Okay, a few observations and comparisons to the E60 530i I just swapped in for the new Clubman S.

Hyperdrive. I did not even know I was getting the option, but it kicks in at about 3500 rpm in third or fourth gear. It is very important to do proper calculations before engaging this option so you do not overrun any SUV's or pickup trucks, or planets that might be in the way. The 530i had nothing like this.

Bug Killer. The upright windshield gathers bug guts like no other vehicle. The 530i's windshield and bonnet were apparently very well tuned to slip under bugs. The Mini's attitude is, "screw 'em...they shouldn't be out here on the road." My advice...liberal application of rainex and some strong detergent windshield washer fluid...I think mine was only loaded with water.

Superior Seats. My 2005 530i had an interior that was lovely to behold, but the seats made my 53 year old back miserable within two hours. The far less expensive Clubman has seats that I wish were in my study. These are the most comfortable seats I have been in since my E30 M3's.

Comfort Access. It rocks. Every car should have this. Ditto on the Xenon headlights and iPod adapter and bluetooth. The technology is better in the Mini than the BMW.

38 MPG. What else can I say? After 500 miles of mixed and experimental driving, that is what the computer is showing. Simply fantastic.

No Sun Roof. I also have a 2006 Mini Coupe. The only complaint with that car has been the sunroof and its habit of turning the interior into a replica of Three Mile Island during a summer in Kentucky. I ordered the new one without and I love it. It is far more quiet as well, which allows me to enjoy the iPod adapter and the stereo system.

Summary. In interstate traffic the Clubman is a bit like bringing a knife to a gunfight compared to the BMW. But, if you are going to a knife fight, the Clubman is like bringing a finely crafted Samurai sword. As I look out on the world today with the cost of oil and the changes that will bring...I think there are going to be a lot more knife fights! I like the weapon I have chosen.

Okay, that is about it so far. Got to go out and start trying to remove bug guts from her!

 

Great update! Love the MINI bug attitude

You've just addressed most of my main concerns re seats, sunroof, & comfort access - I was worried that I'd miss the sunroof, but tunes are more important to me. What kind of seats did you get? Leather? or other? I can't wait to get mine...days away...

Thanks!

 

Nice post Tommy; more please - and some pics!

 

the more I read about the sunroof, the more I wonder if I should have not ordered it, . I live in Phoenix and I have a feeling I am going to regret it, even with a tint I think it might be unbearable. Guess I will need to find a way to block it out yet retain the factory look..

 

I went for the full leather interior...punch carbon black. There is also another feature I should have mentioned...the JCW carbon fiber shifter. It is a pleasure to hold in one's hand. Looks uber-cool too.

 

deadringer-I lived in Tucson and drove a New Beetle with a sunroof,did not have any particular problem with the heat.Q

 

I'm in Denver and it's not as hot as Phoenix but we do have HOT sun and most of the time. I don't think the sunroof is as bad as most people are saying. I have the screen shut 90% of the time and it keeps the heat down. Just for light I have wanted a solid cover but it's livable for me. Another plus would be driving Oak Creek canyon and being able to look out the top

 

I agree, i am so glad i didnt order my clubman with a sunroof, i took a ride in my friends mcs the other day and it was like an oven,

Plus did you know that according to the local mini specialist Chad Miller, the sunroof weighs around 80lbs!

I never expected that!

 

Love the bug killer reference! Great review!

I've yet to find out what the sunroof will be like on mine, but since I have the Tuscan interior, I'm thinking it will stay cooler, anyway. I've had a car with a sunroof (and ivory or beige interior) since I was 18, and will never be without one.

 

Tommy, I'll hit 500 miles this week.
I don't miss my BMW.
The ClubmanS acceleration is amazing.
You have some great observations.

I'll never buy a car without Comfort Access...unless the car is a throw away.

 

Thanks for the feedback Tommy! Nice post, I am hoping to test drive a clubS tomorrow as MINI Towson is due to have one in and available. Will investigate the sunroof, I love having one but have always had a underside cover to keep the sun from baking the interior. Otherwise, your option list sounds like mine. Glad to hear is is working well and killing bugs.
Enjoy!
John

 

I too live in Phoenix. When asking the MA about tint on the sunroof he said they don't do it, mumbling something about spontaneous combustion...

 

Oh, insect population control with hyperdrive... that does about cover it
We did take out a fairly serious looking bug earlier today and got some evidence:

And there's a closeup, if you're into that sort of thing...

 

Nice closeup. I'm sure that bug had it coming.

 

janabad, you sure that's a bug?
It's either a gargoyle or a registered voter, with photo ID.

I say the grills should be metal with and electric charge. Bug zappers even when not moving!

 

EWWWWWWWWW!! Are ya sure that ain't a bat??

 

I've heard that with the Audi A3 they were having trouble with people putting tinting on the sunroof. Something about a "gas" forming between the glass and the tint causing the glass to crack.

 

Ya...
I thought it was a dragonfly because we had hit one and it got stuck to the driver's side windshield wiper and took several hits of fluid to get loose.

Now it looks like some sort of flying shrimp as the turbo continued to cook it for another 70 miles of driving.

 

Good lord, that's huge! Smack in the middle too...yeeesh

 

Regarding the sunroof, the fabric screen/shade option is nice in that it lets some air in & gives an "open" feel, yet blocks the direct sun when the glass is open. That being said, I'm sure AZ sun is much more potent than upstate NY! Also, the bit of screen that pops up when the roof is open reduces the wind noise somewhat. Of course, it also acts as a bug catcher...

 

I think the fabric screen/shade is standard on all sunroofs. The problem is that is simply is not enough shade! I have never understood why they designed it without a solid shade.