Mini Cooper SD or BMW 118d Coupe?
Discussion
I'm currently having issues deciding between the two cars above. Neither are the sort of car I have owned previously and need to go down this route as it is a company car (no point taking the cash alternative as due to restrictions on vehicle the maths doesn't work).
The mini would be a fully specced Mini Cooper SD - Media,Sport + Chili packs plus Harmon Kardon hifi, heated seats, sunroof, heated windscreen etc (I don't think I have left any options unticked apart from keyless start) .
The BMW would be a 118d M-Sport, upgraded wheels, leather, heated seats, mid-level hifi.
Both cars share the same engine, although obviously have different drivetrains. I prefer rear drive cars (see previously owned) but also appreciate that a 2.0d BMW coupe is not exactly the same as an MX5 or TVR.
The car would mostly be used for an approx 15 mile each way commute through back roads in the Chilterns as well as other standard duties. I am likely to put a toy in the garage at some point as for roof down blasts.
The BMW would cost about £30 pcm more.
Does anyone have experience of both/either cars? Which one would be the more entertaining drive? Which would you go for in the same circumstances?
Please help - I have been going round in circles for the last few days!
The mini would be a fully specced Mini Cooper SD - Media,Sport + Chili packs plus Harmon Kardon hifi, heated seats, sunroof, heated windscreen etc (I don't think I have left any options unticked apart from keyless start) .
The BMW would be a 118d M-Sport, upgraded wheels, leather, heated seats, mid-level hifi.
Both cars share the same engine, although obviously have different drivetrains. I prefer rear drive cars (see previously owned) but also appreciate that a 2.0d BMW coupe is not exactly the same as an MX5 or TVR.
The car would mostly be used for an approx 15 mile each way commute through back roads in the Chilterns as well as other standard duties. I am likely to put a toy in the garage at some point as for roof down blasts.
The BMW would cost about £30 pcm more.
Does anyone have experience of both/either cars? Which one would be the more entertaining drive? Which would you go for in the same circumstances?
Please help - I have been going round in circles for the last few days!
matt21 said:
Mini for me. With that spec it's a nice place to be. Run flats ruin the ride though
The ride is pants with or without the runflats, but at least you won't be stood faffing around at the side of the road with a can of sealant if you get a puncture with the runflats. Avoid the sport suspension though, I had it on my previous Cooper S and the ride was worse than my current "sportier" JCW.Fortunately I'm not going to have to commute in mine for much longer as I'll be back working near home from next month - if you have to do any sort of mileage I'd say the BMW will be infinitely more relaxing!
BMW for me. Never been a fan of the interior or exterior styling of the Mini, awful ride quality or image TBH. What other car would have a "Chili pack"...
Out of interest have you actually been to the stealers, had a good poke around the cars and a test drive? They are such entirely different propositions perhaps the choice will be simple once you have?
Out of interest have you actually been to the stealers, had a good poke around the cars and a test drive? They are such entirely different propositions perhaps the choice will be simple once you have?
Autoexpress say of the Cooper SD
"Whichever way you cut it, the go-faster diesel is one of the most convincing models in the MINI range. Few cars at any price provide so much performance and economy in such a desirable package"
Their long termer pulling 50mpg
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/firstdrive...
"Whichever way you cut it, the go-faster diesel is one of the most convincing models in the MINI range. Few cars at any price provide so much performance and economy in such a desirable package"
Their long termer pulling 50mpg
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/firstdrive...
I'll inquire about ditching the sports suspension, doesn't appear to be favoured around here!
RFT's are now an option and I think I would stick to normal tyres. I don't think I've ever heard a positive comment about them.
I shouldn't need to do too much long distance driving so really am looking for which is the most fun on a daily basis. If I have to go for an economical diesel I may as well still try to enjoy myself!
Clubman is an option, although I would have to spec it a bit less. Having said that, I don't need the additional space and the performance is going to be worse in a heavier car.
Thanks for all the responses, keep them coming
RFT's are now an option and I think I would stick to normal tyres. I don't think I've ever heard a positive comment about them.
I shouldn't need to do too much long distance driving so really am looking for which is the most fun on a daily basis. If I have to go for an economical diesel I may as well still try to enjoy myself!
Clubman is an option, although I would have to spec it a bit less. Having said that, I don't need the additional space and the performance is going to be worse in a heavier car.
Thanks for all the responses, keep them coming
TuscanNick said:
I'll inquire about ditching the sports suspension, doesn't appear to be favoured around here!
RFT's are now an option and I think I would stick to normal tyres. I don't think I've ever heard a positive comment about them.
I shouldn't need to do too much long distance driving so really am looking for which is the most fun on a daily basis. If I have to go for an economical diesel I may as well still try to enjoy myself!
Clubman is an option, although I would have to spec it a bit less. Having said that, I don't need the additional space and the performance is going to be worse in a heavier car.
Thanks for all the responses, keep them coming
So, have you had a test drive in them? If not you really should, seeing as "fun" seems to be high up on your want list.RFT's are now an option and I think I would stick to normal tyres. I don't think I've ever heard a positive comment about them.
I shouldn't need to do too much long distance driving so really am looking for which is the most fun on a daily basis. If I have to go for an economical diesel I may as well still try to enjoy myself!
Clubman is an option, although I would have to spec it a bit less. Having said that, I don't need the additional space and the performance is going to be worse in a heavier car.
Thanks for all the responses, keep them coming
Driven a couple of MINIs, owned a 120d. I'd go for the BMW, it's a much more "fun" car to drive as the rwd/chassis setup allows you to give it a bootful and enjoy some surprisingly good handling, and the BMW diesel lumps are ridiculously frugal too. BMW seem to have designed the 1er diesel to be capable of handling the big heavy diesel lump under the bonnet, whereas the MINI seemed like it was engineered to be "inferior" to the 1-series in terms of driving style. I know someone's going to disagree with me, but it was the feeling I got behind the wheel of the pair of them - the 1er diesel had at least some form of "this should be fun to chuck about" thought input, whereas the MINI seemed to just be designed to look good.
Not knocking the MINI, wouldn't mind a Cooper S myself - but for a diesel runabout, go for the Beemer.
Not knocking the MINI, wouldn't mind a Cooper S myself - but for a diesel runabout, go for the Beemer.
There seems to be a bit of a mixed bag of preferences when it comes to the cars (at least it means that either should be quite good!)
Really now just need to get out and go for a drive to try them out and will try to do so over the next week. I think I'm currently leaning towards the Mini as it would likely be nicer inside due to spec but we shall see after a go in both.
Out of curiosity, how exploitable is the rear drive chassis in the BMW? My thoughts were that it would be under-powered and over-tyred meaning that there would be little in the way of back end fun without being an idiot on public roads?
Really now just need to get out and go for a drive to try them out and will try to do so over the next week. I think I'm currently leaning towards the Mini as it would likely be nicer inside due to spec but we shall see after a go in both.
Out of curiosity, how exploitable is the rear drive chassis in the BMW? My thoughts were that it would be under-powered and over-tyred meaning that there would be little in the way of back end fun without being an idiot on public roads?
OP, how can a bunch of blokes on a forum decide what car you should get? The two cars are totally different in character, style, roominess and, I dare say, driving pleasure. For as many who say the 1 is ugly, pointless and poorly packaged there will be an equal number saying the MINI's a turd rolled in glitter that's cramped and pointless. You need to try both at length and decide for yourself.
I own an 05 Cooper S BTW, and although the ride's awful I rather like driving it and don't find the lack of space a problem. (If I need more room I take the 3 Series estate.)
I own an 05 Cooper S BTW, and although the ride's awful I rather like driving it and don't find the lack of space a problem. (If I need more room I take the 3 Series estate.)
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