I am looking at picking up a Mini for daily driver use as well as for auto-x and some light fun, nothing serious.

I am trying to decide between a newer 08 R56 MCS M6 or going with an 06 R53 MCS JCW M6. If the price was the same, and the mileage and condition were similar, what would you choose and why?

Thanks,
Scott

 

Test drive each one...they are VERY different cars!!
Then decide.
Folks can chat about the virtues of each, but it comes down to personal choice.

 

I have driven the R56 turbo MCS yesterday...but have not went and test drove the JCW MCS, and it's raining today, so I posted up. I was just curious about the performance, handling, comfort, etc...personally I prefer the looks of the R56 compared to the R53, but the JCW package looks really good too.

I was also looking at an 03 MCS M6 that has the same low mileage, same excellent condition, but it is around $6000 less...but I have heard/read that the 05-06 were the best years for the R53 and that the R56 was even better...but I'm not sure I buy into all of it. The LSD issue is a big one for me, not looking to buy a Mini and have to swap in an LSD right away.

 

The '06 would be choice...the greatest incarnation of the gen1 mini with the hard-top.
The gen2 is a nicer riding car in some ways...IMO the steering is not as good..feedback wise. Some early gen2 cars had serious motor issues...they just have fixed/found most of the issues recently..chain trensioner issues, start rattles, even intake ice...so get a bit of a history on both cars...see what has been fixed...they both have strong/weaknpoints.
The gen1 cars are a bit more raw, visceral experance, gen2 is more of a BMW polished feel...I like gen1 interiors better, and it is much more moddable...
Gen2 might have some warrenty left...plusses and minuses go on and on...

 

On the 03, there are many differences...a bit less hp, different gearing, more rattle prone dash, etc...build quality is generly much better in later gen1 Mini's...it took a couole years to "get it right" in the factory so to speak...and many items were updated in the'O5 refresh...

 

I haven't driven a JCW car, but I've driven the R56 & R53, and prefer the R53 all the way. In fact, I own one. My personal bias aside, most will agree that '05-'06 is the sweet spot of first gen S's.

Personally, I prefer the first gen styling (both inside & out), but I know the OP differs. For your listening pleasure the R53 comes w/the sweet supercharger whine & exhaust burble. And oh yeah, the R53 is a JCW!

But alas, in the end it's the car that you feel the best in, and you really can't lose either way. Good luck!

 

We drove the R53 and R56 back to back and the R53 is what we prefer- we like the exterior/interior better and also liked the level of feedback and driver involvement in the R53.

But as others have said, drive both and see which one fits you best.

 

As most have said: Drive them both, then decide.
But you asked for opinions and my signature says it all: Easy Choice.

The 2006 was the end of the line for the R53's and all the quirks were fixed.
The factory installed JCW kit made the car everything it was designed to be.

Can't say that about the second year R56 MCS.

Hope this helps...

 

2006 R53.

No HPPF issues.

Supercharger doesn't melt the hood scoop.

you get a blower.

No Seafoam every 10K Miles.

2006s are well sorted and reliable.

Lotsa speed parts.

15% pulley makes it into a rocket.

Hmmmmm.

2008 R56 "S"

better seats.

better paint.

glove compartment doesn't fall out.

no power steering issues.

better alternator.

more body mods available

more opportunities to visit the service department.

better brakes.

you get a turbo.

you get to spend a lot of time understanding the quirks of turbocharging

Hmmmmm.

I'd bet if Mini were to conjur up a bunch of brand new R53s, they'd be sold before the end of the month.

I'd buy the first one.

 

i drove a mcs m6 2007 turbo and then a mcs m6 2006 and ended up buying the 2006. i think it look and drives better. like everyone is saying, it a matter of preference. i love the whine of the s/c w. the alta intake! gonna take it to Jan B. next month for a cam, injectors, pulley, belt, plugs and tune! shes gonna be a MONSTER!!

 

I prefer the 02-06 over 07+. Before I bought my 05 S I drove an 04 S a number of times and then finally drove an 08. wasn't impressed at all...no supercharger whine...the interior just did not appeal to me (to some it may), and like others on here have said, the overall look (interior and out) of the r53 is more favorable.

I love my 05, have only had it for a few months and got it with only 36k on it, but it's fun and one hell of a ride. good luck

 

1st gen! Looks better. The supercharger sounds better than the turbo. I've heard of some serious problems with the second gen waterpump drives. Get an '06. Or an '06 - '08 cabriolet. JCW!

 

Definately the 08 R56 S!
a.) The 08 still has factory warranty.
b.) Better intrest rateif your financing.
c.) A vehicle that is 5 years newer.
d.) If you are a Tuner, The Turbo is fantastic.

I have driven both and I purchased an 08 R56 S..... Just my $.02

P.S. No quirks with my turbo. Simple bolt ons are Great!

 

I just traded my 06 R53 for a new 11 R56. I really like the changes over the 1st generation. I wanted better gas mileage and less rattles. The R56 feels much better made in all aspects. For a daily driver you will appreciate the more comfortable ride of the R56 as well.

 

Be sure to go to the second generation MINI forums and pose the same question. I am positive that you will get a different perspective there.

I have had the opportunity to drive an '06 JCW car back to back with an '09 JCW car. To me, the choice is clear: the '06. Don't get me wrong; I think the R56 is a very good car. But I prefer all aspects of the R53 more. IMO, the R56 feels like a softened R53.

I will soon be looking for a daily driver to keep the miles down on my 911. I plan to get an '05-'06 R53. A JCW version would be even better, but not mandatory.

 

supercharger is the way to go with the MINI
Definetely get the R53