Well, for the most part! I had an e46 and loved it... hard to argue with this redwood leather interior and 32mpg, though! It is a 6-spd MCS that I am very much looking forward to modding. Figured I'd drop by and register so I could steal as much info from you guys as possible... (Oh and PS: found this place via a google search...)
Welcome to the addiction. In 2005 I went from an M5 to a MCS and never looked back. Four MINI's later it's still the best car decision I ever made. Joining MA was the best MINI Community decision!
I will jump on the thread as I too am 'upgrading' from a BMW M3 to a mini cooper. I can't post pics yet because I don't get the car until next week...they are installing custom leather first
I like your perspective, but there are MINI owners (even some of our M/A members) who will be shaking their heads at your thread title as though you don't know what you're talking about. These would be people who bought a MINI in part because they think of it as a BMW. If ignorant friends point and laugh at the "cute little car" the first line of defense is "Hey, it's a BMW, what do you drive?" Even the state of Maryland perpetuates the idea, my vehicle registration actually says Make: BMW, Model: MINI, which is clearly incorrect. Sorry, hope that doesn't open a can of worms here (it's been discussed elsewhere), welcome to M/A!