I'm pretty much set in buying a new mini like I mentioned in another thread. I have a question for ya'll though....

The 2011 has a different drivetrain and some other things the 2010 doesn't have. I was all set to buy a 2011 but it was mentioned to me that being a new "model", perhaps it would be better to buy a 2010.

I use this as an example. The timing chain rattle on the R56. It took them 3 years to finally make a fix and I know if I buy a 2011 and find some wierd "quirk" (you guys can call it a "quirk", I call it Bullshiet) like the timing chaing rattle, I'll be really pissed.

So being that this is somewhat of a new design, would you just buy a 2010 (starting tomorrow, the prices are suppose to drop because the 11's will be here in 2 weeks) or would you just order a 2011?

Thoughts, opinions?

Thanks,

Mark

 

I'd buy a 2010. Mostly because it's going to save a few bucks and I really don't like the new bumper designs.

 

Mark,

If you are going for another JCW, I think the engine, etc. will be the current version not the new cams, etc.

I would go the 2011 JCW, now if you go with the 2011 MCS, then you would have to deal with the new cams, etc.

If you go 2011 MCS, you will probably be waiting for Alta and RMW to provide tunes, since things in the ecu probably changed for the cams, etc...

We are getting the Countryman S for Pat with the automatic, looking forward to the 4wd and 2nd MINI.

Don

 

Mark,

You already know my opinion, but as for the drivetrain, they are advertised as being the same. No improvements, and nothing new, period there. Now there has been a change in the steering, as electronically, they have eliminated the infamous torque steer. Now, if they've taken all the feel out of it, I don't know and you'd have to ask Gabe, or someone that drove the MiniS that was on the MTTS tour. But then again, that was a pre production car anyway. Steering and interior cometics are what has changed, and yes, the bumper and brake ducts. But, you probably are going to try and salvage your JCW Aero parts anyway.

 

Don,

That is actually one of my concerns... I'm too impatient to wait for Alta or RMW to come up with a new tune for the 2011's.

What I'll probably do is install the RMW tune on the 2009 JCW for the track and put the Alta AP tune on the new JCW for the street.

We'll see if Jan has any new tunes for the track.

And the Alta tune for the new JCW will probably be more mellow since I don't plan on doing much to the new one (except intercooler, CAI and exhaust)

Other than lowering it, JCW steering wheel and garbage like that, it'll be pretty well stock.




There ain't no salvaging any of the front bumper JCW aerokit... not at all.

However, last week I picked up a 2010 pepperwhite MCS for my mother. It comes with the painted factory aerokit.

I also ordered her a JCW aerokit already painted in pepperwhite.

The deal I made was once they deliver the car to her with the JCW kit, they need to send me the painted take-off factory aerokit back to NC.

All I want from it is the flares, I'll paint them the color of the new car and take the stock flares off the new one and put them on the old yellow JCW.

Then, I'll order a another JCW aerokit and install it all painted on the new JCW.

Makes sense, right?



Mark

 

Have you taken any pictures of the Yellow Mellow after the crash? It's interesting of what you said about the chassis/body lack of internal damage. A very good testament to the safety of the Mini Cooper, no matter what version Some of my friends can't believe it when I tell them that I'm getting a Mini Cooper, they all say, "Its so small, don't ever get in a wreck with it." Well, your incident is case in point that being a small car, it still can be safe.

 

As you know, I've been in the bodyshop business for over a quarter of a century... (seems so much longer when you put it that way)

Anyway, I've seen just about every car come in wrecked, banged, rolled and smashed. I have to say, the Mini held up probably the best except when compared to a full frame vehicle like the H2.

I am SUPER impressed.

I'll post pics soon.


Mark

 

For what it's worth, I would think that they have incorporated all the right changes to the powertrain for the 2011 model, so it should be better. Styling is subjective, but i like that you get the brake ducts without having to go with the JCW Aero kit, which is a bit heavy handed for my tastes, and it appears that they are black or chrome ringed. For me, the interior improvements are further reason to justify the '11 model. I realize they minor, but it looks more grown up now, less Hot Wheels.

http://www.bmwblog.com/2010/08/08/ul...1-mini-family/

 

For me, the JCW aerokit is a must... like you said, personal opinion but I like it.

What are your thoughts on nav? I purposely didn't look at nav because nav in the past is IMO, POOR!

Have you hear of any important or improvements to the nav for the 2011's? If so, that would be worth getting.

I hate having my phone attached, gps and xm separate.... Right now, I hook up my iphone and get all 3 things in one device but it sure would be nice to have a decent factory nav system.


Mark

 

Only for the S, JCW is unchanged. The clutch is said to be improved with better feel and response.

The Nav is completely different for 2011. It is a new unit by a different manufacturer and maps are flash memory based (updated through the USB). I haven't seen any reviews of the new Nav or even detailed description or list of features. Like MINI Connected, it hasn't really been available yet for anybody to evaluate.

 

..judging from those pictures, looks like mood lighting is X'd out of the '11s? Lol. maybe nobody cares

 

I don't see any picture that would suggest that. Lighting is turned off in all of the interior photos (except one photo of the dome/reading lights).

 

2010 JCW

 

Mark, as you know I will likely be ordering a 2011 later this year (or maybe hold out for the coupe, we'll see). I am on the fence right now on NAV. Existing NAV gets poor reviews here and elsewhere, but I've heard it's been reengineered. I haven't seen any in depth reviews about how improved the new model is. My Garmin does a good enough job, but I would prefer it be integrated.
From what I've heard, the JCW is the least changed of the 2011 refresh. MSRP is only +$300 over '10. You get Sirius and HD standard. Knowing what you will be doing with this, I would try to find a deal on a '10 and put the Alta tune on it. But it's your nickel and your choice. Owning two JCWs is gonna be a trip!

 

This is actually good to know cause everyone I tell that I want to get a Mini starts going on and on about how the car is too small to do well in an accident though I try to tell them that size isn't the complete story in how well a car does in an accident.

 

guess the pics worked lol