The current JCW engines are the same as the S, like the previous generations. But they are 229hp, in the Hatch and Convertible they are fantastic and sweet. In the Clubman and Countryman they are still quick, but feel more like an S+ or like mine the F56s with JCW kit. That gets me to about 215-220hp. The GP is…

I don’t know, I would like to see him pay everyone back then go to prison for his 120 days.  

I need just a wee bit more room in the back than the hatch affords now. The new countryman is nice but it doesn’t feel Mini like, unlike the older R60. The clubman hits that sweet spot with room for cargo and 4 people (5 in a pinch). Not only that but the rear seats fold flat so you can just slide stuff in if you need…

It was never a big seller, you may see one as a special one off, like the GT models, which they are working on one for the F56 line right now. OH the F56 is amazing even in just FWD. With the right tires that sucker sticks to the road like there is no tomorrow.  Mini #5, will be a JCW Clubman, I plan on doing the 2"…

R61 = Paceman?, those are sweet, I hope at some point in the F5x/F6x lines they come out with a special edition like the Paceman. 

Yellow sweet, my F56S is Volcanic Orange (more like school bus yellow).  Yeah my R56 was relatively good, worst issues was I destroyed a clutch and had the coolant hose clamps fail and I dragged the hose along the ground until I lost all my coolant.  Luckily I was on the highway and was able to coast off and down to a…

Yeah when I wanted an R56, I bought a justa with the N12 which didn’t have that issue. Still had it checked before I bought it.  I know the N16 (non turbo) and N18 are so much better, but I couldn’t find an S with one on the lot when I bought mine.  However the one I picked up was still super fun and it was a blast to…

Don’t forget that ever loved N14 timing chain tensioner issue that would blow at a drop of the hat.

I haven’t had that issue in my last couple of manuals (and autos too) as it holds the car for 3 to 5 seconds so you can engage a gear. But I know of the trick of using the ebrake to help take off, I learned it in drivers ed about 30 years ago.

Until I get knee surgery, no more manuals especially the stiff BMW ones. However I do like the 2 series, if I go the BMW route I want 440i Xdrive convertible. I like having the clam shell roof, over a cloth top.

My dad had a steep driveway, and I hated the clunk I would get when going from park to reverse. So I would pull up put it into neutral, apply the parking brake then into park.  No rolling back, so when I put it into reverse no huge clunk sound.  

If you are on a hill, facing up, wheels turned away from the curb, facing down, wheels towards the curb. So if it does deactivates and pops out of gear, it will roll back onto the sidewalk and cause minimal damage. Flat surface, just pop it into first. If you really are paranoid, get some wheel chocks and use those, I…

Only on a hill do I use mine in the Mini.  I have a proper hand brake in mine, the 4 door and convert do as well.  Countryman and Clubman have electronic ones.  I remember having one in my 2005 Land Rover LR3, thought it was neat at the time but was indifferent.  I could go either way.  

That is what will most likely be in my #5th Mini, when I go to order my JCW Clubman it will most likely be the ZF8 in there as well.  

Only Toyota I would own.

I had to give you a star for that one, after sitting on 14 hour concalls for 6 days I needed a good chuckle 

That is the old 6sp they have been using for years. Not much to develop there, just go grab one from the parts bin and fit it to the car. If they are using any of the Bx7/Bx8 or late N series of engines it will pair up nicely as it was designed to do. Also I wouldn’t be surprised that is most likely a european spec…

Odd as they have been working on trying to get a DCT larger than 7sp it may be for the Mini lineup only. As it is now by the end of 2019 all Coopers and S models will have the DCT, and JCW and special models will have like you said the 8sp autos.  Also available is the antiquated 6sp manual that seems like a dinosaur…

Didn’t imply that, just said their focus is no longer on manual transmissions.  

The current one is, or as close to a FWD BMW that you are going to get.  All my mechanicals, ICE and a lot of other parts come from a BMW parts bin.  So if you want a manual you got to go with their Mini brand, like it or not.