Hi guys, I have been on this forum lurking. I have a few questions to ask you guys:

1. Can we install (please don't reply with money and time we could) the OEM nav system to a non-nav mcs?

2. I have a good deal on a used 2006 mcs on the table for below market price (from a good friend) and I am not sure if I should take it cause it is an auto. I have been driving stick cars since my first car and currently owned a vw gti. I am really concerned with the "feel" and "fun" I would get from an auto mcs?

My decision will be more based on the resell value of the mcs, I know a lot of people would prefer manual, but how is the resell value and "easiness" of an auto mcs?

The mcs I am talking about here has premium and sport package, leather, etc.

3. Should I pass this deal and jump on a 2nd gen mini? I know there are improvements on the handling, breaking, suspension department but is it worth the difference?

4. Alright, I am just going to throw it out there since you guys know about prices better than me:
2006 MCS Sport + Prem package, 15,000 miles -$20k, the real deal?

TIA

 

Hi LA20, and welcome!
1. I'm sure it can be done, but very complicated and expensive. Not for the faint of heart, or short on patience.
2. I'm on my 3rd MINI, and this time went with the Auto. You can drive it however you wish (full-auto, Sport mode, or full manual) so you get the best of all possibilities.
Resale-wise, you are opening up a second market, so you'll probably get better responses.
3. If the deal is that sweet, jump on it. There are far more modding options on 1st Gen (for now) and a wealth of knowledge and info available. I haven't driven a 2nd Gen yet, so can't compare.

Whatever you decide, please keep us posted, and pics are always a nice touch!

 

You would be much better off finding a MINI that has the factory system. It would be an incredible expensive nightmare to install.

The factory NAV isn't all that great when compared to a less than $200 Garmin. I'd say get a Garmin and a nice Kuda mount and you're set.

 

Yep.....go for the Garmin or equivilent.

Have you had a chance to drive it or compare it to a manual tranny? The auto does have the option of going "manual".

Drive both and then take your pick. The 06 1st gen cars are a bit less prone to problems than the 2nd gen's.

 

Drive it and imagine living with it a year. Will you miss the shifting? I did when I had an auto... but that was many years ago. Resale will likely be a non-issue, both retain their value. The auto is a tad slower, but not by too much, and you'll probably only notice it at the track.

Ditto the above re/ GPS systems - the removable ones are great now, and not a hassle to install/remove. On the '02-'06's there's a hinged panel below the steering wheel that makes running the cord in a hidden fashion a non-issue. I mounted mine (Mio, $150ish from buy.com, now they're less) using a suction cup mount on the DS lower corner of the windshield.

 

Thanks alot for the response guys. I have a modded vw gti, so I know a thing or two.

I live in SF and I don't think I am going to miss the shifting as much however I always thought that whenever someone thinks of a MCS they will automatically thinks manual,

 

1. Not practically.
2. Personal decision - I like to shift, but it's a good deal...
3. It's faster, newer and more expensive. Probably not worth it if you're willing to get an auto because it's a good deal.

You live in SF and your handle is LA?

 

GTIs are cool. I had a 1991 2.0 16v, modified to SCCA SSB spec (techtonics handbuilt motor, konis, quaife, cage, Simpsons, etc etc.). It was my driver for 5 years.

My MCS is that A2 GTI turned up to 11.

 

I think the transmission will vary in resale by region. In SF I would think people would want an Auto more than a manual. You can verify this by looking at Mini's for sale in your area and see if they are going for more or less than comparable manuals.
That said, the auto in the Mini has been known to throw fits and is is very expensive to fix or replace (read replace, cause you'll be replacing and not fixing).

FWIW, a "great deal" would be anything less than trade-in. Otherwise it's just a deal.
As for the Nav. I wouldn't think it would be cost effective to add it after the fact. You'll end up spending so much $$ that you'll lose the "deal" that you just got.

 

Can you give some example of the "fits"?
Does the auto on mcs just an auto transmission or does mini develop their own auto like dsg, smg, ferrari, etc?

Alright, I am just going to throw it out there since you guys know about prices better than me:
2006 MCS Sport + Prem package, 15,000 miles -$22.5k, the real deal?

 

Decided to pull the trigger, awesome handling and not disappointed at all with the auto tranny (in fact it feels nice!). Ride is a bit harsher than I thought but definitely not as harsh as my super low gti on B&G coils.

 

Hey LA20,

congrats! If you are running 17" wheels, you might consider spending $107 on a pair of M7 strut tower plates, which might save you should you smack into a huge pot hole somewhere in SF. I've never had the problem, but I read about mushrooming shock towers ( I run 16" wheels, but bought a pair of plates for cheap insurance). And... if I lived in San Fransisco, I'd consider an auto.

 

Only problem with the auto that I've heard, yes I have an automatic as well and live in the bay area, is if you want to go nuts with modding the auto has a lower torque spec than the manual transmission. Something around 220 ft-lbs. Now most normal mods wont get there, but if you were to put a turbo or a 2.0L in your mini, then your transmission would probably stop you from doing those things. I could be wrong, and would actually be glad if I was since I want the 2.0L in my mini..

-Mike

 

What 2.0L?

 

Its a 2.0L engine replacement for th mini that someone is developing..

 

Any more info.........