100% agreed, Love the cobination of my C55 and my tricked out 95 RX-7. On the way into work today I went toe to toe with a 911 turbo in the RX. When we slowed down the 911 driver gave me the thumbs up. You can get one all tricked for 20k probably less, not to mention that car is a beast on the track.

I love the mini S. there is something mysteriously attractive of a small fast hatchback. My first car was a civic VTi, fast, light and cheap, I had a LOT of fun with it. But then again I was 15 year's old. 12 years later I would not even think about going back to that. If anything save some cash up and get the Mini but dont say goodbye to C55. I can tell you right now you will miss the full spectrum power that handcrafted V8 provides, not to mention that heavenly music it orchestrates. Miami are you sure you want to downgrade to 1.6L I4? That is less than half our engine. If you are not in financial problems then I don’t see the reasoning behind this downgrade.

Whatever your decision ends up being ENJOY IT! Life is short there is no time for regrets.
Just my 2 cents

Check out the MINI S Cooper Works car on display at the Los Angeles Auto show. Impressive stats for such a little car. Take a look at MiniMania as well. Most of these mods available make the MINI S a competent contender and usually produce a car that will beat a stock C32/C55 at the Streets of Willow every day of the week. The Z4 and the S2000 are not hard tops and the hardtop Z in stock form is not faster than a modded MINI at a slow speed road course.

Hey Marc, good luck. No need to justify, do what makes you happy. Been there done that. Mini is a cool car. I had an S2000, just got rid of if about two weeks ago, awesome car, seond to none, I would recommend it to anyone looking for a fun car. I'm sure the mini will be afun ride as well. I hear the Elise is a real ball buster. Anyway, stop by an post your impressions when the time comes.

Doug

I agree and I dont like Japanese cars....

Doug thanks I am with you no need to justify I am just simplifying everything and Mini S is the way for me I will miss the C55 power however I have access to many fast vehicles any time I want them.. How is the C55 treating you??

So when will the Mini be here? You gotta mod it! We just did a 05' cooper S with the Evotech ECU, pulley, mini madness intake, short shifter and borla exhaust and its a blast to drive! All of that is also very reasonable in price. If you at anytime need some mods for the Mini let me know since you are kind of local, i can help you out.

Marc, you are not alone in your thinking. I am thinking of buying a S2000 when I sell my C32. Being an ex-racer I miss the nimbleness of a proper track car. All my cars before the C32 where sporty small cars eg, Honda Ballade V-tec, Golf IV GTi. I really enjoy the C32, especially on the open road, but I want something to play with on the track. With the amount of money I'm gonna spend on the C32 to get it right, I can buy a small car. I've decided to get the wife smart luxurious cars from now on. If we go on holiday or on long travels, we can use her car. Currently I drive a VW Caddy (small LDV) with a modded engine, 17"wheels and coil-overs. It does the same times as a C32 on a tight track. Here is a pic of it for those who don't know a Caddy.

the s2000 strengths would not include it's 0-60 time. it's a pity you don't like jap cars....
http://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=260168

i myself am hoping to get my hands on a mini....but this would be a 1972 model yr. car was imported by someone whose job fell through and he returned to UK. i'll know in a few months.

the 2005 copper s with the jcw pack =210hp. with LSD front prob a ton of fun.

good luck motoring..........

with whatever Chariot you deem fit for the journey!

Personally, I think the Mini S is one of the BEST vehicles "out-of-the-box" PERIOD!! Fun Factor = 11 !!!

Drive safe & keep the shiny side UP.

Drop by & let us know the +/-'s of your decision, I along with many others here will most certainly appreciate it.

Ciao!
lap

Will do so guys it is about 6 weeks away as I ordered the exact car I want

How much will it be for that package I am going to do all of that where are you located?

I just sent you a PM with some info.

I'm thinking about trading in my E55 for a new Vespa. I'll loose a bit of power, but I feel the need for the wind blowing in my hair...

Funny!

Anyone here if they do downgrade an AMG to a 2000cc NA car, I want to know what they feel. Please do not leave this forum so soon.
I guess I will sell mine within 2 years or even 1 year.
The reason for a replacement will be either the new C class AMG is too tempting or I just have had enough with supercar and migrate to a car which is cheaper to run while as easy as fun and draw some more attentions too.
The later case, getting a Mini S is a 100% right choice but a Mini S does not turn me on at this moment.
I probably get a A-class turbo if they do sell it in H.K.

I'll trade out of my C55 when the new M3 shows up.

you can have a high hp car with loose steering and understeer like a pig.....yes it will go like stink but transition unpleasantly.

or you could have a nicely balanced car with fast ratio, accurate steering, great balance but not a lot of power......can't speed but you could 4 wheel drift on off and on ramps and feel the car react as you motor.....


guess which one is more fun?

i love my nissan nx2000 and s2000 as well as my c32.

the mini falls into the latter category above.

happy motoring.

Thanks Man I am looking forward to a stick shift small light agile car and the Mini fits the bill. I do like the S2000 but the Mini si much more practicale for everyday ie; hatchback, 4 seats, more room inside and its a hardtop in my case.

Marc, whatever you decide on good luck and have fun with it.

If you really want to go the Mini route, hatchback four seats etc., try looking for a low mileage VW R32. I had one earlier in 2004 and the car was an absolute blast, 240HP, 6 speed, with the all wheel drive it sticks like glue and the interior is sweet with the stock koenigs seats etc. The only option on the car was leather and most all of them were shipped that way, the standard equipment is superb in my opinion. Not to mention there are some pretty serious mods available if you decide to get more out of it. If you can find one nearby you should test one.

I agree. I had one also but let it go. Kind of sorry I did but then there is supposed to be that "R36".

Rgds,
Norm

It's funny how much respect across the globe the MINI S actually gets, and it desirves it. Maybe being a German product has something to do with it. And they did find a solution to the big gulp dilema. This thread would have been much different if I would have endorsed the EVO 8 MR given the original criteria, as previous threads have proven.

I thought about this. But can we all be sure the new C AMG is not a 476hp monster? Or at least it is a 420hp tiger? We should not overlook MB's marketing department 's ability to push AMG to do something creative.
Honestly, look at the come back of super big displacements for the US market, we are not sure what 'big' means any more, do we?
The new ML looks great,we want a ML65 :v

I plan on keeping this car for at least 3 years and I'll probably trade in for an RS4 (if it ever makes it here) or a C63 (if the reliablity of these time bombs improve), but definitely not the M3.. I don't like the Stigma attached to them..
Eric...