I own a 2016 Cooper 1.5 Petrol. Like you say, £20 road tax before 2017. I always run it on premium fuel and do give it a bit of stick to keep the engine nicely freed up. At around 60mph it will do over 65mpg on the computer which is good, with 17" wheels, and the computer seems accurate. I am a believer that engines nowadays give their best performance with at least 30,000 miles on, as synthetic oil slows down the piston ring and cam polishing process that gives optimum compression and lowest friction, and mine on 50,000 feels very punchy in 2nd and third gear (6 gear manual box). BMW often underestimate their bhp figures, I have seen dynos for them running 145-150bhp as stock. With the chilli pack it has everything I would want, except reverse camera and auto dimming rear view mirror. These can be retrofitted but it's not cheap. Other than that, the DAB radio has good reception, it has electric windows, climate control, cruise control, LED headlights (they're okay, not brilliant, earlier ones may have halogens?), electric mirrors. So pretty good overall. Parking without a camera isn't too bad, but you don't really get a feel for where the back of the car is. They really do need the proper factory oil though, I think it is a Shell Helix ECT 0w-30, which uses gas-to-liquid technology for lower deposits - for me it is absolutely essential to the the exact specified oil in the modern direct injection petrol cars, they can really suffer with intake deposits over time, and even pre-ignition, if incorrect oil is used. High ash oils can cause LSPI - low speed pre-ignition. The Shell oil is about £50 for 5 litres from memory. Driven delicately I've not noticed any different between eco mode and normal mode in fuel economy, but the throttle response is terrible in eco mode and makes it dull to drive. Sport mode I avoid as the steering weights up too much and loses all feel, and the throttle is too sensitive. So, I use normal mode all the time. It is actually an excellent motorway cruiser, quiet, very stable, not quite too firm, and enough just about torque to not feel too slow. Three downsides I have found: 1) Rear seat space on the 3 door is pretty much useless, it might as well be a 911. 2) It needs another 20-30 bhp to feel swift, a remap could really make it feel a lot better. 0-60 in 7.5 seconds is still not bad though (0-62mph/100kmh is quoted around 7.7). 3) The steering and chassis feels really inert to me, no feedback really, and the steering in sport mode is horrendous, absolutely no feel at all. I drove a transit van that was more entertaining around the bends. I do have cheap tyres on it, as that was what it came with. Some Michelins might help, but I doubt they help that much. A Renault will probably give a much more enjoyable sporty drive, but probably a less reliable car overall. My previous E46 BMW gave some steering feedback and the seat of the pants feel through the seat of what the car was doing, no such luck in the F56 Cooper, I will replace tyres soon in the hope of a slight improvement.
Thank you for sharing! How on earth did you manage 65mpg!? I managed 50-55 at best! These are on 18’s though, perhaps your 17’s help with efficiency and the tyres are efficient ones? Did you change tyres to see if it made a difference in how it handled? I don’t think the read is that bad once you’re in the back, as the roofline isn’t sloping like a 911, that being said I am 5ft 8 and a half, any taller than that might be touch and go.
@@NathanMannin I imagine 18s will lose a bit. I can only imagine these things may help: - VPower or Esso Premium Fuel. Higher RON means the engine can advance timing. - Well bedded in engine - 55,000 miles. And driven hard occasionally. - Correct oil - Shell 5W20 Helix Ultra ECT C5 - Cruise set to about 63mph. - Tyre pressures 35 rear, 38 front. - Slowing down in good time for roundabouts, start to ease off at 1/4 mile (a bit before the /// board). - It was summer but not roasting hot. (Summer fuel has more energy too, up to about 2%/1.2mpg). Warmer air is less dense too so less drag, and no lights/heating needed. - No aircon (but it doesn't hurt much in my experience in normal conditions). - The wheel size as you say, I would estimate maybe 1-2mpg influence, as you aren't accelerating or slowing down much. I did a few long trips cruising at 73-75 on cruise control (a real 71-73mph) in the last few weeks, and aircon on but only to demist, not for cooling, and got 50-52 mpg on them. It would have been about 2mpg higher without traffic and occasional hooning it. I am convinced I'd be well into the 60s mpg if I cruised at about 63mph again and it was nice weather. I would only cruise at that speed when there's a safe spot in lane 1 though, won't middle lane hog and do it!!!
I have a ‘21 JCW and a ‘20 Cooper S 60th Anniversary. A few days ago I drove my friend’s ‘19 1.5 Cooper with a JCW kit. Was quite shocked how well responded and was quite peppy.
Oh wow, that’s quite the CV you’ve had with that many MINI’s under your ownership belt! I’m pleased to hear this variant is the best you’ve had, I certainly am enjoying my experience with it too! 🙌
If I were to buy an F56 it would be a manual 3 cylinder model. I think the B48 is great and needed in the Countryman, but for the hardtop, the three banger just fits the personality of the car better. It's eager and revvy and a little bit angry.
I can give further insights as a 1.5 non-S Cooper owner. The B38 engine was supposed to output 180hp but BMW capped it by limiting turbo pressure to 136hp to not cannibalize the Cooper S sales. It peaks 1 bar but lowers along the rpm range. It can be safely tuned to keep that 1 bar throughout the range returning 180hp and 300Nm, it basically solves the lack of power in mid to high rpm for around 400€. Although I love manuals, the non-S has VERY long gear ratios (2nd gear reaches 110km/h), which is super disappointing (why not shorter gear ratios + 6th overdrive?). On the other hand, the automatic has perfect gear ratios (2nd gear reaches 80km/h). The non-S usually doesn’t come with gear paddles in the steering, but you can buy a used one for 100-250€ on marketplaces. You’ll have to code the paddles with Bimmercode app or ESYS if you’re more tech savvy, it’s not that hard. It transforms the driving experience. I highly recommend a non-S version, very reliable, more economical, cheaper to buy especially if used, less chances to be abused, lower insurance premium, more economical, the engine is much more characterful, and I find the design more Mini-esk (not the sport version). Another thing, avoid the cheap seats and no multimedia.
Hi I’m interested in a 1.5 myself, primarily looking at manual but a little bit discouraged by the long gear ratio, is there any solution to it like replacing the final drive ratio or swapping s gearbox?
@@ronaldaja341 it could be possible, but didn't hear anyone who did it. I guess for the amount of work and the gearbox it'd make more sense to just get an S, it returns 260hp with a remap. The 1.5 is good if you're on a budget.
@@xapaizI tried looking for some info myself, somebody proposed and asked around whether it was possible as they claimed that the bolt pattern between the two gearbox is identical, but no update since. Shame that it’s not tested as this isn’t the first I’m hearing that the gearbox of the 1.5 is too long, and the only short shifter kits I found only works for the 2.0 as well. I suppose the S might be the way to go for serious builds but I prefer the look of the Cooper and the 3 cyl sound coming from a vw up 😅
@@nativesystems They are excellent, I love driving my partners MINI! How do you get 50 to 60MPG!?!? On a long run at 70mph, the max I got was 50mpg, how did you get 60MPG? 😆
@@sylviaatkins7316 Wow! What a small world! This is my partners car now, with her being the second owner into 3 years of ownership, and she absolutely adores it! She’s absolutely MINI mad, and has an old R50 MINI as well as this one. You’ll be pleased to know this MINI now has a name, she’s called Daphne! 😁
@@NathanMannin my husband and I “designed “ it. I always had the new car as I don’t do many miles, my husband has to drive on the motorway everyday for work so has an older car. The mini was perfect for the driving that I did around town. It was always the car we used for going out and getting to holiday destinations. This was my third mini and was always kept in the garage when I wasn’t using it. I’m so glad it has gone to a good home x
@@sylviaatkins7316 That’s incredible, it’s great to hear it was well loved and looked after beforehand! It does more or less the same journeys now as well! Thank you so much for sharing that with us, did you replace it with another MINI?
@@NathanMannin unfortunately no. We replaced it with a Ford Puma. That was just being practical, we are an older couple so are our friends. When talking people out we had to use my husband’s car as it was four door and easily to get in the back. Also with the roads getting worse it wasn’t a comfortable car for going on long trips in this country. My husband is retiring in a couple of years so is going to sell his car and has now said he will get me another mini (it won’t be a new one as we don’t like the new style) and he will have the Puma.
@@sylviaatkins7316 That’s a small nippy car, glad to see you went for a fun interesting choice, rather than what most people go for, which is a massive oversized SUV! It’s great to hear you’ll be back in MINI ownership again. If Daphne ever goes up for sale, you’ll be first to know! 😆😁
Honestly for city driving its really good, while it may not have a huge engine as the s models, the turbo gives it such a punchy torque it feels super fast for city. Past 60/70 km i agree it loses punch but for most this will be exactly what everyone needs. Love mine and in manual atleast i feel i have so many power in first and second gear.
@@UNOwen-r6s I don’t think the auto is that bad, I’ve heard the only issue with the manuals is the super long gearing, in turn not making it as engaging to drive?
Just about to buy one of these ... tested an SD yesterday and yes it was nippy to say the least but what a horrible ride, way too hard and I felt every bump. A shame, as I always wanted one, but the ride is just too firm. Test drove a 1.5 Cooper this morning and was very surprised how fast it accelerated, all round a nice confident drive and so I'm getting one as we don't need two large cars now.
@@mrnexus8seven949 I had an SD some time ago and loved it! Did the SD have big rims and run flat tyres? Because that really hampered the ride for me in most MINI’s I’ve owned. I’m glad you are fond of the 1.5 variant. It really is an excellent all rounder, which can induce both fun, but cheap running costs too! I recently did a long journey at 70mph cruise control and averaged 51mpg 😁
@@NathanMannin Interesting you say that about the tyres you know. I did actually buy a petrol 1.5 Cooper yesterday, privately (2016 with just over 33000 miles so nice and low) and love it ... but the husband of the owner asked me the same and whilst I don't knownthe actual answer to that, he suggested the very same thing. I do know they were large rims and thin profile so I have a hunch you're right ... which, if true, is a massive shame because that was my no.1 choice. Anyway, driving home yesterday in this other one still put a smile on my face and I have no regrets at all. The only thing I haven't sussed out yet is how to get the wipers on intermittent sweep, there didn't seem to be an obvious position for that. Anyway all in all I am super pleased and happy to have it. I'll be thinking about those flipping tyres now on the SD ... ah well.
@@mrnexus8seven949 Congratulations on the purchase! It probably was the reasoning as to why, it was rather firm. This Mini I reviewed has the large 18”s and runflats, and the ride does suffer a bit because of it. What tyres and wheel size do you have on yours? I am glad you are enjoying your new purchase, it as an excellent choice and you still get all the noises for fun factor! If you ever feel shortchanged in power, they can easily be mapped too. In terms of the intermittent sweep ever 2/3 seconds on the wipers, as far as I’m aware, there is no setting for that, unless it can be coded in? You can either manually use the wiper by pressing down, or have it normal, or really fast. If you have auto wipers, it may do it intermittently, but that feature itself can be intermittent 😆 You can always try another SD if you heart isn’t set on the 1.5, or just for curiosity purposes. I had an SD F56 and it was mighty!
@@NathanMannin If I'd found an SD with better tyres I would have had it but hey, I'm happy with this Cooper and it really is quite a nippy thing I have to say! I know not a lot about tyres and rims, as you'll have gathered by now. but I've just gone to look at whats on this car since you asked ... fronts are both Goodyear "205/45 R17 88W" and rears are both "Kumho 205/45 ZR17 88Y ECSTA". Never heard of Kumho tbh and those numbers mean nothing either. But anywa with a little over 30,000 miles on the clock since 2016 it's well under mileage which was also a main consideration during my choosing. Whats your opinion on the tyres?
Problem with driving small engined cars hard is you get poor mpg so you're better off driving a bigger engined car at the same pace because it would be more effortless. I like my diesels for this reason effortless driving of the midrange torque
@@Birmingham_racing It does need a bit of persuasion to get up to speed, but as a result the fuel efficiency does suffer aa little as you said. For everyday driving though, it’s more ample enough. I suppose it all depends on what the driver needs and how they commute. I have to admit, I do love my diesels as well, it’s a guilty pleasure of mine 😆 Give me a 330d Touring any day!
The B38 in the 3 door Cooper feels very torquey indeed between 1500-4000rpm, the turbo kicks in hard around 1500rpm, in reality it has about 240Nm, but only 1200Kg. It feels as fast in the mid range as my old E46 330i, and is only around a second off on the 0-60 sprint. You can change up at 2500rpm no problem, for keeping up with traffic. At 70mph will give me 50-55mpg, which is reasonable. Around the doors with climate control on, in moderate temperatures, it gives about 37mpg with stop start off, and about 45mpg with stop start on. Slow it down a bit to 60mph on a cruise and it will give over 60mpg - this is with a well run-in engine (50,000 miles), and premium fuel, the the correct oil. The 1.5 Diesel will give more economy though (probably 80mpg on a gentle motorway run), but in the Cooper's they known for being a bit rough and not really in keeping with the character of the car, and they're slower.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
It’s quite a reliable car the F56. Quite well built. Every owner loves it
That’s superb to hear! 🙌
I own a 2016 Cooper 1.5 Petrol. Like you say, £20 road tax before 2017. I always run it on premium fuel and do give it a bit of stick to keep the engine nicely freed up. At around 60mph it will do over 65mpg on the computer which is good, with 17" wheels, and the computer seems accurate. I am a believer that engines nowadays give their best performance with at least 30,000 miles on, as synthetic oil slows down the piston ring and cam polishing process that gives optimum compression and lowest friction, and mine on 50,000 feels very punchy in 2nd and third gear (6 gear manual box). BMW often underestimate their bhp figures, I have seen dynos for them running 145-150bhp as stock.
With the chilli pack it has everything I would want, except reverse camera and auto dimming rear view mirror. These can be retrofitted but it's not cheap. Other than that, the DAB radio has good reception, it has electric windows, climate control, cruise control, LED headlights (they're okay, not brilliant, earlier ones may have halogens?), electric mirrors. So pretty good overall. Parking without a camera isn't too bad, but you don't really get a feel for where the back of the car is.
They really do need the proper factory oil though, I think it is a Shell Helix ECT 0w-30, which uses gas-to-liquid technology for lower deposits - for me it is absolutely essential to the the exact specified oil in the modern direct injection petrol cars, they can really suffer with intake deposits over time, and even pre-ignition, if incorrect oil is used. High ash oils can cause LSPI - low speed pre-ignition. The Shell oil is about £50 for 5 litres from memory.
Driven delicately I've not noticed any different between eco mode and normal mode in fuel economy, but the throttle response is terrible in eco mode and makes it dull to drive. Sport mode I avoid as the steering weights up too much and loses all feel, and the throttle is too sensitive. So, I use normal mode all the time.
It is actually an excellent motorway cruiser, quiet, very stable, not quite too firm, and enough just about torque to not feel too slow.
Three downsides I have found:
1) Rear seat space on the 3 door is pretty much useless, it might as well be a 911.
2) It needs another 20-30 bhp to feel swift, a remap could really make it feel a lot better. 0-60 in 7.5 seconds is still not bad though (0-62mph/100kmh is quoted around 7.7).
3) The steering and chassis feels really inert to me, no feedback really, and the steering in sport mode is horrendous, absolutely no feel at all. I drove a transit van that was more entertaining around the bends. I do have cheap tyres on it, as that was what it came with. Some Michelins might help, but I doubt they help that much. A Renault will probably give a much more enjoyable sporty drive, but probably a less reliable car overall. My previous E46 BMW gave some steering feedback and the seat of the pants feel through the seat of what the car was doing, no such luck in the F56 Cooper, I will replace tyres soon in the hope of a slight improvement.
Thank you for sharing! How on earth did you manage 65mpg!? I managed 50-55 at best! These are on 18’s though, perhaps your 17’s help with efficiency and the tyres are efficient ones? Did you change tyres to see if it made a difference in how it handled?
I don’t think the read is that bad once you’re in the back, as the roofline isn’t sloping like a 911, that being said I am 5ft 8 and a half, any taller than that might be touch and go.
@@NathanMannin I imagine 18s will lose a bit. I can only imagine these things may help:
- VPower or Esso Premium Fuel. Higher RON means the engine can advance timing.
- Well bedded in engine - 55,000 miles. And driven hard occasionally.
- Correct oil - Shell 5W20 Helix Ultra ECT C5
- Cruise set to about 63mph.
- Tyre pressures 35 rear, 38 front.
- Slowing down in good time for roundabouts, start to ease off at 1/4 mile (a bit before the /// board).
- It was summer but not roasting hot. (Summer fuel has more energy too, up to about 2%/1.2mpg). Warmer air is less dense too so less drag, and no lights/heating needed.
- No aircon (but it doesn't hurt much in my experience in normal conditions).
- The wheel size as you say, I would estimate maybe 1-2mpg influence, as you aren't accelerating or slowing down much.
I did a few long trips cruising at 73-75 on cruise control (a real 71-73mph) in the last few weeks, and aircon on but only to demist, not for cooling, and got 50-52 mpg on them. It would have been about 2mpg higher without traffic and occasional hooning it.
I am convinced I'd be well into the 60s mpg if I cruised at about 63mph again and it was nice weather. I would only cruise at that speed when there's a safe spot in lane 1 though, won't middle lane hog and do it!!!
I have a ‘21 JCW and a ‘20 Cooper S 60th Anniversary. A few days ago I drove my friend’s ‘19 1.5 Cooper with a JCW kit. Was quite shocked how well responded and was quite peppy.
@@Techjunkiero Awesome choice! What colour? It is very nippy and I do love how raucous the engine is 😁
@ color is British Racing Green IV.
I had the cooper sport 1.5 and after owning 8 minis so far I can honestly say the cooper sport is the best I have owned .
Oh wow, that’s quite the CV you’ve had with that many MINI’s under your ownership belt! I’m pleased to hear this variant is the best you’ve had, I certainly am enjoying my experience with it too! 🙌
If I were to buy an F56 it would be a manual 3 cylinder model. I think the B48 is great and needed in the Countryman, but for the hardtop, the three banger just fits the personality of the car better. It's eager and revvy and a little bit angry.
@@mdd47 Agreed!
I can give further insights as a 1.5 non-S Cooper owner. The B38 engine was supposed to output 180hp but BMW capped it by limiting turbo pressure to 136hp to not cannibalize the Cooper S sales. It peaks 1 bar but lowers along the rpm range. It can be safely tuned to keep that 1 bar throughout the range returning 180hp and 300Nm, it basically solves the lack of power in mid to high rpm for around 400€.
Although I love manuals, the non-S has VERY long gear ratios (2nd gear reaches 110km/h), which is super disappointing (why not shorter gear ratios + 6th overdrive?). On the other hand, the automatic has perfect gear ratios (2nd gear reaches 80km/h). The non-S usually doesn’t come with gear paddles in the steering, but you can buy a used one for 100-250€ on marketplaces. You’ll have to code the paddles with Bimmercode app or ESYS if you’re more tech savvy, it’s not that hard. It transforms the driving experience.
I highly recommend a non-S version, very reliable, more economical, cheaper to buy especially if used, less chances to be abused, lower insurance premium, more economical, the engine is much more characterful, and I find the design more Mini-esk (not the sport version). Another thing, avoid the cheap seats and no multimedia.
Hi I’m interested in a 1.5 myself, primarily looking at manual but a little bit discouraged by the long gear ratio, is there any solution to it like replacing the final drive ratio or swapping s gearbox?
@@ronaldaja341 it could be possible, but didn't hear anyone who did it. I guess for the amount of work and the gearbox it'd make more sense to just get an S, it returns 260hp with a remap. The 1.5 is good if you're on a budget.
@@xapaizI tried looking for some info myself, somebody proposed and asked around whether it was possible as they claimed that the bolt pattern between the two gearbox is identical, but no update since. Shame that it’s not tested as this isn’t the first I’m hearing that the gearbox of the 1.5 is too long, and the only short shifter kits I found only works for the 2.0 as well. I suppose the S might be the way to go for serious builds but I prefer the look of the Cooper and the 3 cyl sound coming from a vw up 😅
Have had a few MINI 1.5 petrols and have 2 of them now. Great little cars. Always get between 50 and 60 mpg full tank average.
@@nativesystems They are excellent, I love driving my partners MINI! How do you get 50 to 60MPG!?!? On a long run at 70mph, the max I got was 50mpg, how did you get 60MPG? 😆
That was my car, I had it from new. I loved it and cried when we sold it.
@@sylviaatkins7316 Wow! What a small world! This is my partners car now, with her being the second owner into 3 years of ownership, and she absolutely adores it! She’s absolutely MINI mad, and has an old R50 MINI as well as this one. You’ll be pleased to know this MINI now has a name, she’s called Daphne! 😁
@@NathanMannin my husband and I “designed “ it. I always had the new car as I don’t do many miles, my husband has to drive on the motorway everyday for work so has an older car. The mini was perfect for the driving that I did around town. It was always the car we used for going out and getting to holiday destinations. This was my third mini and was always kept in the garage when I wasn’t using it. I’m so glad it has gone to a good home x
@@sylviaatkins7316 That’s incredible, it’s great to hear it was well loved and looked after beforehand! It does more or less the same journeys now as well! Thank you so much for sharing that with us, did you replace it with another MINI?
@@NathanMannin unfortunately no. We replaced it with a Ford Puma. That was just being practical, we are an older couple so are our friends. When talking people out we had to use my husband’s car as it was four door and easily to get in the back. Also with the roads getting worse it wasn’t a comfortable car for going on long trips in this country. My husband is retiring in a couple of years so is going to sell his car and has now said he will get me another mini (it won’t be a new one as we don’t like the new style) and he will have the Puma.
@@sylviaatkins7316 That’s a small nippy car, glad to see you went for a fun interesting choice, rather than what most people go for, which is a massive oversized SUV! It’s great to hear you’ll be back in MINI ownership again. If Daphne ever goes up for sale, you’ll be first to know! 😆😁
Honestly for city driving its really good, while it may not have a huge engine as the s models, the turbo gives it such a punchy torque it feels super fast for city. Past 60/70 km i agree it loses punch but for most this will be exactly what everyone needs. Love mine and in manual atleast i feel i have so many power in first and second gear.
Slushbox is the killer with Daphne. The manual is a totally different animal
@@UNOwen-r6s I don’t think the auto is that bad, I’ve heard the only issue with the manuals is the super long gearing, in turn not making it as engaging to drive?
Just about to buy one of these ... tested an SD yesterday and yes it was nippy to say the least but what a horrible ride, way too hard and I felt every bump. A shame, as I always wanted one, but the ride is just too firm. Test drove a 1.5 Cooper this morning and was very surprised how fast it accelerated, all round a nice confident drive and so I'm getting one as we don't need two large cars now.
@@mrnexus8seven949 I had an SD some time ago and loved it! Did the SD have big rims and run flat tyres? Because that really hampered the ride for me in most MINI’s I’ve owned. I’m glad you are fond of the 1.5 variant. It really is an excellent all rounder, which can induce both fun, but cheap running costs too! I recently did a long journey at 70mph cruise control and averaged 51mpg 😁
@@NathanMannin Interesting you say that about the tyres you know. I did actually buy a petrol 1.5 Cooper yesterday, privately (2016 with just over 33000 miles so nice and low) and love it ... but the husband of the owner asked me the same and whilst I don't knownthe actual answer to that, he suggested the very same thing. I do know they were large rims and thin profile so I have a hunch you're right ... which, if true, is a massive shame because that was my no.1 choice. Anyway, driving home yesterday in this other one still put a smile on my face and I have no regrets at all. The only thing I haven't sussed out yet is how to get the wipers on intermittent sweep, there didn't seem to be an obvious position for that.
Anyway all in all I am super pleased and happy to have it. I'll be thinking about those flipping tyres now on the SD ... ah well.
@@mrnexus8seven949 Congratulations on the purchase! It probably was the reasoning as to why, it was rather firm. This Mini I reviewed has the large 18”s and runflats, and the ride does suffer a bit because of it. What tyres and wheel size do you have on yours?
I am glad you are enjoying your new purchase, it as an excellent choice and you still get all the noises for fun factor! If you ever feel shortchanged in power, they can easily be mapped too. In terms of the intermittent sweep ever 2/3 seconds on the wipers, as far as I’m aware, there is no setting for that, unless it can be coded in? You can either manually use the wiper by pressing down, or have it normal, or really fast. If you have auto wipers, it may do it intermittently, but that feature itself can be intermittent 😆 You can always try another SD if you heart isn’t set on the 1.5, or just for curiosity purposes. I had an SD F56 and it was mighty!
@@NathanMannin If I'd found an SD with better tyres I would have had it but hey, I'm happy with this Cooper and it really is quite a nippy thing I have to say!
I know not a lot about tyres and rims, as you'll have gathered by now. but I've just gone to look at whats on this car since you asked ... fronts are both Goodyear "205/45 R17 88W" and rears are both "Kumho 205/45 ZR17 88Y ECSTA". Never heard of Kumho tbh and those numbers mean nothing either.
But anywa with a little over 30,000 miles on the clock since 2016 it's well under mileage which was also a main consideration during my choosing. Whats your opinion on the tyres?
Problem with driving small engined cars hard is you get poor mpg so you're better off driving a bigger engined car at the same pace because it would be more effortless. I like my diesels for this reason effortless driving of the midrange torque
@@Birmingham_racing It does need a bit of persuasion to get up to speed, but as a result the fuel efficiency does suffer aa little as you said. For everyday driving though, it’s more ample enough. I suppose it all depends on what the driver needs and how they commute. I have to admit, I do love my diesels as well, it’s a guilty pleasure of mine 😆 Give me a 330d Touring any day!
@@NathanMannin well you will spend half the amount of fuel than the c63 haha
@@Birmingham_racing Absolutely 🤣
A 1.5 is not really a small engine for a car like that ...
The B38 in the 3 door Cooper feels very torquey indeed between 1500-4000rpm, the turbo kicks in hard around 1500rpm, in reality it has about 240Nm, but only 1200Kg. It feels as fast in the mid range as my old E46 330i, and is only around a second off on the 0-60 sprint. You can change up at 2500rpm no problem, for keeping up with traffic. At 70mph will give me 50-55mpg, which is reasonable. Around the doors with climate control on, in moderate temperatures, it gives about 37mpg with stop start off, and about 45mpg with stop start on. Slow it down a bit to 60mph on a cruise and it will give over 60mpg - this is with a well run-in engine (50,000 miles), and premium fuel, the the correct oil.
The 1.5 Diesel will give more economy though (probably 80mpg on a gentle motorway run), but in the Cooper's they known for being a bit rough and not really in keeping with the character of the car, and they're slower.
It can be a bit EEEEager to get going ;)
@@angrydog55 😆
Nope. Cooper s is the answer.
@@franksinatra2278 Maybe for you!