go out and test drive one!! its fun and free!! :)
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-Rob S.

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!!! www.jennaishealed.org !!!
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I have a 2004 MINI Cooper S. BMW picked up the MINI project in the late '90s when they bought Rover Group. From what I've read they pretty much re-engineered the Rover effort from the ground up, using a lot of suspension design and infrastructure (wiring, etc) from various generations of the 3-series. The engine is sourced from a Brazilian Chrysler-BMW joint venture...I was bothered by this when I first heard about it but then remembered that prior to DCX, Chrysler made some pretty solid if unsophisticated four cylinder motors.

I really love the car overall. The biggest PIA factor is the lack of cargo space, but that wasn't a surprise. Driving-wise, my biggest complaint is the lack of a limited-slip and the resulting inside-wheel spin upon corner exits. Of course, you can now spec an LSD from the factory, something you couldn't do in April 2004.

The build quality of later models (mid-2003 and later) is much improved over the early cars, which had a number of issues. From my experience and what I've heard from others, just about all those bugs have been ironed out. I've had very few problems with mine, none of which were "leave-you-stranded" issues...mainly interior rattles, weak hatch struts, and a broken baffle in the exhaust. This is over 25k daily-driven miles since May 2004, including one track day.

I respectfully disagree with Schnell540 on the interior design. My first impressions upon visiting the MINI dealer in March 2002 were the same as his--form over function, not purposeful, etc. However, upon living with it I have come to realize that the design is actually very smart, very efficient and very conducive to fast driving. The materials quality isn't superior (read: VW) but for the price point, it's OK.

On the whole, I would go so far as to say the impression that the MINI is all marketing is one held by folks who haven't spent enough time behind the wheel. It isn't a 5-series and it doesn't pretend to be...it is an exceptionally well engineered front-wheel-drive hatchback.

Go drive one and you'll know pretty quickly whether it's your cup of tea or not.


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Tim L.
whisperbomb at gmail dot com
2004 MINI Cooper S
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i

Tim_in_MD wrote:

On the whole, I would go so far as to say the impression that the MINI is all marketing is one held by folks who haven't spent enough time behind the wheel. It isn't a 5-series and it doesn't pretend to be...it is an exceptionally well engineered front-wheel-drive hatchback. Go drive one and you'll know pretty quickly whether it's your cup of tea or not.

And anyone whos spent any time in a new five series will tell you how FUGLY BMW interiors can get!! ;) and i see other automakers copying the same idiot-ugly design! obviously the mini is supposed to be "cute", but if you take a look (go drive one) at how they handle with their wheels out there at the corners of the car, youll probably be very pleased!! :)
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-Rob S.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!! www.jennaishealed.org !!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I drove a non-S version, but I was pretty impressed with it. I thought it was a lot of fun for the money. So I'd imagine that I'd love the MC-S version! I want the one that Mike Self and Mike McCarthy drove out to Calif. on Route 66 last year. (for a Roundel piece) It seemed to have very impressive top-end speed and was waaaay fun, right Mike? Where is that car now anyhow?
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1975 Sahara 2002 ('Dieter')

I agree; I've driven stock ti's and you just can't replicate that rear-drive balance in a FWD platform. I've also driven a ti with a six from an E36 transplanted in (2.8L bored out to something bigger if memory serves)...less balanced but a hell of a lot of fun!!

Would be tempted by a 318ti if we didn't already have the Golf and the MINI...don't really need another hatch.
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Tim L.
whisperbomb at gmail dot com
2004 MINI Cooper S
2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i

I'd love to test a 318ti and compare with my e30 318is! They look like fun lil cars (ti)! Oh I'm Fly2002Fly, got bored with the name--
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'71 2002 "Bumblebee"
'91 318is


Last edited by Zundfolge1342 on 10-24-05 07:37; edited 1 time in total

you can draw your own conclusions there, I have driven just a regular Mini, and I just can't get over the FWD. Too much torque steering for me, I can't imagine what the S would feel like. I agree with Josh, a superchaged 318ti would probably be a better choice (in my opinion) if I were in the market for a small hatch. I tried to talk my sister in law out of one, but she said they were irresistible and bought one anyway...
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72 tii A4, 72 tii Alpina, 98 M3 coupe

Don't argue with anyone that will not consider the possibility of being wrong...
the future is a dream, the present infinitesimally brief, but the memories are forever...

I agrre with buying the Mini cooper S. We just bought a 2005 MINI S in july. It is a lot of fun. I still love the 2002 and wish the mini was rear drive but it is still fast and fun to mess with people who don't think it is fast. Test drive one like Rob says and I don't think you will be dissapointed.
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73 colorado orange 2002 in restoration
owned for 27 years
71 2002 Driver
18 year olds favorite car.

I bought one of the first Cooper S' brought into the US and unfortunately sold it 11 months later due to six trips into the dealer for various build quality issues. Basically, I just got sick of dealing with it and it wasn't what I hoped for when buying a BMW sub-brand. That said, I have spoken with numerous owners of Mini's built later than mine and most have had few to no problems at all. Build quality aside, the car was a blast to drive on the twisties, not so much on the highway due to the run-flat tires and very twitchy steering. If I had the luxury of being able to afford another "fun" car I would definitely consider buying another S, although now that I've joined the world of 2002's I question whether I will ever want to go back to front wheel drive again, the torque steer is certainly in issue in those cars.

It does sound like an interesting handling characteristic, especially with the S.
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'71 2002 "Bumblebee"
'91 318is

Forgot to mention in my earlier post, if anyone's really interested in learning more about Mini's a great discussion board, not too disimilar to this one, is mini2.com. They have not only a good forum section but also lots of pics of various mods that can quickly turn the car from "cute" to "cool", unless of course you get the convertible and then you're just plain stuck with cute no matter what you do.

We have an '04 MCS. I hate power windows on a car this size. Dealer has only missed the fix twice and when he got it right he screwed up the door speaker...and he is only 55 mi away. At about 22k a new clutch/flywheel under warranty. It is my wifes car and she absolutely loves it. We've put 4 adults in it numerous times (for not long distances) and it has been fine. Great, fun car. Drive much bigger than they look on the hwy. Very nimble, quick steering. Would I buy another? If she wanted it, yes, but I'd rather put her in a 1 or 2 series...if BMW ever gets off their asses. Fun car, great to drive, in spite of the problems.

Wow I wasn't expecting such great feedback! This is what I have gathered so far...Fun car with strong front torque, that can "from time to time" have small isssues, but is other wise a very cute car for a full grown man and his three companions (girlies), that has pinball like...no.. has a very intuitive interior, that the later year ones are pretty well sorted, and that I should go an take one for a test, so I can say, "no sorry I can't afford it", but got to drive it anyway, wait a few years look for a used example and have fun with car!
...If you have more to add... feel free I'll read as will others!
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'71 2002 "Bumblebee"
'91 318is