E46 BMW or new Cooper S

Hetmann · 06-21-2006, 04:04 PM

I need a new car (discussed in other thread). I've narrowed my choices to a 2003 BMW 3 series (325xi) or a new Mini Cooper S. All the used Minis around here cost about the same as new. I want something kinda zippy and more economical than my old SUV.

Any thoughts? Is build quality equivalent? I can get much better financing on the BMW, but otherwise the cost is about the same.

Moses · 06-21-2006, 04:12 PM

I have a 2003 325Ci (Coupe). Great car. My dad has a Cooper S. My choice? Go with the Mini Cooper. SO much fun to drive!

rattlsnak · rattlsnak's Garage

Beemer hands down..

jorian · 06-21-2006, 05:26 PM

Cooper is a Beemer.....

1967 R50/2 · 06-21-2006, 06:18 PM

Go with the MINI. Fun as hell. Better resale value too.

herman maire · 06-21-2006, 06:31 PM

3 series all the way.

Mini.... nice looking car but its FRONT WHEEL DRIVE AND THAT SUUUUCCCCKKKSSS.

3 series is a awsome package, just needs a limited slip diff . And there are sooooo many after market parts for them used/new.

Dottore · 06-21-2006, 08:09 PM

I'd go for the BMW - having had both.

The Cooper S is fun for a while but the novelty wears off. After a while "cute" just isn't enough. (Like a girl I once knew.) It is a very rough ride on freeways, and you can take very little with you.

The BMW can seat people in the back comfortably. I think it handles better - and the rear wheel drive is a huge plus.

Moses · 06-21-2006, 08:12 PM

Knowing both cars very well, the BMW is FAR more luxurious and has a more substantial presence. The Mini, despite the front-wheel drive, has better handling and steering and feels more connected to the road. The Cooper is a BLAST!

You can't go wrong with either one, by the way. Both are outstanding.

jorian · 06-21-2006, 08:24 PM

Rear wheel drive is HUGE...

VincentVega · 06-21-2006, 08:53 PM

Not exaclty the same thing, but I had a 03 Cooper S and liked it much more than the current e36. If you dont need the extra room in the e46 I would go for the Cooper.

Don Plumley · Don Plumley's Garage

I've owned an 05 Cooper S for about a year and one half. I never fail to smile when I approach her in a parking lot. A great, fun car. I've driven it from Chicago to here, makes a great daily driver.

But it all depends on purpose (I missed your other thread). But smiles per mile it can't be beat.

allaircooled · allaircooled's Garage

I love my 330xi. I never driven a Mini but its always a pleasure to get behind the wheel of my BMW. I have also read somewhere that the all wheel drive BMWs will hold their value better compared to their rwd siblings. I wouldn't mind getting my hands on a older Mini though.

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

If you want a peppy 3 series, get a 330i. A 325xi will not be as peppy as a Cooper S. I got my 330i last week and actually enjoy commuting now.

Jims5543 · 06-22-2006, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jorian
Rear wheel drive is HUGE...

Before owning a MINI I would have agreed with you. "Real sports cars are RWD" used to me my motto.

Then I went to the local MINI dealership to drive an S and see what the hubub was about. I ended up putting a $5K deposit down and ordering one on the spot.

Then I upgraded to a JCW kit. Then I added a SPAX coil over suspension adjustable shox and rear swaybar. Then a threw on a set of lightweight 16" Kosai K-1 rims and Falken Azenis tires.....

Then I pushed a C-5 around a road course in it and realized.... wow!! you can have fun in a FWD car... actually I realized that on the test drive the rest was just gravy.

I sold it to buy my 911 but I miss it every day. I wish I could have figured out a way to own both.

VaSteve · 06-22-2006, 06:19 AM

I have a 325xi/auto. The auto was for the wife who has now proved can drive a 5 speed. It's plenty of peppy for NoVA commuting. Since the autos supposedly "learn" how you like to drive, it knows how I like to drive. It gets going and you're doing 80 before you know it. I can't imagine what a 330 would be like. I see your in CO, the xi great in the snow. I have heard that the RWDs suck in the snow. YMMV

chibone_914 · 06-22-2006, 06:19 AM

I have driven both cars. My turbo S runs circles around them both and is much more fun to drive!

herman maire · 06-22-2006, 06:51 AM

FWD= No drifting, No rainy weather donuts, No slidding around in the snow ect...

As for a rear wheel drive in the winter.... All my cars have been rear drive bmw's and they rock in any weather.... Even better a XI for winter . I drove up a F$ing ski hill in my old 325IX and it was pretty damn steep, my brother could not believe it and neither could I.... Just floored it in 2nd .

chibone_914 · 06-22-2006, 08:16 AM

FWD= No drifting, No rainy weather donuts, No slidding around in the snow ect...

Exactly! Why do I want to go drifting or donuts to begin with? Maybe twenty plus years ago but not now thanks. I'd rather catch and release Boxsters.

VaSteve · 06-22-2006, 08:18 AM

I had a rental Grand Prix when my xi was in the shop during the only significant snow in the 2 years I owned it. The FWD in that thing was terrible. When I picked up my xi in the snowstorm, it was a night and day difference.

I had an S70 before the xi. FWD and really good in the snow. Comfotable, but hella dull

911 Rod · 911 Rod's Garage

Bud at work just traded his E46 in on a Cooper.
But then again, they are both autos.