R56 Trading 2010 MCS for 2010 MC Mayfair
I just found a thread I created a while ago, and these were the problems at that time:
"- Hole in the water pump (after 1 month)
- Windows needed reprogramming (Closed on the outside of the door frame)
- Clutch return spring snapped (Replaced with a new, super squeaky one)
- Hole in the exhaust (Re-welded)
- Sunroof Sticking (Re-lubed and STILL sticks, 3 days after getting it fixed)
- Passenger window didn't go down all the way (and still doesn't)
- Front emblem flew off on the highway (New one reattached)
- Undervoltage issues (The issue that worries me the most)"
Nothing really major, or anything that couldn't happen to an S, but all still a PITA. I have to go back soon to have them unstick my sunroof again, figure out why my brakes are making weird noises, and fix the HUGE rattling/creaking noise I get in the dashboard around 5,000 rpms. It's so loud I can hear it over my music when it's cranked up.
"- Hole in the water pump (after 1 month)
- Windows needed reprogramming (Closed on the outside of the door frame)
- Clutch return spring snapped (Replaced with a new, super squeaky one)
- Hole in the exhaust (Re-welded)
- Sunroof Sticking (Re-lubed and STILL sticks, 3 days after getting it fixed)
- Passenger window didn't go down all the way (and still doesn't)
- Front emblem flew off on the highway (New one reattached)
- Undervoltage issues (The issue that worries me the most)"
Nothing really major, or anything that couldn't happen to an S, but all still a PITA. I have to go back soon to have them unstick my sunroof again, figure out why my brakes are making weird noises, and fix the HUGE rattling/creaking noise I get in the dashboard around 5,000 rpms. It's so loud I can hear it over my music when it's cranked up.
I own a Mayfair, Love it and it is Justa Cooper, I read about all the "problems" the MCS had before I got the Mayfair and decided on the MC. I didn't need all that power anyway. I did alot of research on this car and alot of building on the configurator prior to buying it. I even downloaded the owners manual and read it. It just depends on the person. The Mayfair is a Beautiful package.
Before I bought my Justa I test drove a couple of S coopers. I feared that I would miss the power of the S but after having my Cooper for six months I can tell you that it is just as fun. Put the sport button on and your good to go. And congrats on the mayfair it is really sharp.
I've got an MC, as well.
Regarding reliability, I've had no mechanical problems in our ~30k miles of ownership.
Regarding handling, the Cooper is effectively the same as the S. The suspension is marginally softer, but with less weight, the effective difference is negligible, from what I understand.
Regarding braking, the Cooper S does have slightly bigger brakes. Having driven my MC at Sebring and Road Atlanta without any braking problems, however, I'd say they're up to the task.
Regarding overall performance, sure, the Cooper S is technically more capable... it's got nearly 50% more power. That said, all the other MINI driving dynamics (handling, braking, etc.) along with adequate power make the Cooper 98% as much fun as the Cooper S, of course in my opinion. The truth is, the Cooper S is still going to get walked by the 500hp Porsche 911 Turbo down the front straight at Sebring, just like my Cooper did. That said, the MCS wouldn't be significantly (or any) faster through the corners where my Cooper held it's own with much "fancier" cars. In fact, there was a heavily modded Clubman S out there that couldn't shake me over the 2-3 clean laps we had near each other. Also, an MCS had to let me pass at Road Atlanta on Monday because I had so much more exit speed coming out of corners. I'm not saying that *should* happen, but I am simply saying that the MC can still be a capable and fun vehicle even in the highest-performance situations.
I'm also not saying that the MC is the car for everyone, just explaining why people considering MC's shouldn't necessarily feel like they are making some kind of mistake.
Good luck with the Mayfair. They definitely look great.
Regarding reliability, I've had no mechanical problems in our ~30k miles of ownership.
Regarding handling, the Cooper is effectively the same as the S. The suspension is marginally softer, but with less weight, the effective difference is negligible, from what I understand.
Regarding braking, the Cooper S does have slightly bigger brakes. Having driven my MC at Sebring and Road Atlanta without any braking problems, however, I'd say they're up to the task.
Regarding overall performance, sure, the Cooper S is technically more capable... it's got nearly 50% more power. That said, all the other MINI driving dynamics (handling, braking, etc.) along with adequate power make the Cooper 98% as much fun as the Cooper S, of course in my opinion. The truth is, the Cooper S is still going to get walked by the 500hp Porsche 911 Turbo down the front straight at Sebring, just like my Cooper did. That said, the MCS wouldn't be significantly (or any) faster through the corners where my Cooper held it's own with much "fancier" cars. In fact, there was a heavily modded Clubman S out there that couldn't shake me over the 2-3 clean laps we had near each other. Also, an MCS had to let me pass at Road Atlanta on Monday because I had so much more exit speed coming out of corners. I'm not saying that *should* happen, but I am simply saying that the MC can still be a capable and fun vehicle even in the highest-performance situations.
I'm also not saying that the MC is the car for everyone, just explaining why people considering MC's shouldn't necessarily feel like they are making some kind of mistake.
Good luck with the Mayfair. They definitely look great.
if we were talking 1G cars my response would be "why the hell would U do that"? I drove plenty of first gen Coopers while my 05 S was having its frequent shop visits, and I absolutely hated those sluggish rattle traps, esp. the ones with CVTs. Felt embarassed to be seen in one...
but with 2G cars the base Cooper, IMO, is a much MUCH better product all the way around, and altho I could never see myself going from my MCSa JCW to a MC, I could see the logic in doing so for some folks.
but with 2G cars the base Cooper, IMO, is a much MUCH better product all the way around, and altho I could never see myself going from my MCSa JCW to a MC, I could see the logic in doing so for some folks.
I think you'll be disappointed with the Justa......
As to your other question, I find it very interesting that you'd buy back your MCS at all. So it's not the fact that it's unreliable to you, it's the money?
As to your question, I'd think it would be in the area of 30% or more......but more than that, you restrict the ways you can sell or trade it too. Your MINI dealer will not take it back in trade, and anyone who buys it used will want it cheap - real cheap.
BTW, in 18K and 18 months, the only thing I've fixed on my '09 MCS is to replace the chain tensioner at 3K, nothing since......
As to your other question, I find it very interesting that you'd buy back your MCS at all. So it's not the fact that it's unreliable to you, it's the money?
As to your question, I'd think it would be in the area of 30% or more......but more than that, you restrict the ways you can sell or trade it too. Your MINI dealer will not take it back in trade, and anyone who buys it used will want it cheap - real cheap.
BTW, in 18K and 18 months, the only thing I've fixed on my '09 MCS is to replace the chain tensioner at 3K, nothing since......
Sorry Drewsetermalloy to hear about your MC's long list of problems. How long do you expect to keep this car?
Thanks MINIdave for the ballpark figure on the MCS buyback depreciation. If I buy the lemon MCS back it would be as a second car, one which doesn't have to to start up every morning to go to work and that could afford to spend 3 months a year in an unauthorized repair/mod shop as long as it is fun to drive and reasonably cheap (yes it is also a money issue).
At this point, with the MC Mayfair in production, past the point of changing the engine, I am starting to trick myself in setting my expectations for the Justa engine low so that I stand a better chance of a not being disappointed.
I have kept my previous car for 11 years and was planning on driving this fully paid MINI just as long... unfortunately from my experience and the dealer feed-back, the MCS turned out to be leasing material. I hope the MC turns out better.
Thanks MINIdave for the ballpark figure on the MCS buyback depreciation. If I buy the lemon MCS back it would be as a second car, one which doesn't have to to start up every morning to go to work and that could afford to spend 3 months a year in an unauthorized repair/mod shop as long as it is fun to drive and reasonably cheap (yes it is also a money issue).
At this point, with the MC Mayfair in production, past the point of changing the engine, I am starting to trick myself in setting my expectations for the Justa engine low so that I stand a better chance of a not being disappointed.
I have kept my previous car for 11 years and was planning on driving this fully paid MINI just as long... unfortunately from my experience and the dealer feed-back, the MCS turned out to be leasing material. I hope the MC turns out better.
I picked up the MC Mayfair yesterday (will post pictures during the weekend).
The engine power drop going from MCS to MC is SPECTACULAR. I almost turned back to the dealer to have the MC engine checked. Not easy to keep it under 4000 RPMs during break-in. I have to turn the AC off to pass on the highway. The MC engine sounds like a drill, I miss the low throaty sound and burble of the MCS and I feel like I'm driving a golf cart. It will take some getting used to for sure. Definitely.
Going from the regular to the H-K sound is also an impressive change, this time in the right direction. The h-K system covers pretty well road and wind noise on the highway, has a richer sound more balanced sound and you don't have to turn the volume up as high. Definitely worth the extra $750.
The lounge leather seats are way more comfortable than the sport seats. After 4+ hours of driving, I had no cramps or sore spots at all, which I used to get plenty of after 1 hour of driving into the sports seats. The rooster red leather/cloth seats looked fantastic, but what a pain.
The engine power drop going from MCS to MC is SPECTACULAR. I almost turned back to the dealer to have the MC engine checked. Not easy to keep it under 4000 RPMs during break-in. I have to turn the AC off to pass on the highway. The MC engine sounds like a drill, I miss the low throaty sound and burble of the MCS and I feel like I'm driving a golf cart. It will take some getting used to for sure. Definitely.
Going from the regular to the H-K sound is also an impressive change, this time in the right direction. The h-K system covers pretty well road and wind noise on the highway, has a richer sound more balanced sound and you don't have to turn the volume up as high. Definitely worth the extra $750.
The lounge leather seats are way more comfortable than the sport seats. After 4+ hours of driving, I had no cramps or sore spots at all, which I used to get plenty of after 1 hour of driving into the sports seats. The rooster red leather/cloth seats looked fantastic, but what a pain.
I kind of actually regret getting an 09 MCS. Knowing more about MINI's now, I wish we had purchased an MC for our daily driver and then down the road purchase an 06 MCS. Love the SC sound and the 1G looks.
My 2010 MCS has been being serviced for the past two days, and I have a 2010 MC as a loaner. At first I didn't mind the switch at all, I still felt like it had all the power I needed, you just didn't feel the power like you do when driving the MCS. But after driving it now for awhile, I miss the MCS feel. The thing I dislike most about the MC is the way it looks compared to the MCS, and like R3R says, the sound of the motor. The MC sounds so much just like a normal little car. I really miss the way my MCS looked most of all though. I wouldn't mind getting an MC if I had to if I could make it look almost exactly like an MCS.
I hope you enjoy your new Mayfair R3R, I think knowing it is much more reliable than an MCS would make the switch much easier.
I hope you enjoy your new Mayfair R3R, I think knowing it is much more reliable than an MCS would make the switch much easier.
After two days driving the MC, I am starting to get the feel for its drill sounding engine. I have to shift gears A LOT more often and now I really have to learn the feel for those ratios. The car does require a lot more driving efforts but it also provides more feedback and tighter handling than the MCS. Is it because of the larger wheels (17" vs 16"), the stronger engine brake, the lighter weight or the different weight distribution? I thought I would fall asleep in an MC coming from an MCS. Well it is the opposite.
After two days driving the MC, I am starting to get the feel for its drill sounding engine. I have to shift gears A LOT more often and now I really have to learn the feel for those ratios. The car does require a lot more driving efforts but it also provides more feedback and tighter handling than the MCS. Is it because of the larger wheels (17" vs 16"), the stronger engine brake, the lighter weight or the different weight distribution? I thought I would fall asleep in an MC coming from an MCS. Well it is the opposite.
Personally, I could never go from an MCS to an MC. I have had MC loaner cars, and no offense to the MC owners, but it is S L O W. I was very disappointed and bored driving it compared to my car. To me, the more power the better. I have an MCS convertible JCW stage 1, and I would like more power than it has. I am thinking about goint to a factory works car, in a hardtop, since it is lighter than the conv. But to some people how much power is not a concern, just transportation from point A to point B.
Personally, I could never go from an MCS to an MC. I have had MC loaner cars, and no offense to the MC owners, but it is S L O W. I was very disappointed and bored driving it compared to my car. To me, the more power the better. I have an MCS convertible JCW stage 1, and I would like more power than it has. I am thinking about goint to a factory works car, in a hardtop, since it is lighter than the conv. But to some people how much power is not a concern, just transportation from point A to point B.
I would not classify the MCS as slow compared to other cars. It is quick in my opinion, and feels quicker than it really is, not sure why, other than it is low to the ground and very compact of course. I see what you are saying, but I still think the MC is slow. 10+ seconds to get to 60 is slow. But then again, I am a car guy who loves horsepower. My mini is my daily driver. My other car is 540+hp, so compared to it, yes, it is slow, as are most cars.
Last edited by rans09vert; Jul 18, 2010 at 09:24 PM.
Personally, I could never go from an MCS to an MC. I have had MC loaner cars, and no offense to the MC owners, but it is S L O W. I was very disappointed and bored driving it compared to my car. To me, the more power the better. I have an MCS convertible JCW stage 1, and I would like more power than it has. I am thinking about goint to a factory works car, in a hardtop, since it is lighter than the conv. But to some people how much power is not a concern, just transportation from point A to point B.
But BOTH the MC and the MCS are SLOW. If you want power go with another brand.
Rainman, I also prefer the G1 exterior looks to the boxier cost-cut G2... not to mention what I consider a criminal change in the rear lights design going from G1 to G2. I do however find the interior too busy or cluttered on the G1 and prefer the G2. As for the SC sound, I don't know if it will make any difference, but apparently the exhaust burble sound is back on the turbo-charged 2011s. Even without the burble I found the 2010 MCS engine to have a very pleasant purr... particularly compared to the drill powering the (stock) 2010 MC.
Oxyblue, your MC does sound a lot nicer than mine, but I'm afraid it is still a far cry from the MCS I have returned. What intake did you put in yours and does it impact on your manufacturer warranty? I'd be very interested in getting one myself.
My definition of slow is having to turn off the AC to pass on an ascending highway. It's somewhat embarrassing. The MC is slower than my 1998 VW 2.0 normally aspirated engine in that regard. The MCS had plenty of power, never required me to floor the gas pedal, let alone turn the AC off... but then again I'm maybe lucky to not have had an opportunity to test-drive a real muscle car beforehand.
And speaking of performance, I've read on these forums that modifying both intake and exhaust may cancel each other's gains. If that is true, which of the two mods adds more power in the 2k-4k RPM range (on an MC)?
Oxyblue, your MC does sound a lot nicer than mine, but I'm afraid it is still a far cry from the MCS I have returned. What intake did you put in yours and does it impact on your manufacturer warranty? I'd be very interested in getting one myself.
My definition of slow is having to turn off the AC to pass on an ascending highway. It's somewhat embarrassing. The MC is slower than my 1998 VW 2.0 normally aspirated engine in that regard. The MCS had plenty of power, never required me to floor the gas pedal, let alone turn the AC off... but then again I'm maybe lucky to not have had an opportunity to test-drive a real muscle car beforehand.
And speaking of performance, I've read on these forums that modifying both intake and exhaust may cancel each other's gains. If that is true, which of the two mods adds more power in the 2k-4k RPM range (on an MC)?
I would not classify the MCS as slow compared to other cars. It is quick in my opinion, and feels quicker than it really is, not sure why, other than it is low to the ground and very compact of course. I see what you are saying, but I still think the MC is slow. 10+ seconds to get to 60 is slow. But then again, I am a car guy who loves horsepower. My mini is my daily driver. My other car is 540+hp, so compared to it, yes, it is slow, as are most cars.
Straight line speed is nice, but it's a pretty small part of of what makes MINIs a blast to drive, IMO.
BTW, nice Shelby.
R3R, get a CAI, it'll make the MC better. I have an MC with aftermarket CAI, the engine sounds great, almost like an American V8 muscle on 3k+ RPM. Before I bought my MINI, read about the problems with the MCS in cold weather, i decided in favor for justacooper. It's fun to drive (maybe not as fast as MCS) and i have been consistently getting 40+mpg on highway.
I think it's nice of your dealer to buy back your MCS, way for BMW/MINI to build customer royalty.
I think it's nice of your dealer to buy back your MCS, way for BMW/MINI to build customer royalty.
Blainestang, thanks for the compliment about my shelby.
Another point is, each mini is different. Some have stronger engines than others. What I mean is, I drove several mini cooper S cars, all with a factory rating of 172hp, on test drives, and the one I bought, actually my first mini, an 07 hardtop S 6 speed manual, was the quickest one. It was sooo quick that while messing around with my buddy in his 2009 335i BMW, 300hp twin turbo, we would tie every time. (No I am not really streetracing). Now my current mini, the 09 MCS convertible, even with the JCW stage 1 kit, is not near as fast as my 07 was. I know it is heavier than the hardtop, but it noticeably not as quick. I had an 06 saleen mustang S281 supercharged, and drove a total of 3 of them at a local dealer (Galpin Ford). The one I bought was the fastest, at least the seat of pants meterwise). So that needs to be taken into consideration sometimes also. Some cars are just factory freaks, I think my 07 MCS was, as I have driven factory JCW cars, and they did not feel faster than my 07. Just my 2 cents.
Another point is, each mini is different. Some have stronger engines than others. What I mean is, I drove several mini cooper S cars, all with a factory rating of 172hp, on test drives, and the one I bought, actually my first mini, an 07 hardtop S 6 speed manual, was the quickest one. It was sooo quick that while messing around with my buddy in his 2009 335i BMW, 300hp twin turbo, we would tie every time. (No I am not really streetracing). Now my current mini, the 09 MCS convertible, even with the JCW stage 1 kit, is not near as fast as my 07 was. I know it is heavier than the hardtop, but it noticeably not as quick. I had an 06 saleen mustang S281 supercharged, and drove a total of 3 of them at a local dealer (Galpin Ford). The one I bought was the fastest, at least the seat of pants meterwise). So that needs to be taken into consideration sometimes also. Some cars are just factory freaks, I think my 07 MCS was, as I have driven factory JCW cars, and they did not feel faster than my 07. Just my 2 cents.
7.7 seconds, 0-60 on the MC 6 speed manual. Just a few years ago that was FAST. Of course, now families in their Altimas do it in under 6, but who cares?
I don't feel the MC is slow....its just relaxed
Whats weird is that it really doesn't feel any slower than my NC Miata 6 speed manual, with 170 hp. The turbo in the MCS is like other turbos...you feel it coming on so it feels faster. More fun. But ultimately, for me, MINI being my DD now, I couldn't chance the issues that come with turbo cars.
What I think is amazing about the base MINI is that you can buy it for $19k. Or buy a Honda Fit or Corolla or Elantra or whatever. Unless you need backseat room, who WOULDN'T pick the MC at that price??
I don't feel the MC is slow....its just relaxed
Whats weird is that it really doesn't feel any slower than my NC Miata 6 speed manual, with 170 hp. The turbo in the MCS is like other turbos...you feel it coming on so it feels faster. More fun. But ultimately, for me, MINI being my DD now, I couldn't chance the issues that come with turbo cars.
What I think is amazing about the base MINI is that you can buy it for $19k. Or buy a Honda Fit or Corolla or Elantra or whatever. Unless you need backseat room, who WOULDN'T pick the MC at that price??
Darwinian, which CAI do you recommend on what does it do to the factory warranty?
I agree, it was super nice of BMW to buy back my problematic MCS. On top of that they have only charged me the difference between what I paid for the MCS (5% below MSRP) and the invoice of the MC Mayfair, which was 10% below MSRP. I agree with jujucooper that at its base price the MC is hard to beat. BMW have also done themselves a favor however. The MCS that they bought back was not branded as a manufacturer buyback, let alone a lemon. The process was called "trade-assist". The MCS was sold to a wholesaler by the dealer (well at least the dealer didn't put it in their used inventory) and BMW has paid for the difference of approx. $10k. The person who will purchase this car from the wholesaler will not know about the manufacturer buyback (I have checked on Carfax) nor about the multiple problems with the HPFP and intake manifold which led to the buyback. Go figure.
Rans. It is interesting that every car feels diff. in terms of power. The only other MCS I have driven was a 2005 or 2006, the supercharged engine. I do wonder however if the lack of pep below 4000 RPMs in my MC is not compounded by those large (and heavy) 17" wheels.
I agree, it was super nice of BMW to buy back my problematic MCS. On top of that they have only charged me the difference between what I paid for the MCS (5% below MSRP) and the invoice of the MC Mayfair, which was 10% below MSRP. I agree with jujucooper that at its base price the MC is hard to beat. BMW have also done themselves a favor however. The MCS that they bought back was not branded as a manufacturer buyback, let alone a lemon. The process was called "trade-assist". The MCS was sold to a wholesaler by the dealer (well at least the dealer didn't put it in their used inventory) and BMW has paid for the difference of approx. $10k. The person who will purchase this car from the wholesaler will not know about the manufacturer buyback (I have checked on Carfax) nor about the multiple problems with the HPFP and intake manifold which led to the buyback. Go figure.
Rans. It is interesting that every car feels diff. in terms of power. The only other MCS I have driven was a 2005 or 2006, the supercharged engine. I do wonder however if the lack of pep below 4000 RPMs in my MC is not compounded by those large (and heavy) 17" wheels.
Last edited by R3R; Jul 20, 2010 at 07:28 PM.
Blainestang, thanks for the compliment about my shelby.
Another point is, each mini is different. Some have stronger engines than others. What I mean is, I drove several mini cooper S cars, all with a factory rating of 172hp, on test drives, and the one I bought, actually my first mini, an 07 hardtop S 6 speed manual, was the quickest one. It was sooo quick that while messing around with my buddy in his 2009 335i BMW, 300hp twin turbo, we would tie every time. (No I am not really streetracing). Now my current mini, the 09 MCS convertible, even with the JCW stage 1 kit, is not near as fast as my 07 was. I know it is heavier than the hardtop, but it noticeably not as quick. I had an 06 saleen mustang S281 supercharged, and drove a total of 3 of them at a local dealer (Galpin Ford). The one I bought was the fastest, at least the seat of pants meterwise). So that needs to be taken into consideration sometimes also. Some cars are just factory freaks, I think my 07 MCS was, as I have driven factory JCW cars, and they did not feel faster than my 07. Just my 2 cents.
Another point is, each mini is different. Some have stronger engines than others. What I mean is, I drove several mini cooper S cars, all with a factory rating of 172hp, on test drives, and the one I bought, actually my first mini, an 07 hardtop S 6 speed manual, was the quickest one. It was sooo quick that while messing around with my buddy in his 2009 335i BMW, 300hp twin turbo, we would tie every time. (No I am not really streetracing). Now my current mini, the 09 MCS convertible, even with the JCW stage 1 kit, is not near as fast as my 07 was. I know it is heavier than the hardtop, but it noticeably not as quick. I had an 06 saleen mustang S281 supercharged, and drove a total of 3 of them at a local dealer (Galpin Ford). The one I bought was the fastest, at least the seat of pants meterwise). So that needs to be taken into consideration sometimes also. Some cars are just factory freaks, I think my 07 MCS was, as I have driven factory JCW cars, and they did not feel faster than my 07. Just my 2 cents.
Hey R3R, I just unloaded my 07 MCS and I understand where you are coming from. It was in the shop constantly and I was 1.5k miles from being out of warranty. I absolutely loved that car....
I ended up buying a MCa Clubman with the R107 wheels that your Mayfair is running. I am certainly feeling the difference. Suprisingly, I am enjoying the "justa" quite a bit on level terrain but those hills make me cry and miss my S terribly. I too wonder how much those wheels are zapping my power.
I can certainly understand your reliability concerns as I drive 115 miles a day so the justa appeals to me in the "less problems" catagory. Having said that, I won't lie and say that I haven't been debating taking a bath on it and going back to an S...because I have. My wife would kill me but she'd let me just because she knows how much I miss the old one.
I do think it's been getting easier the longer I drive it. You start to forget the power somewhat and start to enjoy the MINIness of your new car. I hope that you find this to be true as well.
Keep us posted!
I ended up buying a MCa Clubman with the R107 wheels that your Mayfair is running. I am certainly feeling the difference. Suprisingly, I am enjoying the "justa" quite a bit on level terrain but those hills make me cry and miss my S terribly. I too wonder how much those wheels are zapping my power.
I can certainly understand your reliability concerns as I drive 115 miles a day so the justa appeals to me in the "less problems" catagory. Having said that, I won't lie and say that I haven't been debating taking a bath on it and going back to an S...because I have. My wife would kill me but she'd let me just because she knows how much I miss the old one.
I do think it's been getting easier the longer I drive it. You start to forget the power somewhat and start to enjoy the MINIness of your new car. I hope that you find this to be true as well.
Keep us posted!
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Jan 13, 2023 09:05 PM




If you don't like the sound pull off the stock intake and throw a cone filter on. 


