Took my PS/B MC in for service today and walked out having put a deposit down on a CR/W JCW MCS. Never thought I'd choose this color. I was sure IB/W was my next choice, but I saw a red and white the other day (it's the first color scheme I saw when I fell in love w/ the MINI), and it was so incredibly crisp and clean looking. Suddenly I realized it's the one I now want. After driving my Cooper since February w/ all 3 packages I'm pretty clear on option choices, but I still have a couple of issues: 16" or 17" wheels- those who have had both, what do you think? And the one that's killing me: sunroof or not? Don't really use mine that much (too noisy at any real speed), but I love the idea that it's there, and I wonder how much I'll miss the visual overhead window. It looks perfect on a black roof but really cuts up the look of a white roof. I left it out, and ordered the 17" run-flats, but I have plenty of time to change my order. Anybody NOT get a a sunroof after having one and really regret it??? Do the 17" wheels increase the handling enough to overcome the rougher ride and make them a better choice???

 

If you have and MCS with JCW kit ordered then power is ample and it doesn't matter that the sunroof and the S-lytes both weigh alot. looks good but very heavy stuff that you could do without.

However if you deleted both then you'd have enough saved up for a nice set of 16" lightweight wheels of your liking and non runflat performance tires like Yokohama ES100 215/45-16 and that would be far better than your current setup.

Add a rear swaybar 22mm on medium to soft setting to balance out the suspension.

 

16vs17 is a big debate, there's a thread over in the tire forum. Basically though, 16 = comfort, light weight. 17 = less comfort, some say looks (I prefer the 16s), and better skidpad performance. Someone said the 16s got .83g on the skidpad and the 17s got .89 or .87g. You're not going to notice that though unless you're driving at the limit. So if you want more comfort go with the 16s (and looks I say). You probably already knew all this already.

As for the sunroof I got one on my EB/EB MCS. It's great. I didnt think I'd want if because of the weight, but then I realized I'm no racer. I also thought it'd be annoying at speed, but I usually only use it below 50, street speeds basically.

Like you, if I ever get another one (I will when I have the means, I'm in college right now) I'm gonna go with DS/DS. I love the EB, but everytime I see a pic or one in person it's the nicest looking thing ever.

 

Our cooper has a sunroof I love it. The S Doesn't I love it and I don't miss the sunroof when driving it. The white top begs for a picture the black top begs for a sunroof. Just my .02
RAT


Also go for the white 17's you will love them
and hate them

 

I bought my JCW with performance in mind. I puposefully kept the options to a minimum. I chose the sport package for the 17" rims but ended up buying a set of 16" Kosei K-1 racing rims for Autocross use. I am now considering getting a second set of 17" k-1's for street use and loosing the run flats.

As far as the sunroof is concerned it adds weight to the car up high. I personally did not like the sunroof on the test car. I did not like the fact that the sun can always get through it with just a screen that pulls over it. In Florida that was a big issue to me. I also sis not like the way it broke up the roof line. I wanted to put a checkered flag on the roof and knew the sunroof would mess that up.

On a side note. Having driven my MCS without then with the JCW package I can tell you that you will LOVE the JCW upgrade. The car is fun as a MCS but with that extra ummmphh!! The JCW provides it becomes a blast to drive. I pulls very hard in 3rd gear. I cannot express how happy I am with the JCW upgrade. You will love it!!

 

I would go for both the sunroof and aftermarket 17" wheels.
The only regret that I have...was not to choose a MCS w/ a NAV system.

Just my 2cents :smile:

Peace,
D

_________________
I own a 2002 MCS w/ alot of stuff on it.

 

Very much appreciate the member input. Since I don't autoX, I'm not as concerned about weight as I am cruising amenities, so I will probably opt for the sunroof, especially since I've heard that one can do a white perforated vinyl sunroof cover if desired to help highlight the white roof. I've now read enough about the 17" wheels and handling to make me think that they're what I want, and I do want run-flats, since I can't abide the thought of a flat tire. Re: the nav system: living in a small town in Oregon makes this feature pretty useless, and the cost vs. the number of times I'd use it in a year would make it a bit silly. I've also gotten to really enjoy that big 'ol speedo in the middle of things. Re: the JCW kit- I break into a grin every time I think of the fun ahead (albeit 9 or10 months from now