We are looking at a new R56 MCSa vs. R53 MCSa (2005+). It seems the price gap between a brand new '07 and a slightly used '05 and '06 isn't that much. That being said, I would like to solicit opinions on the differences between the two including differences in the automatic tranny, feel of turbo vs. supercharger with the auto, and what would you do in my case?

Thanks!

 

If you want an automatic, I'd definitely go with the R56. The CVT was most underwhelming. Aside from that, you really gotta try them both out. They are different, though related, beasts.

 

I think the 2005+ MCS had the 6 speed tiptronic, is this correct, or was it only some of them?

 

You are correct all MCSa's have a 6speed automatic tranny.

 

settling in w/ MCSa
Done about 550 miles so far and have finally found my comfort level w/ the automatic. Have to admit, its not bad at all. My totally subjective comments.

The car is plenty quick in full automatic but comes "alive" in sport of manual shift mode even if you do not shift gears. The raised rev limits keep the engine in a better sweet spot.

At first I thought I preferred the manual mode w/o shifting gears except to downshift for turns. Re-evaluated that and now run full manual shifting gears with the gear lever rather than the steering wheel buttons ( 40 plus years of rowing gears will do that to ya). I prefer to control the gear change rather than letting the brain box do the work and it downshifts "smoother" manually then the computer chosen gear down points (can be jerky). It upshifts and downshifts immediately and helps keep the chassis balanced very well. The only downside for me is a few brain fades forgetting to upshift--still driving an auto---that will fade in the next few days with more miles.

I also have added the sport button engaged to the full manual shifting and like the weight of the steering in that mode.

On the highway I just drop it back into full auto dropping revs and saving a few hydrocarbons. The accelerator downshift gives more than enough passing power when needed. I am still on break in so have not really run up the tach. There is more than enough power to pass even using the imposed 4500 limit.

For those who like hole shots (not that I have tried yet) you can downshift into 1st at stop lights (sport/manual is a 2nd gear start) and really burn up those run flats.

For those who have opted this trans by choice or compromised to accomadate another driver (ME) this is a fun, efficient automatic. Maybe someday MINI will have a DSG type trans but for now, I am very satisfied. Its all good--it just took some experimenting to find my comfort level. Now a few more miles and I can run up the tach and really feel the need for speed.

I wonder how much the JCW kit will raise the bar. Got to start salting away those pennies. That kit could be very tempting. Jury still out on runflats. Not liking the lack fo feel. Can't decide if I should burn these tires up or opt out now. Even 20K miles is a year and a half away. Brigestones RE960 AS 215/45-17 (this is my snow car) highly endorsed by my guy at Tire Rack. Loved the P Zero Nero M/s on 2004 Cooper but Bridegstones are supposedly better.

PS..this trans is way better than CVT. No jerking in reverse. No early morning run away.

The R53a should have the same trans. Software programming may be different. The turbo has grt torque, the supercharger has grt sound. I drove the R53MCSa and was not knocked over enough to trade up from 04 Cooper. Once I drove the R56 a order was placed with weeks. I preferred the new car enough to take the $$ hit. Drive em both--only you can decide which you prefer.

 

Thanks emtrey for the info on the MCSa, good to know. So the R56 has a bunch more torque than the R53's?

 

not sure on exact ft/lbs torque number BUT its noticeable( spec shows 220 nwm vs 240 nwm on R56) Drive em back to back.
What I like to do is drive back to back to back putting the car I am leaning toward on the outside ends. It should be pretty obvious.

Its all what YOU prefer.

 

I'll be going to drive both today. Will let everyone know my impressions!

 

Have fun and don't forget to wind it up in manual mode

Unfortunately I found that the test drive did fall short since the transmission takes awhile to 'learn' your driving style, and in my case was not responding nearly as aggressively as it did after owning our 05 and driving it for awhile (and what a relief that was, the test drive had left me somewhat concerned). I was reminded of this recently when the battery died and the car was reset, boy the power response felt sapped afterwards! Took awhile but its all back to its normal perky self now though

 

Don't forget the Sport button.

 

I've taken two test drives. The car in Omaha performed flawlessly and really got me hooked on the MCS. The one is Kansas City ran well but was hard to shift. Seemed like I had to force it into gear quite often. I felt like I should be double clutching it like I did the 1948 International pickup I drove right out of high school. Not what I want in a Mini. Now I have to decide on a dealer. Omaha is much closer (140 miles vs 250) than Baron down in KC but whenever I go the KC I get to stop at a BBQ place. Plus the sales lady in KC is a real looker. Decisions decisions

 

Didn't get to do the test drive quite yet, but we did get to see about 30 MINI's on the lot in Towson.

Is the hi-fi sound system worth the extra $550? The blue trimmed leather seats are NICE - but can the $1k be justified?
How about DSC? Doesn't the mini come standard with a milder form of it?

 

Thanks for the great write up. My MCSa is due in a few days and I'm looking forward to the tricks and feel of the tranny. Mine too is a compromise with "other drivers" that haven't {sic} (won't) master a three-pedal car. Your thoughts gave me encouragement for the new ride. Ive ordered a set of 18's with Yoko Parada Spec 2 215 summer tires. We'll wee how it rides with this set-up and the sport suspension. Only another week or two. Sounds like the break in period will be tortuous. Maybe I should plan a road trip to burn up the miles.

 

I have the HIFI, blue cloth/leather interior and DCS. I highly recommend all 3. The HIFI is not the greatest system I ever heard, but it is much better than the stock one. It's main weak point is that the speakers can't handle all the power the amp delivers. So, if you listen LOUD, the sound degrades. It also seemed to take a little while for the system to break-in. The blue cloth/leather seats are great. Of course, the color is a matter of personal preference. Well, all of it is, but, what can you say about color? Anyway, it hs cloth just where it should be and leather just where it "fits." I consider DCS an essential safety feature and I have never had it interfere with my driving, even when I drive spiritedly, which is often. It compliments ACS, but is not simply a "stronger" version of it. Several threads have discussed the technical principles of both. Although, this may set myself up for some flames, for the most part, those who complain about DCS, complain about it in the theoretical sense, as in, they don't like the "car to tell them what to do" but have never actually expreienced an issue with it, and/or have demonstrated highly immature, dangerous believes and conduct. (I am, of course, referring to street, as opposed to track, use).

 

Agree with LynnEl on DSC and hi-fi. Definite must haves. As far as seats go, I have plain leatherette.

 

Lynn,
Thanks for the information. I'll probably end up keeping the DSC and HiFi. The main issue right now is the seats - here are my thoughts:

Leatherette - liked the feel, do they crack and require maintenance like real leather?
Cloth - Looks good, liked the leatherette feel a bit better
Cloth / Blue Leather - awesome looking, does it come with Lumbar? Hopefully leather protectant would keep them looking good for a long time...

 

You're welcome. I have lumbar supports. Whether it came with the leather/cloth or another package, I'm not sure. Leatherette is nice, but I find the cloth less suseptable to tempreature. Obviously, I haven't had the car long, but the leather looks brand new still.

 

Just a thought...not that we should be looking down the road toward resale value, but one of the things that folks buying used cars look for is leather seats. They tend to hold up better long-term (if cared for), and they don't show the stains/fade that cloth does over time.

 

Ok question next - is there any advantage to ordering a MINI from one dealership vs. another? They all seem to be at MSRP and I guess the only difference is if they will throw in any options...?

 

If you have a choice, I'd be more interested in their service reputation, loaner policy and convenience to get to vs. whether they give you a "freebee" at purchase. You may want to do a search of Tate MINI on NAM as much has been said, but I have no experience myself with them.

 

I have the cloth seats. While they are comfortable, they do not have an adjustable lumbar support feature. I hear that it comes with full leather. Not sure about the in-between seat options.

I would definitely go for DSC -- an excellent safety feature.

I went for the HIFI upgrade. Even if you aren't completely happy with its quality, I think it makes upgrading easier. You can just swap out the speakers for better quality.

My problem with the MINI sound system is that I mainly listen while on long trips at 65+ mph. At that speed, the road/wind noise is such that no sound system is going to sound great unless played at levels that cause hearing loss. If you listen while stuck in city traffic, you may find it more useful.

 

I do have cloth/leather combo with lumbar support. As I said, I don't recall if the seat comes that way or if a package I got added it. But, I don't remember it being an issue, so I suspect the seat comes with it.

 

I have full leather with lumbar, and love them. I also have the DSC and HiFi, both are also really nice to have. One thing that I would suggest if I could...the Xenons. They are awesome. If I had to give up something else to get them, I think I would opt for the cloth and leather seats. Seats can always be covered with anything you want, the Xenons are essential. Good luck!

 

+1 on the xenons.

 

I hate the Xenons. I'm really sorry I got them (came in a package). The high beams are great, when you can use them. However, the low beams are very bright and do not scatter light. So, the cut-off of the low beams is very abrupt. Your eyes adjust to the bright area close to your car. Beyond the illuminated area is pitch black. With traditional lights on my '90 Acura the low beams to blow my night vision so much, and they scatter some light beyond the low-beam cut-off. So, I can see significantly farther with low beam on the Acura than I can with the MINI.

I live in an area that is semi-rural. Lots of twisty country roads with no street lights and a 50 mph speed limit. There is enough oncoming traffic that using high beams means constantly going between low and high. The low-beam area is really too short for safely driving 50 mph in the dark.

I hate Xenons.