Well, after few weeks of reading and researching, decided that MCS or Clubman S was my choice. I had to check it out and drive them. So i went down to Southbay MINI.

First impression:
Obviously, clubman had more cargo room, but i just could not get used to the double door in the back and seeing the vertical door strip on the rear-view mirror. I guess i can just "ignore" the verticle door line, but something i just kept looking at.

MCS was very nice. Love the interior uniqueness. Ergonomic of all the buttons on the dashboard was excellent. Plus the rocker switches for windows and other functions were very cool.

Driving:
I couldnt tell the different between Clubman S and MCS. Maybe a little more "mass" on my dyno butt meter that i felt.
Those run-flat tires really does give you "harsh" feeling and the both models did not have sports suspension, but was still solid. Probably due to those run-flats. Im already planning to swap those out.

Both cars were auto... they didnt have any "S" with manual... something i need to test drive before i order.

Overall experience was great. Not that i can compare this car to my E46 M3, but I like it more than my M3. Just different. nimble and fun. Now, time to really think about what options to get on the MCS.


Ill probably go manual gears, no sunroof, xenon lights, LSD, JSW aero kit (still debating but looks great.. ), and bluetooth/USB function.

I'll probably end up with aftermarket coils (still doing research), and some nice rubber to plant the car down. For my 20 mile commute everyday, this is gonna be fun!!

 

Will be a nice commute everyday, that is for sure.

 

I live right next to LA right now in Monterey Park. You let me test drive your E46 M3 and I'll let you test drive the Mini S manual. (only if the M3 is manual) Pm me if interested.

 

Didn't need to test drive the Manual. I sort of figured that it would make an already fun car, even more fun to drive!

New aftermarket coils? are you referring to spark plug coils or suspension springs? If spark coils.... Why? I can understand the concept, but it only takes one spark to light the gas.

 

My first test drive lasted only 10 minutes, on Sat. Came back, gave the sale man 10K deposit. He said he can only take 1K deposit cuz it's a personal check. Picked up the MCS on Monday....no hesitation, no 2nd test drive..that tells u how much I love this car.

 

i bet sales guys wished everyone was liek ya btw, glad u LOVE MINI at first test drive..

 

First impressions are always intesting to evaluate, but I predict that ultimately the center strip in the Clubman would cease to be an issue if you drove one often. I've driven many cars/vans w/ this setup and it simply goes away in time, especially since those Clubman back doors are a fantastic and highly intuitive setup for that particular MINI configuration.

I also find it impressive that so many drive the Clubman and the Coupe and find little difference in handling. Theoretically, there could/should be....but those wizards at BMW saw to it that the Clubman was still all MINI and that is very cool.

Finally, I (and many of us) come from the age before the MINI Clubman roamed the Earth and, as only the coupe was available, it amazes both me and random passersby just how utterly useful a MINI is for hauling/moving all sorts of stuff. You may really need a Clubman for that additional capability (many folks do), but if you don't, don't underestimate the coupe for it's high level of practical functionality.

 

I would recommend the full Convienance package instead of just the Bluetooth/USB. I think it is good value for money and the MFSW is great to have.

 

Whichever model you choose - you'll be happy. Great to have you here on NAM and we'll be looking forward to watching your order progress...

Donna

 

Coilover as in suspension setup. Sorry for the confusion if there were any.

Donna/mike: thanks for the warm invite.

My wife thinks that regular MCS is too small for me. She thinkas the car is too small for me. Haha. I'm 6'0 185 lb.. Not the skinniest man but I'm a little chubbier than the avg. Haha

 

I'm going for my first test drive tomorrow, hopefully.

 

I'm 6'5", 275lbs - and when I told someone the Mini was my next car, I got some very weird looks, and some people even pleaded I go buy an F150 or something large.

I've never understood that mindset.

Enjoy your new car.

 

Tell them to buy you the car and you will drive it for free and have them pay for the gas too if that is their concern.

I was bugging my wife all day today, explaining and reasoning the benefits of getting a MCS vs other "gas efficient" or even a hybrid car.
I basically told her, car is my passion and I will not drive another 27-30k "Prius" just to save gas. I want to enjoy my driving even in commuting to and from work. My commute is 20 miles each way 3 days and 10 miles other 2 or 3 days. I usually fill up every 1-1.5 wk. Not bad i say.

BTW, MCS is required of Premium i guess due to the turbo setup?

 

Premium is "recommended" for the MCS (not required). You'll get about 30mpg, more highway (34).

 

Thanks for the info. Obviously, you get more performance out of using premium. When i do the math, its like extra 3 bucks or something ($0.20 extra) vs filling up regular. its my drink money during lunch basically.

 

You supposedly get a little better mileage out of premium. Most everyone uses it. IMO if you're that obsessed with saving a couple of bucks on a tank of gas just get the MC. It gets about 4-5mpg better than the MCS.

 

One of the sale guys at my dealer has about the same weight as yours but a bit smaller. He owns 7 coopers including those classics...he fit fine in them.