How many of you own(ed) a Mini Cooper S?

Jackdaws · 04-11-2008, 07:24 AM

I traded my 2004 Mini Cooper S for my 1er. I really loved the solid quickness of the MCS, and that lead me directly to the 1 series. I ordered my 128i last December. It just feels like a natural extension of the MCS, although it is certainly much more car. I think BMW hopes many MCS owners will move up to the 1er. I also think one day BMW will build a Bimmer as small as the Cooper. Any other MCS owner who bought the 1er?

Peebz · 04-11-2008, 08:15 AM

I have a 2006 MCS and love my car, but I wouldn't mind trading it in for a 1-er! I test drove one yesterday and I couldn't be more impressed!

Sherifftruman · 04-11-2008, 08:38 AM

I have a 2004 and I am very close to ordering a 135i. It is the only car I have even thought about changing for.

You mind telling me if you feel like the dealer treated you right on your trade?

Timberwolf · 04-11-2008, 02:41 PM

Having driven the 135, and having a 2003 stage 2 Mini Cooper S, I can say they are utterly different cars, both with unique somewhat kwerky looks that might appeal to similar customers.

Personally I have always liked the somewhat awkward, yet performance minded Bimmers... I owned an Mcoupe, M Roadster which a few Mini owners had as well. I think the 1 is in that league, but with better looks!

Pamlico · 04-11-2008, 02:54 PM

I've got an '05 MCS with the John Cooper Works package. Great car, lots of fun, but looking very seriously at the 135i. Pretty sure we'll be pulling the trigger within the next couple of weeks.

BimmerMeUp · 04-11-2008, 03:26 PM

Sold my 2005 MCS. I enjoyed it a lot, even after I traded in a 2003 MCS for it (so I could get an LSD).

I'm really looking forward to the 135i, it will be quite a change.

rocketpop · 04-11-2008, 03:34 PM

I had a 2004 Mini Cooper S

mikeo · 04-11-2008, 03:58 PM

Wife and I have a '07 MCS turbo (she loves it!) and now the 135i twin-turbo. We love turbos at 7000ft!

TagMan · 04-11-2008, 05:15 PM

Had an '04 MCS.

Good amount of fun.. didn't like the jittery ride, though Too many things went wrong, too many times.

I gave up on it within a year of heartache.

GT3 · 04-11-2008, 05:49 PM

I've never owned one but I would LOVE to have a Cooper S. One of the most fun cars I've ever driven!

reo5001 · 04-11-2008, 05:51 PM

A little of topic but...can anyone give pros and cons of the MCS? The gf is car shopping and I pointed her in the direction of the MCS. She wanted a small car that was fuel efficient, but not a slow poke. Thanks!

Timberwolf · 04-11-2008, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reo5001

A little of topic but...can anyone give pros and cons of the MCS? The gf is car shopping and I pointed her in the direction of the MCS. She wanted a small car that was fuel efficient, but not a slow poke. Thanks!

I'll tell you right now, the pre 07 Cooper Ss are very low on torque. I found it painfully slow in daily driving even with pulley mods. On the track it was actually quick because it kept momentum nicely and cornered superbly.

I would say the older body Coopers are kind of harsh over bumps and crappy roads, the newer ones are more "BMW" in feel and have the turbo torque.

As a side note, my girl switched to my GTI for a week and felt like she was in a luxury car cause of the ride feel.

Pamlico · 04-11-2008, 08:20 PM

Older MCSs, especially with run flat tires, are somewhat harsh over bumps, etc as the run flats with their rigid sidewalls were a last minute decision for production. The suspension was not designed with run flats in mind. The suspension on the newer models was designed with run flats in mind and can result in a smoother ride.

imported_MPower · 04-11-2008, 10:21 PM

Love my car. I think it is the main reason why I am not enthused with the 1er. The MCS is a car that really rewards the driver the more it is pushed. It also makes a much better case when all you drive is city streets. I bought it originally as an interim car but it has been so good so far that I can't see selling it anywhere in the near future (i.e. at least 2 years).

Call · 04-11-2008, 11:52 PM

I have owned an 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07 MCS...actually several within the same year including the JCW. I presently own an 05 MCS Cabrio & a custom 1/2 MINI enclosed trailer; traded my 07 for the 08 135i.

I have autox'ed them and tracked them. My impression of any of the MCS is that they are one hell of a car, period. Having said that I have found the weak link in the Cooper S is the suspension system. If I had to keep the car without certain mods, I wouldn't.

Out of the box the 07 MCS is as good as any of the previous MINIs I've owned after putting a minimum of $10K in mods. I much prefer the turbo over the super charger.

Owning the 335i Coupe twin turbo turned me on to the turbos over the super chargers because it cost a lot less to max the horses on the turbos. But I thought the 335i was just too big for me and just had to have the 135i.

At this point my BMWs will always rotate but I'll always keep my 05 MCS Cabrio (Paris) & Cooper trailer (KaBooSe)

RonM · 04-12-2008, 08:38 PM

We have a 2007 MCS and a 2 week old 135i, plus our 97 M3/4 door which is now for sale. We love all of them, wish we could keep all 3. The 135i is the only BMW we would take as the M3 is so well balanced, but the power difference is worth the wait.

MVF4Rrider · 04-14-2008, 03:59 AM

I had a '05 MCS w/LSD, Koni FSD shocks, H&R bars, and BBS wheels. Only kept it a year, but it was ok fun. Terrible brakes and high speed stability. Also the fuel economy (and wind noise) at sustained speeds of 100+ mph made me hate it!

Call · 04-14-2008, 07:05 AM

I always undated my Coopers to Ferodo DS2500 brake pads and PowerSlot rotors, Motul brake fluid, M7 coilovers, front camber plates, rear adj. camber links, UUC, Alta 15% pulley, DDM CAI, iridium plugs, Miltek exhaust for the 06 and under; the 07 I did notthing. At top track speeds of 115 my Coopers were very stable and yes the fuel economy suffered above 90 but below is was nice at about 25-28; the 07 constantly provided 32-34. As for the wind noise...on the street the music took care of that; on the track I never really noticed.

Call

Motorsports_3 · 04-20-2008, 08:58 PM

I had an 05 Cooper and an 05 Cooper S. Loved both cars.

WaFu · 04-20-2008, 09:26 PM

I got a 05 EB/W Cooper S with LSD. Lots of attention :smile: .. because of the color (Wife love it so much). I also like it a lot, with quick turn go kart feeling.. Also there is a good Mini community over here and that I couldn't found in Bimmer group.
However 'Torque Steer' even with LSD really drives me nut. Other than that the fit/finish and reliability is not up to any BMW. i.e. engine mount broken in low miles, fuzzy heated seat that quit working sometimes.. even I got it replaced once.
Due to a foreseeable big repair bills, I better to part with it now rather than later.

08AWM3 · 04-22-2008, 02:55 PM

Plans to trade my 2007 R56 MCS for a 135i during summer.

jasonite · 04-23-2008, 06:53 AM

Bought an '07 MCS in December because I knew I'd want a 1 when it came out, but the MCS made much more economic sense for me.

Besides, I've always wanted a MINI and figured it's better to start off in the BMW family with a MINI - because once I buy a Beemer I'll probably never want to "trade down" to a MINI!

04-11-2008, 07:24 AM	#1
Jackdaws Private 6 Rep 97 Posts Drives: Join Date: Mar 2008 iTrader: (0)	How many of you own(ed) a Mini Cooper S? I traded my 2004 Mini Cooper S for my 1er. I really loved the solid quickness of the MCS, and that lead me directly to the 1 series. I ordered my 128i last December. It just feels like a natural extension of the MCS, although it is certainly much more car. I think BMW hopes many MCS owners will move up to the 1er. I also think one day BMW will build a Bimmer as small as the Cooper. Any other MCS owner who bought the 1er?
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04-11-2008, 08:15 AM	#2
Peebz New Member 2 Rep 20 Posts Drives: Join Date: Feb 2008 iTrader: (0)	I have a 2006 MCS and love my car, but I wouldn't mind trading it in for a 1-er! I test drove one yesterday and I couldn't be more impressed!
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04-11-2008, 08:38 AM	#3
Sherifftruman Second Lieutenant 3 Rep 295 Posts Drives: Join Date: Aug 2007 iTrader: (0)	I have a 2004 and I am very close to ordering a 135i. It is the only car I have even thought about changing for. You mind telling me if you feel like the dealer treated you right on your trade?
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04-11-2008, 02:41 PM	#4
Timberwolf Captain 196 Rep 785 Posts Drives: People crazy Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Location, Location iTrader: (0)	Having driven the 135, and having a 2003 stage 2 Mini Cooper S, I can say they are utterly different cars, both with unique somewhat kwerky looks that might appeal to similar customers. Personally I have always liked the somewhat awkward, yet performance minded Bimmers... I owned an Mcoupe, M Roadster which a few Mini owners had as well. I think the 1 is in that league, but with better looks!
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04-11-2008, 02:54 PM	#5
Pamlico Second Lieutenant 5 Rep 238 Posts Drives: 1M Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Rochester NY iTrader: (0)	I've got an '05 MCS with the John Cooper Works package. Great car, lots of fun, but looking very seriously at the 135i. Pretty sure we'll be pulling the trigger within the next couple of weeks.
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04-11-2008, 03:26 PM	#6
BimmerMeUp Private First Class 12 Rep 118 Posts Drives: 2008 135i Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (0)	Sold my 2005 MCS. I enjoyed it a lot, even after I traded in a 2003 MCS for it (so I could get an LSD). I'm really looking forward to the 135i, it will be quite a change. __________________ 2008 135i Sparkling Graphite Metallic - 6Sp - Black Boston Leather - Gray Poplar trim - Sport Package Premium Package - Comfort Access - iPod/USB - HD FM - Premium Hi-Fi - Heated Seats 5/27 Euro Delivery Welt - 6/5 Drop off AMS - Re-Delivery 8/8 - SOLD 8/2015
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04-11-2008, 03:34 PM	#7
rocketpop Captain 60 Rep 865 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Home iTrader: (0)	I had a 2004 Mini Cooper S __________________
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04-11-2008, 03:58 PM	#8
mikeo Santa Fe Concorso 103 Rep 2,984 Posts Drives: '11 M-sport 328i, '13 X1 28i Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Santa Fe, NM iTrader: (3)	Wife and I have a '07 MCS turbo (she loves it!) and now the 135i twin-turbo. We love turbos at 7000ft!
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04-11-2008, 05:15 PM	#9
TagMan Car Addict!! 60 Rep 1,303 Posts Drives: '08 135i Convertible Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Malibu, California iTrader: (0)	Had an '04 MCS. Good amount of fun.. didn't like the jittery ride, though Too many things went wrong, too many times. I gave up on it within a year of heartache. __________________ 2008 /// Commemorative /// 6-Speed /// Titanium Silver /// Fully-Loaded /// 135i Convertible
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04-11-2008, 05:49 PM	#10
GT3 Track addict 5 Rep 233 Posts Drives: Join Date: Apr 2008 iTrader: (0)	I've never owned one but I would LOVE to have a Cooper S. One of the most fun cars I've ever driven!
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04-11-2008, 05:51 PM	#11
reo5001 Private First Class 5 Rep 127 Posts Drives: Join Date: Feb 2008 iTrader: (0)	A little of topic but...can anyone give pros and cons of the MCS? The gf is car shopping and I pointed her in the direction of the MCS. She wanted a small car that was fuel efficient, but not a slow poke. Thanks!
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04-11-2008, 08:20 PM	#13
Pamlico Second Lieutenant 5 Rep 238 Posts Drives: 1M Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Rochester NY iTrader: (0)	Older MCSs, especially with run flat tires, are somewhat harsh over bumps, etc as the run flats with their rigid sidewalls were a last minute decision for production. The suspension was not designed with run flats in mind. The suspension on the newer models was designed with run flats in mind and can result in a smoother ride.
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04-11-2008, 10:21 PM	#14
imported_MPower Zoom Zoom 38 Rep 1,069 Posts Drives: 2022 M3 6MT Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Love my car. I think it is the main reason why I am not enthused with the 1er. The MCS is a car that really rewards the driver the more it is pushed. It also makes a much better case when all you drive is city streets. I bought it originally as an interim car but it has been so good so far that I can't see selling it anywhere in the near future (i.e. at least 2 years). __________________ In the garage: 2022 G80 M3 Manual - Portimao Blue
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04-11-2008, 11:52 PM	#15
Call Call 21 Rep 683 Posts Drives: 08 135i, 08 & 07 X5, 05 MCSC Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Gainesville, GA iTrader: (0)	I have owned an 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07 MCS...actually several within the same year including the JCW. I presently own an 05 MCS Cabrio & a custom 1/2 MINI enclosed trailer; traded my 07 for the 08 135i. I have autox'ed them and tracked them. My impression of any of the MCS is that they are one hell of a car, period. Having said that I have found the weak link in the Cooper S is the suspension system. If I had to keep the car without certain mods, I wouldn't. Out of the box the 07 MCS is as good as any of the previous MINIs I've owned after putting a minimum of $10K in mods. I much prefer the turbo over the super charger. Owning the 335i Coupe twin turbo turned me on to the turbos over the super chargers because it cost a lot less to max the horses on the turbos. But I thought the 335i was just too big for me and just had to have the 135i. At this point my BMWs will always rotate but I'll always keep my 05 MCS Cabrio (Paris) & Cooper trailer (KaBooSe) __________________
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04-12-2008, 08:38 PM	#16
RonM New Member 0 Rep 9 Posts Drives: Join Date: Dec 2007 iTrader: (0)	We have a 2007 MCS and a 2 week old 135i, plus our 97 M3/4 door which is now for sale. We love all of them, wish we could keep all 3. The 135i is the only BMW we would take as the M3 is so well balanced, but the power difference is worth the wait.
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04-14-2008, 03:59 AM	#17
MVF4Rrider PCA, BMWCCA 102 Rep 2,058 Posts Drives: 997S, MV Agusta F4, E46 M3 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Las Vegas NV iTrader: (0)	I had a '05 MCS w/LSD, Koni FSD shocks, H&R bars, and BBS wheels. Only kept it a year, but it was ok fun. Terrible brakes and high speed stability. Also the fuel economy (and wind noise) at sustained speeds of 100+ mph made me hate it! __________________ '08 Carrera S 6MT Guards Red/Black ext leather, Carbon fiber pkg, sport exh, sport chrono +, PASM, Nav, Bose, 19" forged turbos, red tranny tunnel '07 MV Agusta F4 1000 R 1+1, Corse Red/Silver, RG3 race pipes and factory race ECU
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04-14-2008, 07:05 AM	#18
Call Call 21 Rep 683 Posts Drives: 08 135i, 08 & 07 X5, 05 MCSC Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Gainesville, GA iTrader: (0)	I always undated my Coopers to Ferodo DS2500 brake pads and PowerSlot rotors, Motul brake fluid, M7 coilovers, front camber plates, rear adj. camber links, UUC, Alta 15% pulley, DDM CAI, iridium plugs, Miltek exhaust for the 06 and under; the 07 I did notthing. At top track speeds of 115 my Coopers were very stable and yes the fuel economy suffered above 90 but below is was nice at about 25-28; the 07 constantly provided 32-34. As for the wind noise...on the street the music took care of that; on the track I never really noticed. Call __________________
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04-20-2008, 08:58 PM	#19
Motorsports_3 E30 Addict 38 Rep 590 Posts Drives: 2008 135, 1988 325 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Miami iTrader: (3)	I had an 05 Cooper and an 05 Cooper S. Loved both cars. __________________ Check out my e30 project! http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...6#post11306896
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04-20-2008, 09:26 PM	#20
WaFu Private First Class 8 Rep 146 Posts Drives: M135iA Join Date: Apr 2008 iTrader: (0)	I got a 05 EB/W Cooper S with LSD. Lots of attention :smile: .. because of the color (Wife love it so much). I also like it a lot, with quick turn go kart feeling.. Also there is a good Mini community over here and that I couldn't found in Bimmer group. However 'Torque Steer' even with LSD really drives me nut. Other than that the fit/finish and reliability is not up to any BMW. i.e. engine mount broken in low miles, fuzzy heated seat that quit working sometimes.. even I got it replaced once. Due to a foreseeable big repair bills, I better to part with it now rather than later. Attached Images __________________ 2013 - *M135iA* - Apline White Year One - *135i* - Monaco/Lemon/Gloss - Sport/Prem/Cold/iPod/HiFi/HD/C.A.
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04-22-2008, 02:55 PM	#21
08AWM3 Machi 25 Rep 150 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW Alpine White E92 M3 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: ///M=Machi iTrader: (0)	Plans to trade my 2007 R56 MCS for a 135i during summer. __________________
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04-23-2008, 06:53 AM	#22
jasonite yeah 1 of these days 2 Rep 62 Posts Drives: Join Date: Oct 2007 iTrader: (0)	Bought an '07 MCS in December because I knew I'd want a 1 when it came out, but the MCS made much more economic sense for me. Besides, I've always wanted a MINI and figured it's better to start off in the BMW family with a MINI - because once I buy a Beemer I'll probably never want to "trade down" to a MINI!
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