R55 Clubman S (Hubby) vs. Loaded non S Interior (Wife)!

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Jul 29, 2008 | 06:57 PM

#76

Reldieh

3rd Gear

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 234

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Quote:

Originally Posted by daffy

We finally came to a compromise and we're getting the S (so he'll have fun driving) and the chrome line (so I get some bling in the car)

, but we're keeping the Navi.

Good decision!

Either way you go, you won't be sorry!

I've never been into small cars, and I think this is the best car EVER!!!
And, if I didn't have the money to "trick it out", so to speak, I would still buy it, bone stock if I had too.

So... yeah... I'm sure whichever decision you come to, you will be happy as a pig in poo when the time comes to drive it home!

Jul 29, 2008 | 11:03 PM

#77

Dr Obnxs

Former Vendor

iTrader: (7)

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 10,340

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From: Woodside, CA

I woudn't get them....

Quote:

Originally Posted by daffy

BTW, he wants to keep the 17"wheels and after reading some of your posts, I don't think we should. Am I right on this one? He's reasoning is not good enough to convenience me. He said that with the 17" it'll be more solid in turns. I say having the S model is solid enough, 17" is heavier and less smooth in driving, and I don't see any difference in size. Compromise is never easy!

But I'm sure you can test drive two cars and feel the difference. FWIW, both will come with run-flats, and they are stiffer in the side wall than better performance rubber. But really, the best fix for handling for the Mini is some front camber plates and some rear anti-sway bar, both easy parts to put on.

And the 16" with the slightly taller tires will do much better with pot-holes. While many would want the "more performance" oriented 17" wheels, most can't drive the car to the limits where it would even matter. Also, for AutoX, 15" wheels give some advantage due to faster turn in. It's higher speed road course type stuff that gets benefit from bigger tires. And the car doesn't have the torque to really demand a massive contact patch.

The 17" are heavy (from Mini), and the tires will cost you a bit more to buy (here is a big hint, never, ever, ever buy tires from the dealer!) you can check out the difference over at Tire Rack.

For what the dealer would charge you for a new set of run-flat tires, or even some places that are less expensive, you can find tires and wheels with better, higher performance rubber (check Edge Racing or TireRack), keep the 16" for winter tires for the nasty weather, and get some seriously sticky tires for the nice months.

Matt