Hi all,

I just have a couple of questions regarding the MCS 07+. If I were to plan to mod the bejezuz out of it (suspension, engine, etc), does it make sense to get just the MCS with no options and buy aftermarket parts or JCW kits separately?

This means that I'd have no premium package (double moonroof thing is intriguing), sports package (DSC, limited differential). Do I need them right off the bat or can I get them later with hopefully comparable or superior products than what the dealer had to offer?

In addition to the above, would modding my mini with aftermarket parts void my warranty, both maintenance and factory?

Also does it cost more to order your own Mini? I'm assuming yes.

I'm hoping to test drive one today, and get it at the end of the month.

Thanks

 

Sorry, the titled should be chaged to 07, 08 instead of 07, 06.

 

torv: i'll try to answer your question, although i own a 06 MCS. i have gone down the "modded to the bejezuz" path w/ my car. i got my car w/ sport package, premium package and lsd. this is my daily driver that is slowly becoming a track car. not my original intent, but i'm having fun w/ it. the answer depends upon your goals for the car. if i had it to do over again......the double moonroof that you mentioned would be eliminated. an extra 40 lbs. up high. i don't open it as much as i thought i might. i'm planning a carbon fiber replacement! aftermarket vs. JCW: JCW stuff is nice for a factory car, but better options can be had in the aftermarket for the R53 cars. it might take a while for the R56 aftermarket to catch up. IMHO, this applies to suspension, brakes and engine performance. in regards to modding and warranty, it is very dealer specific. i have a very understanding dealership with good relationships w/ the service advisor and the techs. they know how i use my car and are very supportive. they replaced my stock rear brake pads at 6k miles (before i switched to track only pads). other dealers may not be so supportive. it cost no more to order your MINI exactly as you want it. these cars are sold at sticker price anyway. go to the MINI.USA configurator and it will give you a pretty accurate price. variances are dealer fees (usually $500 and maybe negotiable) and dealer add-ons (stupid things like floor mats, dealer installed pin striping, etc). here is a partial list of things that i've done w/ my car:
1. TCE/Willwood 13" bbk TCE rear rotors (separate trackday pads)
2. Spax coilovers
3. RDR camber plates
4. RDR lower control arms
5. Minspeed 19mm rear anti sway bar
6. M7 USS
7. Cabrio front strut tower braces
8. HRE 447's 18X8 w/ BFG KDW2's for the street
9. SSR Type C-RS w/ 225/40/17 Hoosier R6's for the track
10. VIS carbon fiber hood
11. JCW wing
12. M7 splitter
13. M7 APD
14. OEM aero kit painted body color
15. painted wheel arches
16. tinted tails and side markers
17. Mini Mania 15% pulley
18. Mini Mania CAI
19. LDG tune
20. M7 ultimate grills
21. Ultimate pedals
22. Alta Positive Steering Response System

i'm sure that i've fogotten some, but i can't bring myself to look through the 3" high stack of receipts!

accessories not included, but are substantial.....

i wish that i were done, but......

the next round of engine mods tend to get stupid expensive. head, header, cat-back, quaiffe lsd, clutch, flywheel, injectors, and another dyno-tune will run about $14k. seems a bit silly on a $30k car, but i'm considering it.....maybe i should just get and Exige!

the R56's drive and handle much differently from the R53's. the new cars are much more "mainstream" and less "go-kart". this might be good for you or bad, depending upon your plans. i have not driven a modded R56 and it has been quite a while since i've driven a stock R53.

i don't know if this will help you or confuse you, but that's my $.02

greg

 

Torv: Depends on the budget. As I mentioned in a couple other threads, the 07 is a nice improvement over the 06, but both are REALLY nice cars, and if you are acustomed to the luxury and performance of your M3 the R56 (07+) version would be best. It has some really nice touches that just bump it up a bit in my mind. If I can ever help in any MINI related fashion, just let me know!