Article Comments - 2008 BMW 128i vs. 2008 Mini Cooper S Clubman

17 messages, Last post on Jul 21, 2009 at 7:07 PM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 1 Series, MINI Cooper Clubman, Car Comparisons, Coupe, Hatchback

Comparison Test: 2008 BMW 128i vs. 2008 Mini Cooper S Clubman - Season the Mini with a few options and it costs about the same as the BMW 1 Series. Both are known for being fun to drive and both are designed to hold two people comfortably but can accommodate four if the need arises. (more)

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#9 of 17 by bahollings Aug 18, 2008 (12:19 pm)
I test drove both vehicles and unlike the writer of this article, came to a different conclusion. I was leaning towards the BMW until driving them both. I purchased the Clubman S and couldn't be happier.
#10 of 17 Re: Article Comments - 2008 BMW 128i vs. 2008 Mini Cooper S Clubman [KarenS by ltq Aug 21, 2008 (8:22 am)
Replying to: KarenS (Aug 12, 2008 10:46 am) Generally well-done article. But once again, it's obvious that it's subjective on which car is "better", because there are so many factors that are weighted differently for each person. To me, great fun and so much power 28mpg for the Mini canNOT be matched by anything else on the market, and BMW1 doesn't come close. Rear seat room for adults is also a big factor for me, BMW1 loses again. But what it comes down to, is the old idea of a "sports car". A "sports car" does NOT need to be fast, and enormous fun can be had at low speeds - for example the old Fiat 124 Spyder (abominable by the objective numbers) was an incredible "sports car" for many. In this example, a drop top makes absolutely no sense by ANY numbers, losing on all categories except headroom. By the numbers just doesn't cut it. By this criterion, like the 3-series, the 1-series is fast & efficient, but NOT a "sports car"; but the Clubman is!!! The fact that it has acceptable mpg (soon, any car that isn't capable of around 30mpg will be a negative image and embarrassing to be seen in - what!!??! Pay that much $$ to be embarrassed in a Bimmer?), reasonably practical, and fun at LOW speeds makes it an easy winner in this comparison. Replies to this message: roadburner (Aug 21, 2008 4:22 pm)
#11 of 17 Re: Article Comments - 2008 BMW 128i vs. 2008 Mini Cooper S Clubman [KarenS [ltq] by roadburner Aug 21, 2008 (4:22 pm)
Replying to: ltq (Aug 21, 2008 8:22 am) (soon, any car that isn't capable of around 30mpg will be a negative image and embarrassing to be seen in - what!!??! Pay that much $$ to be embarrassed in a Bimmer?) Both of my current track rats(a 1995 3 Series and a 2007 Mazdaspeed 3) get reasonably good gas mileage, but I would never select a car based on whether it offends the sensibilities of the tree-hugging eco-weenies. As a matter of fact I'm currently looking at several cars that pack at least 330 bhp under their hoods. IIf I buy one I'm getting a vanity plate that reads "12 MPG" and a bumper sticker that reads "Hybrid Vehicle: Burns Gas AND Rubber"...
#12 of 17 Invalid Comparison by beemerhead Aug 22, 2008 (10:23 pm)
I actually have owned members of both models. I currently own a BMW 128Ci and I have owned three Mini's. I just sold a 2007 base Mini hardtop. The only way this comparison is valid is if you are deciding which to buy with your $30k+ money. Having owned three Mini's the Clubman is simply the model that makes the Mini more practical if you have more than two passengers and some gear. That also means you don't autocross your Clubman. You buy a regular S or JCW to do that. So doing extreme accelerations and comparing an I-6 with an I-4 is really invalid with such a gas miser as a Mini. Mini's and 1-series are bought for different feels and purposes. I bought my 128 convertible as a practical cross-country roadtrip car that handles well, gets good mileage and has the topless joys of a convertible. It would be inappropriate to compare the 128Ci to a loaded, ready for track 135. Different cars with different goals. If you buy a Mini, you are purposely buying a car with loads of personality which is reflected in the two tone exteriors, interiors, switches instead of knobs, mulitcolor interior lights, dish sized speedometer, etc. And even if they're a bit annoying, that's why you got it...to be distinct. It's a different car. In fact, it's the most cheerful car I've ever owned and I miss them to be honest. Having said that, I love my 128Ci and have a stellar review of it here on Edmunds. It is a wonderful car with a different purpose. In the end, this comparison is rather invalid. If you're interested in both, then you have to take a hard look at what you want the car to do and the very subjective but most satisfying aspects of the "feel" you want to have in the car and from the car. Personally, as an owner of both models, you can't go wrong unless you mismatch your purposes and car, including the options you order, e.g., don't hope for a comfortable Mini cruiser and get a sport supsension. Get an automatic with regular suspension. Both cars are quality and will hold their value wayyy better than American cars and most others. Compare the 1-series to Audi A-3 or 4's and the Mini to...well there's nothing really like it, lol! Replies to this message: tslbmw (Aug 29, 2008 8:03 am) bodble2 (Aug 29, 2008 1:22 pm) tslbmw (Aug 29, 2008 3:31 pm) bodble2 (Aug 29, 2008 1:35 pm)
#13 of 17 Re: Invalid Comparison [beemerhead] by tslbmw Aug 29, 2008 (8:03 am)
Replying to: beemerhead (Aug 22, 2008 10:23 pm) beemerhead, Great post! Both cars are definitely great for DIFFERENT reasons. I choose an 08 Clubman S with the sports pkg and LSD b/c it is just flat out fun. But the reasons you stated for buying the 128Ci are spot on. My only thought now is whether or not I should have ponyed up $8K more for a 135i with the sports pkg.... a seriously fun car without the MINI's personality..... Replies to this message: bodble2 (Aug 29, 2008 1:22 pm) tslbmw (Aug 29, 2008 3:31 pm)
#14 of 17 Re: Invalid Comparison [tslbmw] by bodble2 Aug 29, 2008 (1:22 pm)
Replying to: tslbmw (Aug 29, 2008 8:03 am) Two common complaints about the Clubman S are the blind spot created by the middle post in the double back door, and the ride. What has been your personal experience with those 2 issues. Have the complaints been overblown? Replies to this message: tslbmw (Aug 29, 2008 3:31 pm)
#15 of 17 Re: Invalid Comparison [beemerhead] by bodble2 Aug 29, 2008 (1:35 pm)
Replying to: beemerhead (Aug 22, 2008 10:23 pm) I'm kinda surprised you would consider the 1 series to be lacking in personality. After all, we're not talking about a Honda Civic or Accord! If you say the 3 series is lacking in personality, I can perhaps see that (a bit), since the 3 series has "matured" at the risk of being somewhat more bland. But I've always viewed the 1 series as the frisky, funky little brother to the 3 series, and also the next step, or half step up from the Mini, if you consider the Mini to be sort of a hatchback variant of the 1 and 3 series. Perhaps you're defining personality to mean "quirky"? If so, then yes, the Mini certainly is that!
#16 of 17 Re: Invalid Comparison [bodble2] by tslbmw Aug 29, 2008 (3:31 pm)
Replying to: bodble2 (Aug 29, 2008 1:22 pm) Definitely the middle post issue....which takes about two secs to get used to...really, I have never even thought twice about it b/c you can see basically the entire vehicle behind you. The ride issue is real, but not so bad that you shouldn't opt for the sport pkg or run flats if you enjoy a "sporty" ride and feel; you just need to know what you want when you're checking the option boxes. If you want mpgs and fun peppy ride, get the smaller wheels and no sport susp; if you want a corner carving little monster that is just a hoot to DRIVE...go with the sport pkg and upgraded wheels.
#17 of 17 driving mini in snow by veronica10 Jul 21, 2009 (7:07 pm)
How does a mini drive on slicky roads? Snow conditions? Uphill in snow?