Yeah, it was an R53. I found the tranny to be horrible and supercharged engine to be very lackluster. It was way to small for my liking as well. But most of all the thing was a damn rattle trap. Especially in the winter.

 

Fair enough. Like I said, I don't have personal experience with the R53, but I'm pretty sure the build quality improved with the next gen. To be fair, I lived in AZ when I had the car, so it never saw temps below high 30's low 40's.

I did forget to mention that the windshield wipers emitted this horrible whistling noise above 80 mph Annoying to say the least. And of course the dealer couldn't reproduce it because of the speeds required to do so

 

^ Any pics Ed?

 

whats with the mini obsession? im pretty sure his daily commute is on straight highway, not exactly where the mini shines....

335d would be a great balance between power and gas mileage

 

I also like the 335d. I've just always loved Mini's. Honestly anything but the new E-Class, it so ugly.

 

 

Looks great! The Subaru is a worthy successor!

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to bonehead again.

 

Actually briefly had a 6 speed Audi B6 A4 Avant after the Mini and before the Scoob

 

I remember you saying the trade in value was atrocious.

 

My buddy had one and I drove it for about 200 miles over a couple days and was impressed. I was really shocked at the MPG and it handled well. I would consider it if I could find a good deal on swapalease or leasetrader so it would be a very short lease. I know myself and the novelty will run out quickly for me. And it lacks some of the luxury and techno things I want like NAV. It might be an availabe option but it would have to be special ordered.
I can take over a lease of a 335 cab for about 700/mo and get paid an incentive.
Right now they have the new 2012 e350 bluetecs with more hp and tq, and I can lease it for only 24months fully loaded for 700/mo.
I am leaning towards the MB because want that luxury and massage seat for driving home from work