunch in advance for any info and opinions you can provide.

 

wow... sorry i cant help more, but I can tell you that the JCW air intake is QUIETER than stock... if you want extra scream, get the ALTA CAI. good luck!

oh and welcome!

 

I'm confused - you don't want too much pickup, but you're asking about intakes so that you can have extra supercharger scream. Have you checked out the non-S Cooper? It's my commuter, and it's plenty fast to get me in trouble!

I hear you on the dash/console materials, at least appearance-wise, but rest assured that the build quality on MINIs has dramatically improved since the '02-'03 cars (not to mention the improved gearing on the S) - less rattles, etc.. The '06 is going to be the model year to have down the road - last and best-built of the (new) classics!

Welcome to NAM!

 

70 in 6th is about 3000RPM.

The car is pretty quick so if you want a slower car you should probably look at a Cooper. They handle just as well and they'll be less likely to get you into trouble. Plus the mileage is better.

 

1. No quantitative data for you other than the fact that 70 mph in 6th is right around 3k rpm. If you REALLY want to get up and go, downshift to 5th or 4th. What car are you getting rid of? I commute on the highway (NJturnpike) everyday where 80mph is pretty much the norm for the left lane, and speeds to get higher if you'd like. I'd say the MCS has good pickup in that range but is not completely at home.

2. I have the JCW filter kit and I have no idea why anyone would think it's quieter than stock. It is the exact same sound as stock until 4,500 rpm, when the flap opens and the whine comes out. You're right, you don't feel the butt dyno numbers of 5hp, but you do gain some responsiveness at the higher rpms. General consensus around here is the best all around intake is the alta, but like you, I was attracted to the closed box and its variable nature. I also like it 'cause it's stock MINI, and right now, that's my thing.

You are absolutely right about the interior quality. There is a good chance (no guarantee) that your car will rattle and buzz from the dash, pillars, boot, etc...because of the cheaper materials/methods BMW uses to piece the car together.

mb

 

I'm currently driving a VW Golf R32 (3.2l 24v VR6 that should produce 241hp & 236 lb-ft, AWD, around 3450lbs. w/ me & a tank of gas in it). Commute traffic usually travels about 70-75mph in the left couple of lanes, putting me around 2900-3100 rpm in 6th. This is maybe .25 second from the heart of the power band if I mash the gas about 80% of WOT to pass or clear the left lane for faster traffic. By the time I'd clear 6 or 7 car lengths I'm doing 85-90mph+, still well within the limits of the car in most conditions in my estimation, but enough to book me for speeding and reckless driving in the opinion of local law enforcement. I figure they're the people w/ the badges and guns, and I am exceeding the speed limit, so who am I to argue w/ them? The speed doesn't get away from me all that often , but if I'm running late for work the chances are much greater that I will punch it and stay on the throttle too long.

Doing some very rough calculations it seems like the stock MCS has about 85% of the hp and torque to weight ratio of the R32 (pls. correct if I'm wrong, I suck at math). Based on my limited impression from the test drive last night, it will also put the power band cruising in 6th further away from my lead foot.

The MCS seemed like almost the perfect compromise for me, loosing very little in quickness sub 60mph, dropping some of the low-mid torque at speed so that it takes a bit more effort to escalate from no ticket to a trip to jail on my daily commute, and picking up a good chunk of agility and MPG, while still satisfying my lust for acceleration and high speed cornering. The non-S Coopers are definitely alot of fun but unfortunately leave me just short in the torque department.

My main interest in the intake is to give me a bit more auditory feedback from the engine and allow for a bit less restrictive air flow for the occasions where I am safe rapping the engine out a bit more.

Thanks again for the replies and the info.

 

Ooo Boy. A Golf R32 Owner. Well, at least you're starting to give some redemption by coming over with the 'S' Owners.

Well, what I can say echoes off most people: about 3K RPM at 70MPH, constant supercharged power, probably more with the JCW Intake, 4th Gear at 80 if you want some pick up works, 32$ to fill with 93 Gas, which gets you about 300-320 miles a tank. Definitely buy one, get yourself a real car from the VW.

Welcome to MINI ownership man

Chris

 

So, first, glad you have seen the error of your R32 ways... and, second, I think you should really look into down shifting...

As to power-to-weight ratios... I think you did your math right on a stock S, but a JCW S ***** slaps an R32 on this dimension. Don't get hung up on stats, though. Use your God-given butt dyno. Acceleration from a given speed combines a lot of other factors, including drive ratios and drivetrain resistance, which the AWD R32 has quite a bit of.

Most important, though, dropping more than 700 POUNDS is going to do amazing things on every other performance dimension and make the car feel that much more alive. My guess is that the steering ratio of the Mini is also a lot quicker than the VWs, which makes things a lot more fun.

 

Oh, and looking at your proposed spec... If you dropped the leather seats and the ridiculously overpriced oem driving lights ($600 installed!!) you would only need to pony up another $3500 to get the factory JCW engine kit and big brakes.

$6300 JCW Kit
-1700 Silly quilted seats
-600 Extortionate ornamental driving lights
-500 Essential LSD (included w JCW)
-----------------
$3500

 

this thread is amazing. i also own an r32. this past weekend i test drove a 04 mcs with only 4000 miles on it. i was very impressed with the car. i have been very happy with my r32 no complaints at all. however i should not have leased that car. i am starting a business and i am looking to free up some cash.

so i was walking into the mini dealership thinking i was going to downgrade by getting into a mcs. boy was i wrong. that car was impressive the words nimble,fast,and go-kart all came to mind immediately. i had a grin on my face the whole time. i really like 3RD gear in the twisties, and although its not a vr6 with gobs of torque the supercharger constantly asked me to mash the throttle to the floor. also i was impressed by the service i received from the salesman and manager. i really felt like they wanted my business and were willing to prove that to me. the deal they offered would save me about 200 a month. and i know that deal is negotiable. i am going to drive a few more cars and make a decision soon. i just thought it was ironic that another r32 owner was thinking about making a move to mini since there are so few of us.

 

That's IF you leave the lower opening plugged as per JCW instructions. Leave the original bellows in place (keeping the air flow open to the box from the rear) and it will be exactly the same as the stock piece with the added PLUS of the flap opening above 4,500 rpm. MUCH BETTER THAT WAY, from my experience.

Welcome aboard!

 

An R32 is a nice piece for sure, but I think that the S is a good move. The problem that I have with my S isn't on the highway, but on any road with a curve. The car is just so good at changing directions, accelerating and slowing that it really starts to egg me on. Someday I'm going to give in to the temptation and just scream into turns, accelerate to red line and trail brake to a late apex...yes someday I'm going to take the S to the track!

Enjoy the process - it won't get here soon enough!

 

i thought you had to upgrade to the sport or checkmate package to receive a jcw package? am i wrong? i have an r32 also and i am looking for a less expensive car with better gas millage and less tickets. i was impressed with the mcs i test drove this weekend i bet the jcw would be really fast. i love the r32 but its time to start saving money.

 

Go see Amy at Cincy MINI ...

Phil in Cincy

 

1,2) I'd say get the JCW package and you won't be disappointed or get a stock S, go ALTA intake for noise or Dinian for a closed box, get a pulley, change exhaust and be sure to get the factory LSD and some ECU programming. Your ride would then be comparable to the R32 as far as driving experience plenty loud and if you don't mind sacrificing warranty could cost you a little less in the process. You could also add a turbo to the S thats supposed to bring HP above 250.
As far as build quality goes, there has been a strong push as far as build quality goes so I wouldn't worry about the materials, everything seems to be strong enough so far. (05 MCS, July build 20k miles since August)
There is plenty of power stock to find your self in trouble so yes cruse control and a learned restraint have been very helpful.

 

LOL, I freely admit to having a bit of a brand loyalty problem to VAG, but I guess the first step to recovery is admitting that you have a problem, right? I just hope my dubber friends can forgive me for going over to the dark side

I really do love my R32 and think it is a pretty amazing car at the price but I agree w/ all of your points to a tee, especially the issue of the near moribund obesity of the VW offerings over the past decade, give or take. I'm really looking forward to having a light-ish car again. That being said I expect there to be a few instances where I will miss my hatchback Tiger tank quite a bit.

I was initially looking at the full JCW kit from the factory but ruled it out based on my sloppy power/weight calculations giving it about as much more pull than my current ride as the R32 has on the stock S on paper. Kinda took the new car purchase in the wrong direction, given my issues w/ the local constablry. I totally realize that pure numbers (other than lap/trap times) do not give an accurate representation of real world performance, but it was a handy way of getting a loose grip on the possible relative performance of the vehicles prior to actually test driving.

I'm not really into drag racing (two lane touring and the occasional autocross are more my thing), but it would be interesting to see some 0-60 and 1/4 mile times for the MCS & JCW MCS. From the test drive, I wouldn't be surprised if my times 0-60 would be very close or the same between the stock S and R32 on dry pavement once I get used to it. I would imagine the JCW MCS would eat a stock R32's lunch any day of the week in the same conditions and land me in a state prison in no time.

 

The first step in rehab is admitting you have a problem. You've already made a big step in realizing it. But who would want to stop when it feels so good.

 

You're right, and it completely sucks. There is zero "sport" content in the Sports package and the Checkmate is... well... This is just a blatant margin grab by BMW. Shame on them.

 

Here's another good site, and Gabe just reviewed the JCW Cold Air Intake...http://motoringfile.com/2006/02/09/m...ld-air-intake/

 

Thanks for all the info and the warm welcome everybody

I stopped by the dealership tonight, took another spin in an MCS, and started working out a deal. Amy at Cincinnati MINI has seemed very friendly & forthright about things, but I don't think I could do the deal they're offering without having a sick feeling in my stomach for a good while after. Alot of that may have to do with the prospect of ordering a $30K car without really having a set price on my trade in though. I can afford the car with their deal, but I'm not exactly made of money. A $2-3K drop in what they're willing to give me for my R32 in 2-3 months when my order comes in would make things sort of uncomfortable for me financially. It would be really hard to take $20K for a car that I still have a pretty deep (if dysfunctional) relationship with and has comparable examples being offered for $28K-$30K at area dealerships. Selling it myself seems even more uncertain due to the potential timing issues.

It looks like I'm going to have to take a short road trip to Midwestern MINI this weekend to see what kind of deal they can offer. I'm thinking the financial side of things might work out better for me there since it looks like they currently have 27 MCS in stock and are part of what seems to be a huge European dealership cartel that also deals in VWs. Hopefully I can find something close to my ideal spec on the lot and/or get a bit more favorable deal.

Anyways, sorry for my life story. Hopefully things will work out and I'll be able to join you all motoring in an MCS sometime in the near future

 

Can Amy order a JCW pkg without getting either the sport or checkmate pkg???

 

She can order the tuning kit outside of production and install it after delivery. Cost of the engine kit installed should be in the range of $5500. You can put together a much more cost effective and lighter JCW-tuned car this way. The factory kit at $7700 (with Sport package) includes larger front brakes, which will only give you minimal benefit on the track. The stock brakes are excellent.

 

Either car is a good choice - the R32 ensures a certain amount of exclusivity - my brother has an R32 in NJ - he absolutely loves it and loves the all-wheel drive and the engine note.

I would have to say the R32 sounds heaps better accelerating - that engine note is almost up there with a Ferrari engine - it's that good.

I find that the MCS is a bit more lively, responsive and alert compared to the R32 - which reminds me a lot of my 2000 Audi S4 sedan which was sort of a pig handling wise.

If you want to spec a MCS with JCW - keep the spec low, and add in sport packages, and JCW (and maybe heated seats). Everything else is weight. It's unfortunate that you can't fit the 16" wheels with the JCW kit now from the factory.

You could do a dealer install of the JCW kit - and get 16" wheels w/o the JCW brake kit (which I've heard has negligible braking iimprovement). Based on my experience with my dealer installed JCW kit - I'm wishing I'd ordered my spec and had it delivered factory installed.

 

The Sport package does add weight beyond the 17" wheels - Xenons are at least 10lbs, and DSC adds unsprung weight as well. Note that both were deleted from the new "lightweight" GP edition.

I've done 30k without and 5k with JCW brakes (picked up a slightly used set) and can say that street benefit is neglible. You would probably end up with better street "feel" than the JCW by just upgrading fluid, pads, lines and caliper bushings.

The JCW brakes do fit with the 16" X-lites - this set up has been used at the track on Phil Wick's cars. The new 16" Bridge Spokes are sanctioned by MINI to fit with the JCW brakes.

Krut - are you running S-lites and runflats on your JCW?