Hi,
I've got a couple of questions about the 07 MCS.
1- With the keyless entry can you shut off the keyless function?
For example if you go surfing, you have to leave your keys in the car, can you shut the keyless entry off?
2- Is the sport suspension worth getting?
3- Is the leatherette okay, or should you opt for leather? (for use with seat covers)
4- How do the 16" Bridge Spokes do, compared to 17"?
5- What kind of milage are people actually getting with the 07 MCS?
6- What is your recommended configuration for under 24-25k?
Thanks Everyone!

 

Not sure about the rest, but I seem to recall Gabe at MotoringFile mention that the 17's are the way to go.

 

Some responses:
Item 2, Sport suspension - You'll like a sport suspension and the auto can utilize it. Make your decision on two routes to obtain it. If you want the auto to be ready to go when you buy it, then get the factory suspension. If you want to save some money on the suspension and don't mind waiting a bit after taking the auto, then go with aftermarket parts. You'll notice there are many threads about altering the suspension on MINIs from all years.

Item 3, leatherett Vs. leather - the leatherette is tasteful and durable. When I was ordering my auto, I wanted cloth seats. This was during the 2006 period that MINI was out of cloth seats. I was going to get leather instead, but my sales lady told me the leatherette is superior in performance and very nice. I went with her recomendation and like it very much. Having had leather in other autos, I didn't really want it. It doesn't perform well in the long run. I was going to get it over the leatherette because I figured leatherette would be cheap looking and perform poorly. Am glad the sales lady shared her opinion about this topic.

 

Hey Rick - Welcome to the group - in answer to some of your questions:

1. Keyless entry - no idea if you can shut it off.. I would imagine that you would have to remove the battery out of the remote as it's some sort of active RFID technology that enable the keyless function.
2. Sport suspension - I ordered it and glad I did - the stock MCS suspension seems a little softer compared to the stock R53 MCS suspension.
3. Leatherette is fantastic in the R56 - highly recommended.
4. Bridge spokes look nice but the MC also wears them. I ended up getting the S-Winders - I may get the R99s.
5. Your mileage will be good at least 30-35 mpg on the highway and I would imagine mid 20s in the city.
6. My recommended MCS 25k config... get an MCS with the Sport and Cold Weather package, add LSD and Sports Suspension, that takes you to $24,500 if you add the Sunroof for $850 and you're at $25,400.

 

On the keyless entry, I have it on my current car. Once I took a cross country trip but couldn't lock the car at my first rest stop. It finally occurred to me that my spare fob was in the car .. In my shaving kit. So .. to muffle its RF signal I wrapped it in tinfoil .. Problem solved.

 

The leatherette is more than okay. It actually looks really good.

 

Yes, If you want to track the car a couple times a year. If it's a daily driver and you don't expect to run it on the track ever, skip it.
Personal preferance. Leatherette is great. Leather is better. Lounge Leather is BEAUTIFUL! Get what suits your tastes and wallet. If your looking to stay under $24-25K... go with Leatherette.
More tire flex. Adds to body roll. Less road "feel". Go 17's if you are skipping the sport suspention.
Understand, this is SO subjective, but if I were on that budget:
MSC.
Non-metallic paint (I like Pepper White/Black)
Sport Pack (with 17" Crown Spoke wheels)
LSD
Anthracite Headliner
MF Leather Stearing Wheel (cruise & audio controls)
Hi-Fi Stereo

Total $25,050