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

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

" (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

 

I was being conservative with the figures I'm always sceptical of high power FWD.

Still not a problem anymore



Jonathan

 

How much does the Hartge conversion for the cooper s cost?

Regards,
Chris

 

I believe it's £1800 and also invalidates your warranty....hmmmm!!!!

 

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

 

I was under the impression that it is a 'warranty safe' mod....Thanks for the info mate.

 

Anyone know what the waiting time is on a new cooper s?

Regards,
Chris

 

Do you get an upgrade to those weedy 1 inch pipes with the Hartge kit??

 

Waiting list is currently July/August delivery.

 

My mom just bought one recently. I happen to love it.

 

Ordered one for my wife last month. Nice car but still a hot hatch and doesn't quite have that 'evoness'.

Phil

 

From somone that makes me look a junior at car buying

http://forums.bm3w.co.uk/ubbthreads/...5&o=31&fpart=1

 

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?

 

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]

 

Well spoke to my dealer in length, my warranty is still retained, even my TLC is ...The Hartge TUV upgrade guarantees that the the mods will not cause another component to fail. IF the dealer is not playing ball you get 1 year and unlimited mileage warranty from Hartge.

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]

 

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]

 

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]