... a Mini Cooper S

Post by **Charles** » Tue Jan 26, 2010 12:18 pm

Actually, it's just for today whilst the B3S is having an Inspection II (fingers crossed).

It has an auto box too - but that doesn't seem to hold it back.

But I cannot help thinking what a brilliant little car this would be if it had tyres that would allow the sidewall to flex a bit when turning in rather than these ghastly runflat thingies that jolt you about whenever you hit a bump or try to turn in a slightly aggressive fashion

Post by **neil** » Tue Jan 26, 2010 12:30 pm

ALPINA alloys and some proper rubber - that should sort it - now where have I seen one with that.....

Post by **Charles** » Tue Jan 26, 2010 12:34 pm

Thought you might have the answer

pmjt · Post by **pmjt** » Tue Jan 26, 2010 5:54 pm

You're quite right Charles, I had an ex. John Cooper Works Challenge car in BRG with a white roof - Sparco bucket seat, harness, no interior and 16" wheels with big tyres - handled like a gem....because it had a tyrewall to flex unlike modern 18" run flats

Scorchio · Post by **Scorchio** » Tue Jan 26, 2010 7:35 pm

I was going to get a Cooper S initially, but then I saw the light (and a B3 3.3 for sale).

Post by **Charles** » Tue Jan 26, 2010 8:48 pm

Don't get me wrong - I've had a hoot all day in this but something just doesn't feel right when the feedback I am getting from the steering wheel is as flat as a pancake.

Sure the car turned in when I expected it to but I couldn't tell where I was in terms of grip and limit.

Also, I was bouncing around like a pea in a pod in it and it felt like it was riding on top of the road rather than feeling properly planted - in a go karty styley (if you know what I mean).

Much as I had fun, I was glad to get back into the B3S this evening - straightforward Inspection II & coolant change with no surprises and confirmation that the lower front bushes are beginning to wear (as I suspected) - and to have some fun with a 330i driver who didn't know when to surrender