[Heinzftw]

Over the past year I have been saving up for the 135. Was planning on purchasing one late 2009 early 2010. But, after building my 135i it is going to cost me close to 39k out the door. Earlier I built a JCW with almost everything I want on it for 33k out the door. I can probably get it for close to 30k. So is the 135i honestly worth the extra 7-10k? I have never driven the JCW, but the Cooper S is a blast.

[AchtungF80]

I honestly think you can't go wrong with an S or better Mini - but at the price range of an JCW, you might as well get a 135i.

[Call]

I have owned a MCS 02/03/04/05/06/07/08 including the JCW with every part they make for the JCW. I still own my 05 MCS Cabrio and wouldn't get rid of it for any amount of money. My 06 MCS JCW MSRP was $41K...my 08 135i cost $42K.

The JCW (4 banger single turbo 206-212 HP) was a dream but you'd need to put another $7K in it to get close to the 135i (I6 TT 306+ HP) and a lot more difference than that, too.

If you want a very fun car but want to save some real money put $27K in the 08 MCS, upgrade the rear sway and drive it like you stole it! An 08-09 JCW for $30K is missing something...a whole lot of something. I just went to MINIUSA and built the JCW as mine was equiped and it came to a little over $46K!

Call

[mistermojorizin]

with the 135 for $800 for a tune, you can get some serious performance out of it.

[mikeo]

Our '07 is not a JCW, just an S. There is no comparison between the 4-cylinder MINI engine and the 6-cylinder BMW N54--plus rear wheel drive (no torque steer). The MINI is first in fun-factor, but the 135i is a complete package, IMO.

[jrc]

No wrong choice. Both are great cars. If smiles-per-mile plus budget (assuming your $6K savings) were my two top priorities, the JCW would be hard to beat.

[imported_mega]

jcw is 1 series priced

torque steer is such a pain, I hated the torque steer in my r56

[pit1]

both are great choices. What's your daily drive like? The 135i is no tourer but offers a significant amount of added comfort over the MCS. IMO it comes down to personal preference. FWD is the main element that kept me away form the MC. I just couldn't get over the engine noise either, too much for a daily driver/tourer.

[AchtungF80]

Originally Posted by mistermojorizin

with the 135 for $800 for a tune, you can get some serious performance out of it.

Yes, but not everyone goes out and buys a car just for the sake of modication ability.
Some people are sick of that and just want a nice/fast car out of the box without tinkering with it.

[lamini]

buy the one.....that's what i am planning to do.....sell my S and get the one.

Been there done that.....with the coopers, stock, classic, new...vtec. Oh well one must go back to more power.

cheers.

[Sephiroth]

Sorry man, but i just don't see the sense in the JCW. The Mini S is a great car at high teens to low 20s. Even mid 20s is fine but once you get to the 30s it makes no sense. I think its diminishing returns past 25 for the mini.

[Heinzftw]

Well let me put it this way. If I join the military, i'll grab the 1 since the military pricing is amazing. I still have yet to drive a JCW, but the 135i was such a rush.

[ORIGIN M.]

I don't see the comparison myself.

[s204speed]

Do you want a go-kart with a go-kart quality interior or do you want a baby 3-series with 3-series refinement?

Both are fantastic, you can't go wrong, but they are very different.

[Heinzftw]

230hp < 300hp
Fwd < RWD
0-60 ( 6.0) < (4.7)
The epic French Connection chase > BMW 1 Series video
Resale is virtually equal
33k > 38k
girls < women
I will take some more thought definitely. :drinking:

[mtla4]

You're young take the mini call it a day. Its a fun car

[xbook]

I just traded in my '06 MCS for my 135. No freaking way would I want a MINI over the 135. Yes the MINI is smaller and has better slow speed dartiness in a parking lot. Yes the MINI is better with MPG. Yes the MINI has that classic, unique styling.

But, it isn't the 135.

We still have our other '06 MCS, non-jcw. And I so prefer the 135 to the MINI. Seating position, the great interior (MCS is good too), build quality, and oh yeah the best part ... the N54!!!!!

Plus, the MAIN reason I got rid of my MINI, was the massive amount of repairs it needed, and the complete incompetence of the 5 dealers in the LA area I had perform work on it. The only good thing as far as service went for my MINI was DAnny over @ MINI Corsa .... Best damn wrench I have EVER met.

And what I mean by tons of repairs is 2 new engine mounts, 1 tranny mount, 2 new throttle bodies, 1 new AC compressor, oil pan was leaking, thermostat freaked out dumped coolant all over my driveway, broken air bag switch in pass. seat. And that's just in the past 6 months...there was 3 clutches, 2 flywheels and countless other BS prior to that. Total # of times in shop, over 16...

[WhiteOne]

Decide what you want to do with your life first. You can compare apples to oranges later. JMHO

[Heinzftw]

Originally Posted by WhiteOne

Decide what you want to do with your life first. You can compare apples to oranges later. JMHO

I decided that years ago.
Double Major in Poly Science and Economics
Joining Marines as an officer
Masters in Political Economy while in service
Then off to law school!! :biggrin:

Btw car might be bought by this next summer. Getting an internship possibly through a family members work.:thumbup:

[I-One-Da?]

Originally Posted by Heinzftw

33k > 38k

FALSE!
What school did you go to?:wink:

I think this is a very tough choice. Like mentioned above these two cars are in totally different classes. I get tired of hearing people say that because two cars are in different classes they can't be compared. They can be compared but it just comes down to what it is you want from the car.

The BMW is more refined but is it refined enough to give up the fun factor in the MCS?

The MCS is cheaper but is it cheaper enough to give up the added features you will find with the 135i?

Just write down pros and cons for each car and then compare them:w00t:

[imported_mega]

I traded my R56 mini cooper S for a 135i last month

I HATE TORQUE STEER that was the main reason

[GigEm93]

Loved my MINI (2004 MCS, with mods), fun factor was huge. But I love my 135 more. :roundel: