[GTT 280]

After owning a Cooper for 18 months I am aware of the MINI traits we have all be accustomed to.

I've therefore accepted my new MCS with an open mind focusing more on the aspects of the car more than the fact that something rattles.

I can say though that the seats have certainly improved from the original type installed (I know the leather is different in the MCS than to the MC) The dealer actually said that the leather is better than that used in BMW 3,5 and 7 series.

The engine is superb. It feels really solid in it's response, very crisp and tight is the only way i can think of describing it.

The steering with the 17" S-spokes was perfect, just what the MCS suits. A firm solid handling ride, confident around the bends and superb for cruising in straight lines with absolutely no drift. They steering feel just as light as my previous 16" 5-star wheels, but with more 'response' when turning.

The suspension - well that is the same as before - SS+

The gear box during the first 10 miles was quite rough and gritty/notchy. I think that was due to the fact I just wasn't used to it, and was being cautious and slow in my gear changes. After about 100 miles it became fluider in it's movement and I can definately feel it becoming smoother. There is no play in the gears and each one is a definate shift.

Everything else seems in top condition, and the style of the MCS looks really amasing, much better when you actually own one.

[evilthing]

I could not have said that ant better myself. I just turned 450 miles still all smiles. It has been eveything I had hoped for and more.

Cheers,

[jimvee]

I'll "third" that . . . my EB/W is just going over 300 miles and althought I don't have EB Mini's MC experience, I agree 100% with all said. The car is just too good to be true; too fun to drive!

In fact, a word of caution: Don't pick up your new MCS at night! I had a 100 mile freeway drive back home, and in the dark, I didn't realize I did the whole trip in 5th! It was running so smooth and quiet, I assumed I was in 6th when I was only in 5th. Not until the next morning (in daylight) did I recall that 6th is "down" not "up"!

But I dutifully varied my speed and kept the revs around or below 4000-4500 all the way!

[Antranik]

Quote:

Originally posted by EB MINI

The engine is superb. It feels really solid in it's response, very crisp and tight is the only way i can think of describing it.

You will definitely feel it "loosen" and rev freer. After about 800 miles I noticed the engine was a lot more willing to rev. Now with 2000 miles, it feels different, nothing negative about it, but it seems the entire car takes a while to break in.

Quote:

The gear box during the first 10 miles was quite rough and gritty/notchy. ...After about 100 miles it became fluider in it's movement and I can definately feel it becoming smoother.

My gearbox felt very notchy for a long time and still does once in a while, but just like the engine, it has gotten really silky. A friend of mine drove it recently and described it as being "direct." I wasn't sure what exactly that meant and he said, "It meansevery shift and throw feels the same, very direct"

[jimvee]

I'm sure this is covered in many posts elsewhere, but what about gas milage?

I've been a bit surprised that I'm averaging only about 21 mpg around town during my gentle, break-in driving. As the engine breaks in, does the milage improve noticably?

Not that it matters too much, 21 around town still beats almost any car I can think of.

[GTT 280]

I have managed 230 miles on a full tank of Optimax(98)
I achieved 260 miles in my MC.

That, to me, is acceptable.

[wingman]

I'm averaging 28 MPG combined driving. I have seen as much as 31 on the highway and as low as 26 in town. Currently 850 miles on the clock so far and quickly heading for that magic 1250. Ditto on everyone's initial comments. This is an amaizing car.

Here is a pic of my MCS at Hallett Speedway in Oklahoma last weekend. This was a fast parade lap of the track during the SCCA sponsored vintage car races. I'm about to make my move on that Range Rover & MGA! I love it!