Cooper S questions

Matthew C Smith · #1 (**permalink**) 03-03-2003, 05:25 PM

Yep, looks like my pops is going to be getting a cooper S.

Any problems with them or things you guys would recommend having lived with one for awhile now?

How's the aftermarket? Any recommendations?

Thanks guys!

DDD · #2 (**permalink**) 03-03-2003, 08:33 PM

Awesome car so far! No problems that I can report.

Aftermarket is taking off... might want to hold out for the John Cooper Works stuff though. It will be available from the dealership, and will not void the waranty.

As far as owning the car... you will soon find that there is NO storage for even simple things in the front. I highly reccommend getting at least the 'Euro parcel shelf' so you have somewhere to stick your shades or cell phone. I have a post about it here:
Add some more storage space in the front!

How did your pops spec it out? Color - interior - options?

Be sure to post pics when you guys get it too

Matthew C Smith · #3 (**permalink**) 03-04-2003, 06:12 AM

Hasn't been ordered yet.

Here's the run down

dark silver with black top (most likely) OR indi blue with white tops (hmmm sounds familiar)

(Well it's not indi blue, wasn't available at the time of the paining)

Sport package with possible wheel option R90 17" (anybody know of a similar looking wheel from an aftermarket company?) any idea what they weight?

Cold Weather package
Dark Gray space cloth seats
cruise control
normal AC I think
possible Harmon Kardon sound (what do you think? or recommend?)
OBC
anthracite dashboard
and a couple of floor mats to go around

anything else you'd recommend?

ESP · #4 (**permalink**) 03-04-2003, 06:43 AM

if/when you get some John Cooper Works stuff pleeze dont call it JCW... that will make me think of the other JCW place...

DDD · #5 (**permalink**) 03-05-2003, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Matthew C Smith
Sport package with possible wheel option R90 17" (anybody know of a similar looking wheel from an aftermarket company?) any idea what they weigh?

R90 cross-spoke ET48 24.1lb (10.95kg)

I say go for a lighter wheel similar to what Marcus did on his (wife's) Cooper S. They were SSR Competitions. 17X7.5 and weigh 12.8 pounds each.

Quote:

Originally posted by Matthew C Smith
possible Harmon Kardon sound (what do you think? or recommend?)

I originally said that I was going to wait for the Harmon Kardon system... but after listening to the stock system, I was pleased. You can actually build a better aftermarket sound system for cheaper, and it will sound better.

Quote:

Originally posted by Matthew C Smith
anything else you'd recommend?

It sounds like you guys have it figured out. Get that order in and post pics of both of the MINI's together when you get it!

ESP · #6 (**permalink**) 03-06-2003, 05:13 AM

I have had one in my garage since last weekend...

DDD is right about the storage space for phone,etc. HK is in the one I am driving and it sounds nice, but I personally would have went aftermarket. Perhaps even the base system with some replacement speakers would suffice.

I just finished putting H&R Coilovers in the S and the ride is stiffer, no bodyroll, and a lower and nicer stance.

Matthew C Smith · #7 (**permalink**) 03-06-2003, 05:51 AM

Thanks a lot guys.

Dad really likes the cross spokes, but I'll try and talk him into getting something aftermarket. Although 17" snow tires don't make much sense. I suspect we'll end up with a set of factory 15" wheels with snows and the factory 17" sport package wheels for summer.

I was thinking the same thing about replacement aftermarket speakers instead of the HK sound.

Quote:

It sounds like you guys have it figured out. Get that order in and post pics of both of the MINI's together when you get it!

Guaranteed. I'll see if I can't get the mini up to the dealership to maybe do a little blue on white side by side picture shoot. That'd be cool.

Do you guys know anything about a possible wagon/van/extended production MINI?

DDD · #8 (**permalink**) 03-06-2003, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Matthew C Smith
Do you guys know anything about a possible wagon/van/extended production MINI?

There are rumors, but nothing solid from MINI that I have heard of.

There are some good photochops that have been made, but thats it so far.

Quote:

Originally posted by ESP
I just finished putting H&R Coilovers in the S and the ride is stiffer, no bodyroll, and a lower and nicer stance.

Can you post some pics of the car with this setup? I would love to see it!