[C320]

During lockdown I really got to notice how much I was previously spending on fuel with the F86 X6M. It's been my daily for over a year now and I was a regular at the local petrol station as it does have a drink habit (a small commute and the school run didn't help that much either!).

Anyway, a bit of man maths and our trusty old W203 C320 departing got me thinking and before I knew it I'd placed a deposit on a 2010 Mini Cooper S.

Here are some pics, I've also joined Minitorque and Mini2 but I know quite a few on here have had MCS's too, so figured I'd share some pictures here too. It's an LCI model so has the 'hopefully' more reliably N18 engine. It's a hoot to drive and I can certainly use far more of it's power than in the X6 M without getting into serious trouble!

Exterior:




Interior:



Exhaust tips before:



Exhaust tips after:

[un1eash]

Everytime I watch the Italian Job I want a Mini Cooper S and always fancied owning one but timing wasn't quite right with the kids but have finally ordered the wife a Clubman JCW.

[JD6]

Congrats. Minis do have a certain something about them which makes them very entertaining to drive and since BMW took over their production, they can actually fit a real human being inside.

My Mini Cooper D 5 door hatch is a case in point. A 3 cylinder 1.5 diesel from a 116d doesn't sound very appealing, and yet somehow in Mini form it's rather good fun. I was considering switching to a Clubman JCW 306, taking advantage of my proud military heritage (my grandmother was a teacher about 50 years ago, which somehow qualifies me for BMW's military scheme!) but have so far resisted...

[Run Silent]

Love it!

Very nice! I have almost the same car, just a bit newer F56S model. Love it as a daily. Great choice!

[isleaiw1]

Originally Posted by JD6

Congrats. Minis do have a certain something about them which makes them very entertaining to drive and since BMW took over their production, they can actually fit a real human being inside.

My Mini Cooper D 5 door hatch is a case in point. A 3 cylinder 1.5 diesel from a 116d doesn't sound very appealing, and yet somehow in Mini form it's rather good fun. I was considering switching to a Clubman JCW 306, taking advantage of my proud military heritage (my grandmother was a teacher about 50 years ago, which somehow qualifies me for BMW's military scheme!) but have so far resisted...

Only another 6 weeks to hang on then the deal will be gone and you wont be able to have it...


just saying...

ETA I am really enjoying running my Mini 1.5 Cooper petrol as my only car for now, 45mpg on my longer runs, park anywhere and not worry, nip through town.... what more do I need...?

[C320]

Originally Posted by un1eash

Everytime I watch the Italian Job I want a Mini Cooper S and always fancied owning one but timing wasn't quite right with the kids but have finally ordered the wife a Clubman JCW.

They are awesome little things, I've wanted one since they first came out. We were close to buying an R53 JCW (just called Cooper S Works at the time) back in 2003.

I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun with your wife's JCW, the F series cars take things on a bit further!

[C320]

Originally Posted by isleaiw1

45mpg on my longer runs, park anywhere and not worry, nip through town.... what more do I need...?

Totally, I do wonder why I didn't take the plunge earlier.

[isleaiw1]

Originally Posted by C320

Totally, I do wonder why I didn't take the plunge earlier.

The question now is how much use will the X6M get...?

[C320]

Originally Posted by isleaiw1

The question now is how much use will the X6M get...?

That's a very good question indeed! Not sure yet but I still like it for the craziness that it is. The plan is to use it at least once a week or at weekends when we're all together as a family when the wife's 3er isn't quite big enough.

We plan to still do some long runs to visit family / friends (when that's a thing again) so it's perfect for that as a family wagon and for munching miles quickly.

I guess you've adjusted to life without the M5 now?

[isleaiw1]

Originally Posted by C320

That's a very good question indeed! Not sure yet but I still like it for the craziness that it is. The plan is to use it at least once a week or at weekends when we're all together as a family when the wife's 3er isn't quite big enough.

We plan to still do some long runs to visit family / friends (when that's a thing again) so it's perfect for that as a family wagon and for munching miles quickly.

I guess you've adjusted to life without the M5 now?

Yep. 130 miles up the M1 in the Mini to see family isnt as bad as I expected - and actually given it does 45mpg v 25mpg there are plus points (and the dog seems to like the footwell and I dont mind her climbing on the seats in this one!)

My Mum asked me if i missed my nice car and I could honestly say not really..... that doesnt mean I am not enjoying looking at what else I might possibly buy but it will be dog friendly, under the radar and probably less than half the price of the last two and bought not PCPd

[JR1664]

We have two F56 Minis in the family, 1.5 petrol three pots. Great little drive, comfortable (I'm 6'2") and really economical for what they offer.

Both came with the five year Mini TLC service packs so have cost nothing to service. They are now five and six years old respectively and have had one issue between them and that was cured by a software update under warranty.

Brilliant little cars, easy to work on (just done pads and discs on both), looking forward £117 for a main dealer oil change or £60 from my Independent

Oh yeah, you can fit two jack russells in the boot .

[Rich76]

Originally Posted by C320

During lockdown I really got to notice how much I was previously spending on fuel with the F86 X6M. It's been my daily for over a year now and I was a regular at the local petrol station as it does have a drink habit (a small commute and the school run didn't help that much either!).

Anyway, a bit of man maths and our trusty old W203 C320 departing got me thinking and before I knew it I'd placed a deposit on a 2010 Mini Cooper S.

Here are some pics, I've also joined Minitorque and Mini2 but I know quite a few on here have had MCS's too, so figured I'd share some pictures here too. It's an LCI model so has the 'hopefully' more reliably N18 engine. It's a hoot to drive and I can certainly use far more of it's power than in the X6 M without getting into serious trouble!

Exterior:




Interior:



Exhaust tips before:



Exhaust tips after:

What did you use to clean them exhausts?

[Pobsey]

Minis do have certain charm, mine is 17Years old this December, also on Minitorque 😂

[C320]

Originally Posted by Rich76

What did you use to clean them exhausts?

Normally I use Autosol Metal polish. Although this time I used Peek Polish: https://www.johnlewis.com/peek-polish-100ml/p703113?

I did also need to use extra fine (0000) steel wool. Sounds scary but it works fine and no noticeable scratches. I do need to go over them again as there are still a few marks but a marked improvement to what they were like to start with!