Hi all, this will be my first post on the site. My search didn't quite turn up the results I was looking for.

I love the MCS and am going to schedule a test drive this week at my local dealer. I was wondering if anybody here at NAM has switched from the 3 series to a MINI. I'm driving an E46 328 now (and do really like it) but am seriously considering selling it to pick up an MCS. Any thoughts guys?

Kyle

 

Welcome to NAM, Kyle! I'm sure you'll enjoy your test-drive of the MCS. If possible, try one with the John Cooper Works kit, too. My stepdad had a 328i until very recently, and I think you'll find the MINI comparison a very responsive and nimble ride, which will leave you with that famous MINI-grin.

Let us know what you think.




Clo/Wanda

 

I did the switch, sort of.......
In 1999 I drove an E46 328 w/sport package, then in April 2001 I switched (traded-in) for an X5 4.0 w/sport package but in Sept. of the same year I traded it in for a 2001 E46 M3. When we decided to move to Hawaii (in June) I sold the M3 and bought a 2003 MCS - I thought the M3 would be too much for Hawaii. I still think it is too much for here; however, I regret the switch every day :smile: . If you compare a MINI's build quality, ride, luxury, etc., to a BMW you may be dissapointed, however, if you base it on the FUN factor, I don't think you will be dissapointed at all. Make the switch and you will be grinning too!

_________________

 

Hello Kyle and welcome

I myself switched from 1999 BMW Z3 to a 2002 MINI COOPER and hope to trade in for a 2005 MINI COOPER S Convertible. After you have test drive the MCS you will fall in love with it and I may even think you will drive home with one. Anyway good luck on the test drive.

 

Hi

I own a 2003 5 series and a 2004 MCS. I love both of the cars but the ride quality is different(so is the price!). I think you will be happy if you do trade, just don't expect a 3 or 5 series ride.

Good Luck!

 

I've got a '97 M3 that sits parked in my garage all the time because I haven't wanted to drive it since I got my MCS. I don't find the ride quality of the MCS to be any worse than the M3 but then again the M3 never rode as smoothly as a 328 to begin with.

Yeah, the build quality of the MINI won't be what you've got in the 3 series but it's certainly not poor either. And for MUCH less money you can't really complain!

 

I let go of my 98 M3 shortly after I picked up my MCS. I loved the M3, but after 4 years I needed a change. I don't regret the switch at all. They are different cars in many ways. That said, with some well choosen mod's I find the MINI a blast to drive every day.

The only slight let down may have been at the first driving school with the MINI. I was used to the M3's near perfect balance and huge low end torque. I'm sure after I get more dialed into the MINI those thoughts too will pass.

Great cars either way. I think it's more important for some to be driving a BMW. Nothing wrong with that, but if it doesn't matter to you I'd go MINI.

 

The switch you're doing is like going from an Audi A4 V6 to a VW GTI. The 328 is a nice car but really in a different league from the MCS and hard to directly compare.

One suggestion if you do decide to get the MCS is that you should go with the 16" wheels. The 17" wheels and lower profile tires could be too harsh since you're used to the sporty, but still pretty plush ride of the 328.

 

Thanks for all the responses. In the past week or so I've been reading the forums on this site and I am truly impressed. People here are respectful of other members and all share the same love for their cars. The MINI scene is extremely appealing and is calling out to me!

I do like the ride of the 328i, but before that car I was driving a supercharged Civic Si, lowered on 18 inch wheels. Therefore I am used to the harsher, sportier feel of a stiffer suspension.

I'll post back here later this week after my first test drive!

 

Hi Kyle, welcome to NAM
I am another "backwards BMW" convert, going from my //M suspension '93 325i to an MCS. Yes, the MINI isn't as refined, and the ride is not plush, however the handling and overall experience is much much more fun!

Enjoy your test drive,
Ryan

 

I have an '02, MCS and my wife has an '02, 325xi, so I get to drive both cars. When I'm in her's I am very clear that I don't enjoy the driving experience as much.......even though the 325 ride is gentler at lower speeds and and has more thrust. There is no comparison with regard to the fun factor.......my Mini is the
winner here by a wide margin. Good luck!

DS/W, Pilo intake & ignition system, B&M short shifter.......looking forward to a 15%
pulley and GIAC chip.

 

I also went from a 3 series to a MCS. In my case I went from a 94 325i to a 04 MCS.
I don't think the MCS is any less refined than the E46 3 series. If you like the way your 3 series feel, you will like the way MCS feels. The pedals/steering wheel are placed similarly. The car just has the "BMW" feel to it. Steering is fairly linear, and brakes are also very linear, just like the 3 series. The brakes aren't as good though on the MCS.

You will notice that the MCS is a FWD car though. Even though BMW worked hard to eliminate torque steer, you can still feel the steering wheel tugging at you sometimes. (But then, I have the pulley/software mod, with stock all-season tires....) Also, I found the clutch to be much easier to use on the MCS.

Finally, I like the $18,000 I saved over the 330i that I was also interested in. I can also carry more in the MCS when I fold my seats down. Can't beat that hatch.

 

Here's a different point of view. I've never owned a BMW.

I have had to take my Mini into BMW for service a couple times and they have given me a 320i ( I think that's the number)

It was boooooooring. looked nice on the outside, but deadly dull inside. Sure it had faster pickup and higher top end, but man was it ZERO fun to drive.

And it was weird that it was rear-wheel drive.

It kind of blew my whole perception of what a Beamer was. I always kind of aspired to them y'know, but there was no comparison to that which is the MCS

 

I owned two E46 323i sedans, and the last one was totaled by an 18-wheeler which tried to move into my lane at 55 MPH (and I came away with only a scratch). I feel that the Cooper is just as safe, but I'm starting to kick myself lately for buying such a small car when there could be a kid or two in my future. A sedan would have been much easier to deal with in that respect, especially considering that there is NO room behind my seat when I'm sitting comfortably. I guess that means much more seat time in the Accord once that happens. I love almost everything else about the car though.

_________________
2003 BRG/W MINI Cooper S

 

>>>>It kind of blew my whole perception of what a Beamer was. I always kind of aspired to them y'know, but there was no comparison to that which is the MCS
>>
Not to pick nits, but a Bimmer is a BMW automobile, while a Beamer is a BMW motorcycle.

I switched from a VW GTI VR-6 to an MCS. Lost out on power and acceleration, but more than compensated gains in handling and "fun factor".

My MCS is the most fun I've ever had, with my clothes on!

_________________
BLUBELLE - 2003 MCS IB /W Premium, Sport, Cold pkgs, Lapis blue interior, Magnecor wires, Alta Pulley, Moss Skid Plate, Chrome Trim Interior

 

Welcome Kyle!

This morning I was reading an article cut from The Wall Street Journal by Neal E. Boudette, in which he interviewed BMW's CEO, Helmut Panke:

"One of my favorite examples is the blindfold test." states Panke, "Take any of the BMW products, sit in them, touch it, feel it, hear it, feel the feedback from the road. You know exactly this is what a BMW feels like. In our premium brand strategy, The Minis had to be called Minis because they feel completely different. It is exciting to drive, but different."

Just exactly what MINI drivers are saying. (We're a smart group. :smile: )

God speed.

 

Howdy, and welcome!

I am in a similar boat as ministrone. I have never owned a BMW but I had to leave my MCS with the dealer (Crevier) for several days and during that period they gave me the use of a 525 with 5-speed trans and sport package. The car was very nice - quicker off the line, had more torque, had all of the BMW touches but I was bored with the whole experience. I have owned other "sports cars" in the past but the MCS is, by far, my favorite car owning experience! I think you will agree in very short order. I have had mine for just over one year and I still enjoy slipping the key into the ignition today as much as I did on day one!

Take your test drive...and take your checkbook!

 

Well I took my first MCS test drive earlier today! I have to say I was more impressed than I thought I would be. The car handles exceptionally well and I now understand the "fun factor" everyone on this site has been talking about.

However, at this point it doesn't make financial sense for me to sell the 328i and go with the MCS. My BMW is already paid off and if I took on the MCS I would be making payments again. And with my wedding this next summer I should hold off on the MCS for now. Maybe in the future though?

Thanks again for all your reponses to my previous post. I'll keep you all updated if my plans change.

Kyle

 

>>Not to pick nits, but a Bimmer is a BMW automobile, while a Beamer is a BMW motorcycle.
>>

Hah!. I always subscribed to that reasoning and explanation. But I do think the proper spelling is Beemer :smile:

I could be wrong.

Sportbikes and Mini's - Perfect Together.

 

>>I have had to take my Mini into BMW for service a couple times and they have given me a 320i ( I think that's the number)
>>
>>It was boooooooring. looked nice on the outside, but deadly dull inside. Sure it had faster pickup and higher top end, but man was it ZERO fun to drive.


A 320i felt faster than a MCS ? My friend has a 320i and I couldn't beleive how sluggish it felt compared to a MCS. Then MCS has a comparable performance to a 325 and is actually faster to 100mph.
My dad drive a 3 series BMW and although its a nice car my MINI is in a different league IMO in terms of fun and personality. All in all you get more :smile: for less £, bargain

 

I have just sold my 2002 330Ci Convertible and have a 2004 MCS on order. I know it will be very different, but then so is the price. I felt like the mini was my only choice for a car to replcae the 330 without feeling like all the fun had drained out of my entire life. I'm sure that the VW Golf and Honda Accord are great cars, but I need something a little different.

 

I use to own a 94 325is and a 95 M3. I then sold both and got the MCS. Everyday I am tempted to go back to the M3. I love the MCS, the handling is great, but I am not having as much fun in it as I was in my M3. The M3 had the handling and a great engine. Granted, I am used to driving the top of the line BMW cars, M3's, M5's, M Roadsters, so I was used to quite a bit of power as well as excellent handling.

If I were you, I would test drive the MCS a few times. It will not be the same for you as it was for me, since have a 3-series, and I was used to M cars, but it may be similar.

 

KWMSeattle,

I went through the same decision myself. I had a 98 328i (5 speed) and I loved it. I came very close back in 2002 to trading it in for an MCS. (I would have, but the there was a long wait for the MCS at the time).

Then I decided to sell the 328 and buy a brand new 2003 M3. It was awesome. Unfortunately about five months after I got the M3 it was stolen. I then decided to get an MCS. I was seriously considering getting an MCS anyway, even while I had the M3. When the M3 was stolen, I finally decided it my time for the MCS. I really wanted an MCS since they came out in Feb of 02 and it was worth the wait.

Is the M3 better than the MCS? Yes, I think so, but the M3 is also twice the money and I have just as much fun if not more in the MCS.

I've driven E46 3 series many times and yes they are a great car, but you'll like the MCS better. Obviously the 3 series has some advantages, larger back seat etc. It maybe hard to switch to a small car. I say go for the MCS, you can always buy a 3 series again down the road if you need a car with more room.

Good Luck,

RaceCarDriver

 

I made the jump from my BMW 328is to a MCS. I LOVE it!!! I though I might regret it but I haven't so far. I know when it's time to replace the MINI, I think I will go back to a BMW 3. Hopefully a M3.

 

>>Thanks for all the responses. In the past week or so I've been reading the forums on this site and I am truly impressed. People here are respectful of other members and all share the same love for their cars. The MINI scene is extremely appealing and is calling out to me!
>>
>>I do like the ride of the 328i, but before that car I was driving a supercharged Civic Si, lowered on 18 inch wheels. Therefore I am used to the harsher, sportier feel of a stiffer suspension.
>>
>>I'll post back here later this week after my first test drive!


I felt compelled to respond to this post. I'm considering buying a Mini, and if I wasn't sold already, this forum alone would be enough to sell me on one. Visit the Civic Si forum and you'll find, literally, a bunch of children who bicker and can barely complete their sentences. The signal to noise ratio is about 1:200. To a lesser extent, the same holds true for the 350z forum. If a forum is a snapshot of the owner population, then Mini owners are a mature bunch that I think I'll fit perfectly with.