Hello,
I'm thinking about trading in my 2001 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG with 380HP/400lb ft of torque for a 08 mini cooper (base) 6sp. Crazy right? well I want a very nimble compact car/daily driver with MAXIMAL fuel efficiency, and think the MC will fit the bill nicely. I thought about a low mileage used 2006 MCS for same money but gas mileage isn't as good. My other option is 08 Honda Civic Si sedan.

I'm in Ann Arbor, MI and I realize there is no mini dealer nearby, so I'll be shopping throughout the midwest & Baltimore/DC region (family) for the best deal. If you know a willing to deal dealer in the region, plz PM me.

Anyway, I just built one on mini website, what do u think? Any options I do/don't need? I like the bonnet stripes, hopefully I'll get them done for free.

chili red/white roof
white turn signals
cold weather pkg
xenon
6sp manual
15" rotator spoke
sport seats
int surf fine white silver (?)
chrome line interior
cloth: check carbon black
rooster red color line
comfort access sytem
hifi audio
TOTAL $21,550

 

Go R56 Cooper S! you will regret it if you don't...IMO....great gas milage too! I'm getting 42mpg @ 60mph.

 

The only thing I can think to add might be front/rear foglights. I use the rear fog when even during rain storms...any time when you might want to optimize visibility. It also gives you two extra toggles!! If you think you might want it, get it now because it's relatively cheap from the factory.

Another thing to consider is DSC. I won't say you need it...but it comes with a "hill-assist" feature that turns out to be very useful. Something to consider.

Coopers are really great on fuel economy...I've been able to get 40 mpg around town, but that's when I'm trying. I think 38 is more realistic around town...highway, of course would be much higher. I also think the Cooper has plenty of power for daily driving...MCSs have too much.

 

I assume you have driven an MC. The ride is not going to be as gentle as your Mercedes. If you are fine with that, the MC will give you great gas mileage.

Some of the options that people often regret not ordering are:
Anthracite Headliner
Rear Fogs

I like the heated seats. Much faster to warm up than the heater.
Personally, I would drop the chrome interior. I don't like having the dash reflected in the windows nor getting sun reflections off the dash.
I have the Xenons, but don't think they are such a great idea -- unless you do a lot of high-beam only country driving. I dislike the low-beams for dark country roads.

 

I agree with minipete07 get the Mini Cooper S.

 

Get the Cooper S.

I work at a Honda/Acura/Mazda dealership and could get a Civic Si for a great deal... but after having driven and seen these day in and day out, I drive an MCS... go for the MCS!

 

Get the cooper S!!!!!

 

I still wonder what life would be like with less power, so I am not gonna say get the S. But, I love mine, and I'm not trading it in on a base model with the same features, so take that for what its worth. If you've driven both of them, then you know what you are getting into with each.


I have to vote against the chrome line interior. I liked how it looked in the catalog, but in real life it was a bit much.

I'd also opt for anything but cloth seats. The only car seats I have destroyed were cloth. The vinyl is actually really nice for vinyl, and if you can afford the leather, darn it's pretty.

I went with the standard S interior surface. The only one of the optional ones I considered was the brushed aluminum one. The others looked like they were gonna show marks from careless passengers, even though they were very pretty. I especially like the look of the piano black.

And I can't overrate the value of DSC. Even if you are Jackie Ickx, someone might be driving your car that isn't. Plus, even he went off the road sometimes.

 

is it not a better deal to just get the sport package?
you get the seats, fog lights, and DSC.
Also the sport mode (forgot ha ha)

Also, all the reading I've done here and other sites
I'm not sold on the xenons.
We're thinking of adding a clubman. I'm not ordering
it with xenons.

 

I went from a BMW 3 series to a MC and have been very happy. If you want the best MPG and a good ride get the 15" wheels.

 

I got the MCa With 15" and Im very happy with the ride and performance. BTY it does come with the sports button as standard.

 

I came from a 400 hp GTO, and after test driving both the base MC (2007) and an MCS (2004), I felt that the little dip in fuel economy was acceptable in order to have a more powerful car. The only thing I miss is the RWD and low end torque.

 

Get the Cooper S and add LSD.

 

Its easy for us to say get the S, but I recommend test driving both before you make up your mind. I average between 32-34 mpg in mine!

 

thanks for the responses guys!

i've driven the base MC, not the MCS. I found the MC acceptable for daily commuting, especially with the manual. Besides, I'm only getting the mini for some significant MPG gains over my E55, which gets 18MPG combined. I see that 08 MCS gets 29MPG combined (08 EPA rating), MC gets 32MPG.

If I get the MCS, I'd lean towards getting one used, but 2006 EPA rating for one is ONLY 24MPG combined.

 

Yeah, different engine between '06 (R53) and '07+ (R56). There are used R56S's out there, but it sounds like you've made your decision. Either way good luck and have fun with it

 

What options you should get greatly vary depending on your own preferences. However, consider that adding xenons, Limited-slip differential, dynamic stability control and or fog lights after your car is built is extremely expensive and nigh-impossible. Also, I'm not sure if you know what I'm talking about here, but there is a row of toggle switches on the center console - if you don't get fog lights for front and back, you will have spaces for missing switches that just don't look right.

Oh, and the DSC adds "Hill Assist" too, which I find to be useful even in an automatic. Hill Assist essentially stops you from rolling backwards down a hill while in gear.

Although I own an S, I wouldn't discount the Cooper. It's still a great car, and if you're on a budget, you can fit some nice options onto a Cooper for the same price as a stock S.

Also, look into buying some dedicated snow tires if you get a troublesome amount of snow in your area. I've always found my MINI to perform admirably in adverse conditions with the stock All-Season Tires, but I've heard on the forums here that adding snow tires turns the MINI into a snow-blitzing beast.

Lastly, bonnet stripes; don't forget that there are aftermarket stripes in a wide variety of shapes and colors available too (and not just for the bonnet - you can get "boot stripes" or side and roof decals as well).

 

I would stay with the E55. Gets more women and RWD!! Get a MINI to keep the miles off the Benz. Going from the E55 to a MINI is like moving out of a palace into a bungalow.

 

I prefer the MC over the MCS in the R56. The R56 MC is plenty nimble with adequate power for daily driving. Visit the 'Horrible cold start' thread in the problems forum and read it carefully before considering the MCS. Particularly in MI with colder weather, I'd consider this carefully.

As far as options go, I love the leatherette, and DSC is a must. I also didn't see MFSW in your list. If you want cruise control, you'll need that option.

 

haha!! I like your analogy. Yes, the E55 is a beast and I love her. I might keep her, I dunno. MINIs are great too though!

BTW, I thought women LUV the MINI!! Are you not getting some action with yours? That might seriously make me reconsider. LOL

Anyway, if I get the MINI, it'll be for 2-3 yrs and I'll get a MB CLS55 AMG. I love that car

 

I just installed a CAI in my MCS and now I am getting about 34 ~ 35mpg. Before when the car was stock I was getting about 31 ~ 32mpg.

 

Yeah, if you like older women. I say the Mini draws a younger demographic, say, 21 yo women.

 

Really? Which CAI?

 

AEM Dry Flow filter, it was home made. 9 inch element with 3 inch neck. with a 90 degree reducer from 3 inch to 2.75 inch. a 3 inch stainless steel joiner and held together with stainless steel clamps. Also used zip ties to secure the filter in place above the original filter's bottom box.

 

Thanks, do you have pics? And is it noticeably any louder?