Mini Cooper S
04 March 2003, 07:47 PM
#1
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looking at buying new S
anyone got one & what do you think
extras & accessories list endless what's worth the cash & what's not. What did you order & wish you hadn't or what do you wish you has specified
Chris
anyone got one & what do you think
extras & accessories list endless what's worth the cash & what's not. What did you order & wish you hadn't or what do you wish you has specified
Chris
04 March 2003, 07:53 PM
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Vastly overrated as a std car IMHO. Owned 14 cars in last three years 
and the Cooper S lasted less time than any other car Ive ever owned. Some of it was probably down to the 17" wheels, but the performance was very disapointing. Not just me. I know two others who got them when they launched and flogged them within weeks as well. Positive point was the resale price -didnt lose anything. For roughly the same money I'd have a Cupra R. The steering wheel also belongs in a Maxi. Some of the build quality was making Ford look good.
My advice - go drive the competition first.
Jonathan
and the Cooper S lasted less time than any other car Ive ever owned. Some of it was probably down to the 17" wheels, but the performance was very disapointing. Not just me. I know two others who got them when they launched and flogged them within weeks as well. Positive point was the resale price -didnt lose anything. For roughly the same money I'd have a Cupra R. The steering wheel also belongs in a Maxi. Some of the build quality was making Ford look good.My advice - go drive the competition first.
Jonathan
04 March 2003, 10:57 PM
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angrybeats
what have Hartage done to the handling ?
have you got 16" wheels or got rid of those runflats ?
I was never happy with the car when driven at 10/10ths. The backend was more nervous than a 205 GTI.
Also interested to see how people are coping with 210bhp in the wet. I found the 160odd had the electronics flashing more than Jo Guest. The Cupra R though coped quite well with 210bhp(remember 257bhp is just £500 away in that car)
Jonathan
what have Hartage done to the handling ?
have you got 16" wheels or got rid of those runflats ?
I was never happy with the car when driven at 10/10ths. The backend was more nervous than a 205 GTI.
Also interested to see how people are coping with 210bhp in the wet. I found the 160odd had the electronics flashing more than Jo Guest. The Cupra R though coped quite well with 210bhp(remember 257bhp is just £500 away in that car)
Jonathan
05 March 2003, 05:28 AM
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Well I have gone to Toyo's 215x40x17" which has transformed the car, the run-flats had a far too stiff tyre wall, the rolling radius and tyre weight is slightly reduced and grip is improved but has a very progressive breakaway...the run-flats were a hinderance. The 16" are probably still but I like the look of the 17".
Like all FWD cars traction is sometimes a problem in damp conditions, no worse than other similar power FWD cars I have driven..the Toyo's have helped grip in dry and damp conditions and I dont see it as a major problem.
I have never found the backend to be twitchy unless lifting off or braking mid corner, still very controlable lift-off oversteer when the back does start to go. Havent really had any major moments in it at all, and yes I have been pushing it hard [smile]
Only suspension mod is a mini-madness stiffer rear anti-roll bar.
Like all FWD cars traction is sometimes a problem in damp conditions, no worse than other similar power FWD cars I have driven..the Toyo's have helped grip in dry and damp conditions and I dont see it as a major problem.
I have never found the backend to be twitchy unless lifting off or braking mid corner, still very controlable lift-off oversteer when the back does start to go. Havent really had any major moments in it at all, and yes I have been pushing it hard [smile]
Only suspension mod is a mini-madness stiffer rear anti-roll bar.
05 March 2003, 04:49 PM
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" (remember 257bhp is just £500 away in that car) "
seems like some are 265bhp and 280+ lb/ft for the same money, but useless in the wet.
I'd looked at the Cupra R not so long a go and is much bigger and heavier than the MINI, different cars for different purposes.
Cupra R looks miles better too IMHO
seems like some are 265bhp and 280+ lb/ft for the same money, but useless in the wet.
I'd looked at the Cupra R not so long a go and is much bigger and heavier than the MINI, different cars for different purposes.
Cupra R looks miles better too IMHO
I'm always sceptical of high power FWD. 
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05 March 2003, 07:51 PM
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thx for the views
chilli pack seems good deal & for extra £200ish u can have fully auto climate control TLC also not to be missed
have considered other options but my lady v v keen on S we already have 1996 limited edition mini cooper which has been modified by John Cooper
the deal is get the S & I can have motor bike
does the hartge modifications invalidate the warranty?
Chris
chilli pack seems good deal & for extra £200ish u can have fully auto climate control TLC also not to be missed
have considered other options but my lady v v keen on S we already have 1996 limited edition mini cooper which has been modified by John Cooper
the deal is get the S & I can have motor bike
does the hartge modifications invalidate the warranty?
Chris
07 March 2003, 10:32 PM
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From somone that makes me look a junior at car buying
http://forums.bm3w.co.uk/ubbthreads/...5&o=31&fpart=1
http://forums.bm3w.co.uk/ubbthreads/...5&o=31&fpart=1
07 March 2003, 11:07 PM
#17
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They're awesome little cars!
Wifey has a dark silver one with black leather and IMO its a great car to drive if not very fast. I spend more time in it than she does! Got the chilli pack and the 17"s (i've heard the 16"s are far better but i just dont care when i look at them 17"S!)
I do admit it needs more poke hence i'm very interested in the Hartge conversion myself and i'll be following EVO's fastfleet Cooper closely - its £1400+VAT isnt it? Do Birds have a demonstrator model?
Wifey has a dark silver one with black leather and IMO its a great car to drive if not very fast. I spend more time in it than she does! Got the chilli pack and the 17"s (i've heard the 16"s are far better but i just dont care when i look at them 17"S!)
I do admit it needs more poke hence i'm very interested in the Hartge conversion myself and i'll be following EVO's fastfleet Cooper closely - its £1400+VAT isnt it? Do Birds have a demonstrator model?
03 April 2003, 09:26 PM
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You do have to drive the other hot hatches out there, not everyone has the same tastes, the Cupra R is a good car as is the standard Cooper S. The standard Cooper S does feel slugish mainly due to being long gearing and linear power delivery. Mine is Hartge tuned now however as is faster, has better handling & steering feel and is more fun to drive than a Cupra R IMO for round about the same money . The brakes do need some upgrading if you have 210hp like mine though, crap compaired to the Cupra's Brembo's
Trackday video here http://www.angrybeats.co.uk
The Clio Cup is also worth a look, a little raw but a great drivers car.
The only way to make sure you have the right car for you is to test drive them.
The steering wheel is crap mind
The Chilli pack is a worthwhile option..
Half leather seats
17" Wheels
Xenons &
Aircon for £1200
[Edited by mn_angrybeats - 3/4/2003 10:30:40 PM]
Trackday video here http://www.angrybeats.co.uk
The Clio Cup is also worth a look, a little raw but a great drivers car.
The only way to make sure you have the right car for you is to test drive them.
The steering wheel is crap mind
The Chilli pack is a worthwhile option..
Half leather seats
17" Wheels
Xenons &
Aircon for £1200
[Edited by mn_angrybeats - 3/4/2003 10:30:40 PM]
03 May 2003, 08:20 PM
#19
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I believe it's £1800 and also invalidates your warranty....hmmmm!!!!
0-100 is 16.1 secs Vs the standard cars 22 secs
Had the DSC off all today and traction in the wet isnt a major problem. The wet weather also seems to have given me an extra 20hp feel quite good today...
[Edited by mn_angrybeats - 3/5/2003 8:21:02 PM]
03 May 2003, 09:49 PM
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Hartge do an exhuast but its extra to the engine upgrade
Like Scoobies the standard exhaust is crap not so much sound but looks, Milltek upgrade is worthwhile..Twin 75mm pipes or Birds.uk.com do a M3 style 4 outlets for the muppet look.
[Edited by mn_angrybeats - 3/5/2003 9:50:49 PM]
Like Scoobies the standard exhaust is crap not so much sound but looks, Milltek upgrade is worthwhile..Twin 75mm pipes or Birds.uk.com do a M3 style 4 outlets for the muppet look.
[Edited by mn_angrybeats - 3/5/2003 9:50:49 PM]
03 August 2003, 07:42 AM
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Birds do have demonstrator model, might have the brake upgrade by now also..
Ask for Phil in marketing or the MD Kevin at Birds very helpfull, that or if your live nearer to Brum than Uxbrifge I'll take you out in mine.
[Edited by mn_angrybeats - 3/8/2003 7:43:46 AM]
Ask for Phil in marketing or the MD Kevin at Birds very helpfull, that or if your live nearer to Brum than Uxbrifge I'll take you out in mine.
[Edited by mn_angrybeats - 3/8/2003 7:43:46 AM]
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