I have been posting on the 1 Addicts (BMW) forum for 5 years; this Mini roadster forum for almost 1year... Enthusiasts are very compassionate for their brands, as expected... Bias????.... Some of my 1 addicts brethren are supportive of Minis; most are not, think I'm nuts, and suggest Porsche as the only roadster alternative... Spare me!!!! .... The latest posting: "minis are a serious downgrade".... Pound for pound , don't Minis have a better resale %?
Many of you ( some previous BMW owners) have given me serious , unbiased inputs, and I am very appreciative... and my final decision will be based on these inputs plus obviously other factors ...
I found the 1addicts forum extremely informative and helpful during my Bimmer years; I expect that I will experience the same benefits from participating on this forum as a Cooper S roadster enthusiast!!!
JoNack

 

I actually was on there for a short bit while I was debating between a 128i and the mini. Obviously I went with the mini. The 1 series is way better on paper and is a great car - I actually had a deposit on one. The thing I couldn't shake was the fun factor and intangibles the mini had. I had a huge smile on my face after test driving it (3 times)

 

Kev, what do you drive?

 

I have a clubman s. fun to drive and enough room to lug things around (it's my daily driver)

 

I sold my highly modified 3 series and got into Mini's...why, just as kev states, fun factor. I love everything about my JCW Roadster, and I find the driver engagement second to none.


-Steven

 

Steven,
We have something in common : I owned a 3 series prior to the 1...I'm encouraged by you and other BMW owners who have switched to the roadster, and are happy with the decision.... No buyer's remorse...

 

Hi Jonack,

No buyers remorse at all. I've written about this before, if you have owned a BMW, which I considered one of the finest driving experiences one could have, you will recognize the BMW DNA in the MINI. The Mini is simply a more engaging, entertaining drive, it's BMW doing a go-cart


-Steven

 

What a profoundly ignorant comment from that forum. I like my friends 3 series, it is a fantastic vehicle, but I would rather drive a R59. Going from MINI to BMW or BMW to MINI is more of a lateral move (save for M editions)... a "serious downgrade" would be a KIA.

 

I owned BMW's for 25 years and spent a considerable amount of time recently considering buying another. I couldn't see where any of them would be more fun than my MINI. At least not any currently sold in the US.

 

I moved into my R59 from a 2010 e93 M3 a couple of weeks ago. Performance-wise, there are some comparisons, but the V8 of the M was phenomenal. There is absolutely nothing like the top-down sound of the S65 engine at wide open throttle and 7000 RPM. So I won't draw a line between he Mini and the M3 along those lines. The real comparison is sheer enjoyment of the ride, which the R59 has in spades. It's a radically different drive on many levels, but its equally as much fun, and I wake up with the same feeling of looking forward to my short commute.

And, in terms of performance, at some point I feel that the word "performance" has to include the idea of fuel efficiency. In my mind, a car like the M3 that brags about top-level performance and innovative technology has no business averaging 13 mpg in the city. Truly groundbreaking performance would deliver an excellent driving experience while also delivering good fuel economy. And that's what the Mini does. So, in my book, the R59 wins. I have no regrets whatsoever in making the switch.

 

Nicely stated


-Steven

 

Agree, well stated by Desertrover73.... I love hearing from BMW enthusiasts .. The M3 is a beast!!! I'm looking forward to experiencing the roadster for myself ...

 

Jonack, I hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine.

 

Thanks, Desertrover...
What roadster model are you driving? What are some of the details?
Also, try to find my posting on Bimmerpost... Read responses ... You will get a charge out if them ...
Best,
JoNack

 

Forgot to ask MA...

Do all the toggle switches (top/ bottom) light up at night? Hope so, eyesight not so good...

 

I think I responded to that thread on 1addicts. Get the car that makes you happy. Sometimes it's perfectly ok to follow your heart, even if your mind and others are saying otherwise. Welcome.

 

We enjoy the best of both worlds. My wife currently drives a 2012 Honda Pilot as her DD. Mine is a 2007 MCS we just bought from dealer in Dec. But tucked away in my garage is a 2008 BMW 128i convertible (summer car). We love them all for various and different reasons. Have been a member of 1Addicts since 2010 when we bought the 128 Vert (traded in our 2001 3.0l Z3). Love the 128 and Mini both. Enjoy both forums. I'm truly blessed.

 

Yes, Steve... You are blessed.. .. Thanks, Helix13 mini, I will continue to post on 1 addicts... After all , once an addict, always an addict!

 

Roadster S. I had a hard time justifying the JCW, even though I think it's awesome. I'll try to find similar performance another way.

I'll look for the post you mention. I'll say that as a follower of the M3 forum on Bimmerpost, the Mini forum is very different. In a good way. Less angst.