'07 MCS sheds 192lbs.

[FC]

http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/08/...k-ii-unveiled/

Per Edmunds, current weight stands at 2679. That would make the '07 2487lbs with better power figures and torque of 177lb-ft from 1600 rpm.

That sounds pretty good. I still don't care for it personally, but my wife is obsessed with it. I'm just glad she likes the '07 just in case we get a used one years down the road.

[John V]

Lighter? Must be a typo. After all, BMW is involved with this car.

[FC]

Originally Posted by John V

Lighter? Must be a typo. After all, BMW is involved with this car.

I did actually have to re-read it when I first saw that.

[John V]

Originally Posted by FC

I did actually have to re-read it when I first saw that.

On a serious note, I think this is awesome. It means BMW actually understands that one of the things consumers like about the MINI is that it's light and feels light.

[ff]

Now if they can just fix the gearing. It's way too tall, making left-turn-rolling-starts in 2nd gear pretty much a near-death experience. Really hurts overall acceleration too. I know the car's capable of so much more.

[John V]

Originally Posted by ff

Now if they can just fix the gearing. It's way too tall, making left-turn-rolling-starts in 2nd gear pretty much a near-death experience. Really hurts overall acceleration too. I know the car's capable of so much more.

I don't think it's dangerous. It's no worse than, say, an S2000 rolling acceleration from low RPM in second gear.

Anyway, that's why they offer a first gear in the transmission

[ff]

Originally Posted by John V

It's no worse than, say, an S2000 rolling acceleration from low RPM in second gear.

Completely disagree 300%. 400%. It's a big problem with the mini because of the unusually tall gearing and complete lack of torque. And according to the manual, you're not supposed to shift into 1st gear unless you're at a dead stop, or damage to the transmission may result.

[FC]

Well, after doing some reading on the mini2.com (Mini forum) it seems the weight reduction may be BS.

Also, as with all other BMW's it seems, the car has lost a bit of its edge - the turbo is not as distictive as the SC whine, it has a softer suspension, lighter steering, etc.

That will only make it more appealing to someone like my wife, which I guess means they did their homework.

[John V]

Originally Posted by ff

Completely disagree 300%. 400%. It's a big problem with the mini because of the unusually tall gearing and complete lack of torque. And according to the manual, you're not supposed to shift into 1st gear unless you're at a dead stop, or damage to the transmission may result.

The Mini S does 66 MPH in second gear. That's not "unusually tall" in my book. In fact, it's 1MPH slower than an AP1 S2000's maximum speed in second gear.

And I'm sorry, the first gear thing is absolute bullsh1t. Every mfg says that.

Calling a MINI gutless compared to an S2000, what a joke!

[equ]

Originally Posted by John V

The Mini S does 66 MPH in second gear. That's not "unusually tall" in my book. In fact, it's 1MPH slower than an AP1 S2000's maximum speed in second gear.

And I'm sorry, the first gear thing is absolute bullsh1t. Every mfg says that.

Calling a MINI gutless compared to an S2000, what a joke!

I'm no mini expert but that's pretty tall for a 4-cyl. The s2000 gets there due to 9000rpm. BTW, I've driven the miniS and the s2000 each a couple of times, their power difference is night & day. The miniS feels like a 323 at best.