[AndrewD]

Hello, my first post here. I just put down a deposit on a new Cooper S Works, due for delivery in March 05. I'm seeing the dealer in early Dec to firm up the exact spec (their system crashed just around closing time!).

Any ideas on what to go for gratefully received.

I was thinking about: satnav, leather, automatic aircon, harmon cardon, 6cd, carbon dash, 18 inch john cooper wheels and brake upgrade and suspension, strut brace, aero kit. But not the sunroof (somehow I think it doesn't look as "classic" as the full tintop). I'm assuming since it is post Jan build it will come with the LSD. Colour being black eye purple with white roof and white bonnet stripes

Cheers

 

[ONED]

Not sure if this is wise or not Andrew ...but you could try in here

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1206442#post1206442

....although if you want to keep you r sanity......





you'll get plenty of advice in there.....maybe even some to do with MINIS

 

[AndrewD]

 

[ONED]

Just ignore all the talk of fridges, TV and kitchens!


it's just because they've got nothing to do at present...well apart from Mod!

give em a shout,...but watch out cos you'll get mobbed....the ain't specced one in a while!

 

[AidenL]

We do like to help spec in the S Speccin' Thread.................

 

[LMB]

THE S Speccin' Thread.

Cooper S Works - good choice.

 

[CooperID]

Cooper S Works with all the trimmings... Yummm!! .....

Jan 05 Delivery!!... Better get that Spec sorted ASAP!! ........... I'm sure there's a few around here that can help

 

[LMB]

Cooper S Works with all the trimmings... Yummm!! .....

Jan 05 Delivery!!... Better get that Spec sorted ASAP!! ........... I'm sure there's a few around here that can help

Well you've ticked the most important box. 210bhp.

I'd add DSC and Chilli Pack to that.

 

[AndrewD]

Anyone got the works suspension and brake upgrade? I want it to handle the extra power but not make the ride overly harsh on normal day to day driving.

I bought the car primarily to commute in, plus some fun on the twisties either end of the M25, plus for occasional weekend and track use.

I'm used to hard riding cars as I also have a 911 GT3 and a Radical SR3 race car ... but I'd like the Mini to be a tad more civilised if possible!

So, any experiences of the other JCW upgrade bits?

 

[Raify]

I test drove the John Cooper demonstrator with basically that spec (wheels, suspension, dash etc), not sure if it had LSD though.

I found the wheels a bit heavy on turn in, especially when throwing it into roundabouts / 90deg turns. The suspension was great, not too harsh, even accounting for the huge wheels.

I would consider getting manual A/C, the auto is very noisy. You might want to think about the Works seats. The standard seats aren't great IMHO, especially with 210bhp.

good call on "no sunroof" A waste of money / weight as far as I'm concerned.

 

[Intrepid]

Anyone got the works suspension and brake upgrade? I want it to handle the extra power but not make the ride overly harsh on normal day to day driving.

I bought the car primarily to commute in, plus some fun on the twisties either end of the M25, plus for occasional weekend and track use.

I'm used to hard riding cars as I also have a 911 GT3 and a Radical SR3 race car ... but I'd like the Mini to be a tad more civilised if possible!

So, any experiences of the other JCW upgrade bits?

Oh my God - I want your garage! Are you single?!

 

[AndrewD]

Raify - surprised the 18 inch wheels felt heavier, aren't they meant to be lighter than the other wheels to reduce unsprung weight?!

Intrepid - no, very married! In fact, baby about to arrive any day now

 

[Intrepid]

Ah well - lucky wifey.... don't you need proper back seats for baby? no room in the Rad or the porsche is there?! you'll have to get a Range Rover too!

Congrat on baby - and Works - what treats!

 

[AndrewD]

Cheers! I'll have to tell my wife how lucky she is!

We've got a Passat 4 motion estate for baby transport

Seems like a friendly place here!

 

[Intrepid]

It is most of the time... Once you get your Mini you should come on some track days and meets... tons of fun.

 

[AndrewD]

Sounds like a good idea ... I can bring the Radical too!

 

[Intrepid]

Definitely - I went out in one at Snetterton a couple of weeks ago - holy sh*t!

 

[Raify]

Raify - surprised the 18 inch wheels felt heavier, aren't they meant to be lighter than the other wheels to reduce unsprung weight?!

I was comparing them to my 16" X-lites, not sure which are lighter. A bigger wheel + bigger tyre contact patch would make for heavier turn-in feel I think, even if the JCW 18" wheels are lighter

It didn't exactly spoil my test drive, it was just different. If you can, try a few cars with different wheels before you decide.

Nathan. T-minus 5 days until the extra 10 bhp!

 

[gr8britwjh]

16" X-Lites weigh 17.6 lbs. The 18" JCW wheels weigh 23.5 lbs. For comparison the 17" S-Lites (misnomer if ever there was one) weigh 25.1 lbs.....each

 

[Bezza]

Andrew,

I would definately add the Anthracite roof lining to that spec. Picked my MCS JCW up on Saturday and the roof lining makes a huge difference to the interior. As does the HK system, but you've already specced that!