Should I splurge for the "S"

[LexRealtor]

I almost have my Z3 sold, and I will either sell the 325xi myself or trade it in for a Mini. Both the BMW's about broke me with $300 tires, expensive brakes and all. One of the things I like about the Mini is that it seems to offer alot of performance for the dollar. My parents have an '08 regular Mini. I really liked the way it handles, and don't mind that it was reaaaaaaally slow. My question is this? Other than more power, would a Cooper S handle noticably better than a regular Cooper with the Sport suspension (not the JCW suspension)?? I will not be tracking the car, I just enjoy every turn I make whether it is on backroads or running to Wal-Mart. I will only have about $25,000 to spend so I am trying to decide if it would be better to get a regular one with Xenon, Cold Weather and a few other options, or get an "S" with less options.

Thanks for helping out a noob!!

[thenextstig]

the "S" will have noticable handling differences thanks to the cooper s having less weight and no spare tire. and the handling is a big difference and if ur into racing the mini cooper s is the only way to go if u just want somthing for commuting then get the cooper

[catseye]

Get the S with less options, or get a slightly older one with EVERYTHING!!!!!:buttrock

[LexRealtor]

Catseyeweb-got to tell you, one of these days I am going to have a 635CSI like yours. I have lusted after those 6 Series since they were new!

[catseye]

Catseyeweb-got to tell you, one of these days I am going to have a 635CSI like yours. I have lusted after those 6 Series since they were new!
NOw is the time! There are quite a few out there, and the prices are GREAT!!! Check this car out (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-6-Series-633CSi-CALIFORNIACLASSIX-84-BMW-633CSi-45K-Mls-49-PIX_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6129QQihZ006QQitemZ 160267452305QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW)

http://www.californiaclassix.com/images3/c498-leftside-remote.jpg

This one is probably going to go high, but wow, what a car!

[w00ht]

If your a performance minded driver then don't settle for any car other than what you really want. If you do, you'll regret it and wish you had just waited for a better deal or saved a little more money.

I have an 05 S and it was a lot of fun (till I blew it up ;)). It has an Alta intake, TB, SC pulley upgrade, chip and a full miltek exhaust. The car got walked by a slightly tuned 07 S.

[w00ht]

Forget the cooper bid on the six series!

[Openair]

I love the power of my wifes 07 S but the ride is very choppy in daily driving. Of course my wife never lets me drive it anyway!

[catseye]

I love the power of my wifes 07 S but the ride is very choppy in daily driving. Of course my wife never lets me drive it anyway!
Does it have the run-flats? If so, do yourself a favor and ditch them, now. You won't believe how much better your car will ride and handle.

Forget the cooper bid on the six series!
It went for $13k, which is high for a 633, but man, what a car. That one is truly one of a kind.

[Tbaker474]

I'm not an owner but have driven both and the S was much more satisfying. You could always try to add the options aftermarket later on.

[Openair]

cats- I've heard that the run flats were rough riding. I didn't seem to notice how bad the ride was untill I rode along as a passenger. Do you have first hand experience with run flat vs regular tires?

[ScottinBend]

Run flats by there very construction are MUCH rougher riding than standard tires. I changed out my RF's after putting up with them for over a year and have never regretted it.

[catseye]

Run flats by there very construction are MUCH rougher riding than standard tires. I changed out my RF's after putting up with them for over a year and have never regretted it.
+1 You won't believe the difference....wow! That was the very first thing I did when I got the car, and it makes more than a worlld of difference. Do it.

[thenextstig]

when u replaced the runflats did u also add a spare?

[Openair]

I used to drive with a can of fix-it flat, a cellphone and triple A card when I removed the spare from my Miata.

[beaner06]

in a word, "yes". if you are posting on this forum, i would assume that you think of your car as more than basic transportation. the performance level is significantly different. i love the old 6 series. my father had two of them. if not for the ugly bumpers......i'd have one.
greg