Bloody awesome. I had it full opposite lock out of turn 10 and the speed carry through 12 (Pouhon) takes your breath away. We were the cheeky car that was full gas through 18 and late on the brakes into 19, overtaking all the Fezzas & Porkers. They totally had us everywhere else .
My first was an "S", so then went "JCW". What a difference in all areas, but still fine for a trip to the shops. I wouldn't recommend those tyres on snow though!
My first was a ’74 BL 1000 Then R53 JCW Then the new F56 with BMW 2.0 engine. It makes almost as much power as my R53 but it’s not nearly as much fun without the supercharger whine. Definitely getting a JCW next and probably an auto as the manual box ratios are so ridiculously close I’m skipping gears every change unless I’m in full fun mode.
My girlfriend got a new car recently. To say she was not really interested in cars is an understatement, but since picking this one up a few months ago there has been an incredible change in attitude and has become very protective of her new car. Like someone said earlier “it’s a mini thing“.
You want to hear me "Don't slam the doors" "Let the glass drop before you pull the door open" "Don't let the seat belt buckle hit the paint work" "Put the buckle onto the seat when you exit" wonder why no one likes being in mini with me
Went and looked at a few new Minis, but the prices are frankly ridiculous now. Over £40k for a Clubman JCW, madness. And no discount. So I’ve bought her a new BMW 128ti, the dealer knocked off nearly £5k, so a complete no brainer. It’ll arrive at the dealer in a week or so from the port.
The new JCW's are a bit serious also, aren't they the same engine as the 128ti? I believe so, where as before a JCW was like 30HP more with better chassis pack for a reasonable wedge more, now it's like it's in an arms race with stuff like the Civic which in reality it shouldn't bother trying to do, BMW should stick to their guns and try to keep it individual. Especially when over the fence they have stuff like the M135i's etc
I loved my R52, bought for a pittance with zero history and millions of miles on the clock but sold it when 2nd gear gave up completely (and not the Midland gearbox) After a couple of other cars, I'm back in a bright red R56 Cooper S and it's a bit more grown up and serious than the R52 but 180+ BHP (N18 engine) with pops and bangs when the sport button is pressed more than makes up for it
The diesels are the better car IME, Mrs has had a fair few issues with the normally aspirated Petrol engined version. Unless you have the Cooper S R53 then that’s more fun, however the Mrs uses hers for general running about and frequent trips to the tip. There is the van version which are worth a look though rare and with probably very high mileage.
I’m pretty sure the 128ti is the Cooper S engine, and the M135i is the JCW engine. But yep you are right, the BMW definitely shouldn’t come in loads cheaper than the Mini!
Not a 53 but a photo, emerald grey cooper s auto, nice car but after being hit 3 times, all when parked up, it had to go.
[ Well here’s a few! Is there a thing with Ducati owners being more likely to like this flavour of Mini? Well I’ve had mine since new, and it’s been so bloody good I’ve kept it 19 years. Have since done some stealthy tuning (17% pulley, Dave F Airbox, Cold plugs, GP intercooler, Milltek etc) and dynoed at 235bhp. Pic 1: fresh from dealer in 2004 Pic 2: Round thé Nurburgring in 2008 (9’45” BTG) Pic 3: Regular trips to the alps, out there right now with it in fact! Pic 4: As fresh at age 19 as it was brand spanking.
