This is one of my first posts, but I have been reading here for a while. My extensive reading has me questioning a few things as I prepare to configure what I want.

To start, my car will probably never touch a track, but I do look forward to driving the twisties and having a bit of fun. I do plan on joining some of the local events and also possibly doing MOTD at some point. I live in NH, so snow and ice will be an issue.

I am looking at a CR/B S with Premium Package, Cold Weather, DSC, LSD, Xenon. Name is going to be Bídeach, which is Irish Gaelic for tiny.

I have heard people say they switch off DSC, which I would assume is done with a toggle switch, but I hear mention of people turning off the traction control as well. Is this really possible? Is this also done with a switch?

Also, I have heard comments that the LSD actually can be bad in the snow because the torque from the wheel with traction can pull the car off line.

At this point my plan is to order through Mini of Peabody in MA, anybody have any experience with them? So far mine has been very good, but also nice to hear from other sources.

I did do a test drive and have to say the car is incredible fun to drive. I was originally going to buy one when they first were sold here, but needed a car immediately at the time and ordering was the only option at the time. My current car is fun, but definitely not a Mini.

Thank you for any info you can provide, and I look forward to further reading and contributions to these forums.

 

You definitely need to have Mike at http://www.aestheticreations.net/roofgraphics.htm
create an Irish harp roof graphic for you. Or, a large Celtic knot.

There is a button for DSC. IMO, the only time to switch it off is if you are on a track. You have read the lengthy thread here about it I assume?

I don't think there is a button for ASC.

The only theory I've heard on that is that not having it will let one wheel spin while the other pulls you ahead vs. LSD causing both to spin. I find that hard to believe, but haven't tried it. Seems to me that with one spinning the other would be either still (and you are stuck), or take you in odd directions.

With LSD, it seems that you have a better chance of getting some power to the road. This is all theory on my part since I haven't driven on snow and ice since I lived in New Mexico in the 1970's.

 

An important decision, in my view , involves choice of tires. Seems to me that all season would be a good choice for people living in N. H. However, you are definitely going to need snow tires. You don't say whether you are ordering a Cooper or MCS? DSC is an important safety device that compensates for driving errors, and yes you can switch it off. The cloth interior is fantastic and fits nicely, but the leatherette is very good as well. A couple of reasonably inexpensive options that you may want to look at would be Antrachite headliner for $200 and White instead of Yellow signals in both front and back for $100. Many have commented on the latter and missed this option. Retrofitting this is very expensive. Another way of saving a few hundred is to cherry pick the Premium package by using the manual airconditioning instead of autoair. This saves $400. The cold weather package on the R56 now has three heat settings and seem to warm up quickly. In you have a knowledgeable M.A. he/she should be able to discuss pros and cons of options.

 

Plan on getting MCS, sorry was not clear on that. Premium package has all things that I owuld like so not going to pull that apart.

My plan is to definitely get the all season tires, and probably get a set of snow tires for winter. I have actually never had snow tires in all the years I have lived in NH, and have never gotten into an accident or had any problems, but would be good to have.

I may add some of the little things like the anthracite and lenses as I get to the ordering process, but am more concerned with the performance of the car than the way it looks at this point.

 

Add sports suspension and limited slip. This improves performance more than anything else that I can think of.