Hi everyone, first post around here. If somebody else has posted this issues, sorry for posting them again.

I just ordered my Mini, a "Salt" version, which is the base model in Mexico. I comes standard with the sport suspension (the regular suspension), 15 inch tires in very skinny 175 tires. I have a few questions for you people that had the car for a longer time.

I test drove a Chili version with the sport plus suspension and the car is an awesome handler, I tried as hard as ever to loose the tail and it was impossible, but the ride felt a little harsh (roads in mexico city are in terrible shape). I was wondering how different is the ride between the regular and plus suspension? Do you sacrifice a lot of handling with the softer suspension?

Other questions: I love the bonnet stripes but I noticed they are stickers and not painted, how long will these last? anybody having trouble with the bonnet stripes?

Final question: What are the changes for the 03 model? Only thing I´ve noticed so far is the glove box (yeah!). What are things I should be specially careful checking out when receiving the car?

Thanks everybody.

 

meximinime: welcome to MCO!

In Mexico, does the Chili version come with the 16" wheels and run-flats? My inclination is that the run-flats are really the source of the ride comfort difference, because of the stiff sidewalls. Since you're getting a Cooper, that will have a spare and a jack, so you could get regular tires on there and improve the ride quality.

As for bonnet stripe durability, I would expect that if you are picky (like I am), you might be replacing those periodically. I'll be installing new stripes in the spring, as my old stripes were getting pitted on the leading edge (near the grille) from all the gravel that gets laid down on the roads in the winter here. The good news though, is that vinyl is cheap (I paid 30 USD for the vinyl stripes and 45 USD for the installation of custom stripes).

 

Yes, the Chili version comes with the run-flat tires. I didn´t know those tires were so hard. I´ll be getting the regular tires though, so I hope the ride gets more comfortable. I love the sporty feeling of the suspension but quite honestly driving a stiff car everyday over these roads ends up becoming a torture instead of enjoying it.

 

Hey mexminime..
I may be able to answer your questions from an insider's viewpoint, as I live in Mexico as well.
I have a Cooper S "Hot Chili" with 17-inch runflats and sport plus suspension. The ride is quite a bit stiffer than your regular 15's will be.
However, in Mexico City depending on where you live, ANY of the tire/suspension choices may seem harsh around town.
Drive carelessly through "El Chamizal" (Bosques) and you will DESTROY your MINI, regardless of your tire choice, so keep your eyes on the crappy road at all times.
As far as changes go, U.S. MINIs get a second remote control key, but of course, we don't. :???:
Also, we just now get a glove box whereas in the U.S. they've had it all along.
Enjoy your mini and hope to see you out on the streets!

 

Never having driven on run flat tires before, I thought the stiff ride was normal. However, the other day, I checked the tire pressure and it read 44 lbs. Checking the manual, I saw the recommended inflation pressure was 35 lbs (cold). After lowering the pressure to the recommended figure, I was amazed at how much softer the ride was. I suggest to everyone who has run flats to check and adjust the tire pressure if need be. It makes a BIG difference.