My MCSC has the sports package & I can’t imagine it being able to corner any better. Whenever I go on rides with fellow hardtop owners I keep up with them through the twisties just fine. I also would not recommend getting a non-S convertible because the added weight would make it too slow. Stick with the S on convertibles.

Blind spot is not a problem on the highways. I feel the mirrors are fine for merging, turn the head a little like any car. Backing up is a little difficult but if you are careful as you should with any car, and use the backup sensors there should be no problem…

I have not spent much time in the hard top but i love my handling… I have a sway bar in the front that adds a little stability, and i tear through the corners like the rest of them.

The rough ride is purely from the run flats… If you put regular tires onit the ride is much smoother and performance even better.

Personally, i love tearing through the corners with the top down… it gives the car a lower center of gravity and i would not be suprised if it out performed in the twisties.

As far as the extra weight, adding a few simple and inexpensive modifications can more than make up for the weight differential from a power perspective.

Top down, windows up, and speeds greatly exceeding limits, 100+ (on the track of course), wind is still minimal in the front cockpit… absolutely superb! This is head and shoulders above all other convertibles i have driven.

Okay enough from me now.

Mine is cool blue with black top, heated fabric seats (not leather), chrono package (twin gauges on the steering column instead of the tach), all-weather package, CVT transmission and interior chrome package.

We took the car to the British Car show in Oakville on the weekend and among about a dozen new minis, it was the ONLY convertible (which shocked the heck out of me).

Reaction: the car was swarmed. A couple of people from the US commented how hard it was to find them there.

Generally, people fixate on the dash because all the chrome looks so COOL. Mine also has chrome roll bar covers.

Problems: only this week, the passenger door latch stopped working (Bowden cable had to be replaced) and upon getting the car back from service, the passenger window was making a weird thunk when opened and closed. Then, the door windows started to operate when pressing the rear windows switch! So it went back to the shop and apparently now fixed; we’ll see when I pick it up tonight.

Performance: I love squealing the tires going around a corner, turning right from a stopped position. It’s only a little squeal mind you, but ‘way fun. And I’ve said a couple of indelicate words when passing stinky big trucks on the highway and noticing I’m doing 160kmh (100 mph!).

I guess I should prepare my “why Cindy should keep her driving license” speech for the judge in case I get caught!

Regrets? NO WAY!

I have not bought a Mini yet but I am looking. I have some ideas about how I want to go about the Mini and maybe some of you can tell me if its feasible. I am very technically capable(21 year acft insp at major airline) so I can do much of the work myself if needed

See here is the issue,the packages give me more than I want, ie 17″ wheels on the sport package, heated mirrors on the cold weather package.

So what I want to do if I can, is obtain essentially a base model Mini, but with a 6 speed transmission and the 16″ wheels. Then add the heated seat, the supercharger, the DSC, and some of the rest later on my own.

Is this a plan that can be successful?

Thanks,

Jaybo

Has anyone noticed any kinks that need to be worked out with the convertible (other than addressing blindspot if possible)? I’m not sure if I’m better off waiting for 2006. I love my car, but as with any new model, I definitely have experienced some bugs that have since been addressed in later model years…can I expect the same thing with the convertible?

Otherwise most people I’ve talked with have been very underwhelmed by Dinan’s response to the MINI market. From what I’ve seen the parts seem well made but certainly not up to the level of the JCW parts. That said they are cheaper.

my question for you mini guys is about the bmw endorsed DINAN upgrades. i stumbled across a guy who had a mcs with a “dinan stage 3″ mini performance package. it “looked” better than jcw package with its cooperSS badge and the chrome strut tower brace looked great with the go-fast items on display with the hood up. the dinan packages are installed by bmw and covered with full dealership warranty. you can upgrade in phases. or put a top of the line “stage 5″ kit. check out http://dinancars.com/Mini.asp?Series=38&Chassis=40&Model=91#197

so has anybody else had an experience with the dinan-mini parts. they seem a unique, less expensive, and yet still a factory endorsed alternative!!

Just ordered my MCSc today. I opted to not get the Limited-Slip Differential and HK audio system. Figure the extra 250lbs. of up-armor on the convertible will help keep the wheels on the ground for my needs (I don’t race.) As for the HK audio, I don’t think I’d get true enjoyment out of it unless I was in a hardtop. The outside noise (top up or down) would probably make for little discernable difference between it and the standard stereo during high speeds.

A ’spirited’ test drive on the tuesday, in my driveway on friday. An anwesome experience.

I’m in love =D!

Long story short, this car is amazing. The JCW was absolutley worth the price since I am not a grease monkey. My advice to people concerned about the little things, don’t.

Paul

That being said the Convertible adds roughly 200lbs to it is a bit more sluggish than the hardtop Cooper.