Anyone here have one yet?

[makaio]

Just wondering if anyone here has one yet, and how they like it.

[Doug Zielke]

I know I'd *like* one.
The quality seems very good for the money.

[makaio]

Me too, if I could talk the wife into a 5th car . I just don't want to pay the extra $ everyone is asking(getting), since supply hasn't caught up with demand.

[VincentVega]

I drove a both the standard and the S the other night at the local dealer. WOW! The S is really something else. Maybe it's because my SC is out of commision, but it really had me thinking. Too bad it's a little out of my price range. I was very impressed with the power, brakes and handling of the car. Plenty of room for me inside too, I'm 6'3" 250lbs.

If money only grew on trees......

[Eron Flory]

My wife has an S with almost 3K miles on it. I've probably put 300-400 miles on it. It is really fun to drive, easy to park and does actually fit 4 adults (small to medium size) into it fairly comfortably. The rear seats fold down in about 30 seconds to fit golf clubs or other large object. It is very quiet inside with good fit and finish, just like you would expect from a BMW.

The engine compartment is pretty packed, but access to spark plugs and most maintenance items doesn't look too bad.

Eron

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

Don't have one, but I drove a Euro-spec Cooper S in France, and MAN THEY ARE FUN. The car is Ultra-stiff, feels incredibly stable, and the handling is just unbelievable. the supercharged motor really winds up, and sounds pretty cool for a four pot as well.

I'd probably buy one if I had the money, then get the factory flag decal for the roof. They have all these flag decals for all over the world you can buy. I think I'd get the Dutch flag.

[SuperWheel]

What is the gas mileage of these things nowadays?

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

It has to be at least 30.

[Eron Flory]

The mileage depends on how you drive it, it is very hard to just cruise with an S... In town (San Franicsco) or hot rodding around 25-30, on the highway probably mid 35.

Eron

[Wayne 962]

Mid 35!?!? Wow, that's pretty darn good - up there with the Civics...

-Wayne

[TRE Cup]

We have an all black S w/o sunroof option- makes it a lil lighter and we aren't crazy about all that glass. LOVE the way it handles!!! with the supposedly lousy run flat tires, it corners unreal- proverbial on rails feeling.
The only complaint i have is the just off throttle response with the a/c on- it is a DOG! But then we are soon happily above 4k rpm and all is well again
Now saving up for the Works option.

[expat]

what comes in the works option and how much on top of the S? Thanks.

[Ben at Pelican Parts]

MSRP of $4,500 plus dealer installation...

here is a snip from the press release..

---

The package also includes a reprogrammed Electronic Control Unit (ECU), which manages all engine control functions including airflow, combustion, fueling and spark advance. The enhanced ECU has been recalibrated to optimize power output and drivability, resulting in a lively throttle response and increased acceleration in the mid-range torque band.

Also included in the package is a stainless steel sport exhaust system. The system is a parallel-flow, low backpressure system with superb interior and exterior noise quality. The system adds a throatier, more powerful exhaust note has distinctive looking twin chrome exhaust tips.

The John Cooper Works Cooper S package promises enhanced performance and it delivers. With the package, power is increased to an impressive 200 bhp at 6950 rpm from the same 1.6 liters of displacement. In comparison, the already impressive MINI Cooper S produces 163 bhp at 6000 rpm in unmodified form. Torque is also up, rating at 177 foot-pounds at 4,000 rpm for the equipped car versus 155 foot-pounds at 4,000 rpm for the unequipped car.

The John Cooper Works equipped MINI Cooper S sprints from 0-60 in an improved 6.5 seconds with a top speed increased to 140 mph. This compares to a 0-60 time for the unequipped MINI Cooper S of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 135 mph. The performance upgrade with the John Cooper Works package is very noticeable in all driving conditions and is an ideal compliment to the superb handling and chassis dynamics of the MINI Cooper S

----

[rcm]

Going to pick up new convertible s w/ JCW package next week. Pumped!

[Paul K]

My Wife loves hers- but we had to wait 8 months for it! Ordered through Rasmussen in Portland- they seemed pretty good. I don't like it because of the hesitation when you shift quickly- not sure if they've fixed that yet.
Here's a pic...

[KUTCH]

I've been considering one now for about two weeks. Almost bought one yesterday. It just ticks me off that NO dealer in the states is selling below MSRP/sticker. No dickering at all! Made me hold off and rethink it...

As far as MPG, take a look at http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/
Most of the people there probebly drive there Minis harder than most, but the feeling I'm getting is that the S on a long trip may..may get in the mid 30s and around town most are getting mid 20s...
It seems most owners over there are not dissapointed, but more wishing that such a small car could get even better MPG while maintaing the GO...
-kutch

[Jims5543]

Its hard to get Honda Civic 40 MPG and 130HP out of a 165HP car. Most end up putting a smaller pulley on and are approaching 200HP.

My JCW gets 28 MPG and that is 100% City driving lots of stop and go and short sprints to 50-70 MPH. I would lie if I told you I did not make the Supercharger whine every chance I get.

If I drive nice, which is REALLY hard to do, I get 33-35 MPG City. On road trips I will see 35+ MPG, again, if I drive nice. I usually city 30-33 MPG Highway but that is running it at 80-100MPH most of the time.

I was going to sell my Works to buy a P car but just cannot do it. I will wait in little longer until I can afford the P car AND the MINI at the same time.

BTW - My 460HP RX-7 sits in the garage, it gets 10-12 MPG City and 18 MPG Hwy. I only drive it now for Autocrosses and once a week just to run it. Roataries hate to sit for long periods of time and throw temper tantrums.

[KUTCH]

Thats good news, I'm in between right now. Mini or no car payment and get an older P and maybe a decent bike?

I know not !?

[DustinTarditi]

OK, guys... I've got a mid-year p-car and love it, but it's really just a weekend vehicle. I'm looking for something as a fun daily driver, so I considered the mini s... CarMax has one here in OK shape for $21K with about 17K miles on it... most I see for sale used have less than 20K miles on them... are these "bunny for Easter" purchases?

My other question is: is the JCW kit worth it? $4K seems like it can buy a lot of aftermarket tuning stuff...

Thanks!

[Jims5543]

The JCW kit will get you to 210 HP. Is it worth it? Depends on what you want. I wanted a warranty, so I went witht he JCW and kept in tact my 3 year 36K factory warranty.

If warranty is not important I have heard many doing the aftermarket tricks and getting more HP. BUT, I have also heard they are not as drivable as the JCW, in other words, its a bit more jerky and not a smooth for DD.

I spent $6K for my JCW kit installed, yes, its pricey but again its all about what you want.