AB vs. CarTrade vs. G-Power vs. Grey Importers

[notiguy]

hi there fellow mini enthusiasts..am interested in the MCS here. I would like to enquire on the differences of the MCS between these importers be it in pricing and also specifications. I've test-driven the G-Power MCS (with panaromic roof) and found it to be quite astonishing! (yes, its an auto) I've been told that the G-Power model has been tweaked up, hence the slightly higher in price. Is this true? And later i found out that the interior dash does not have the speedo and rev counter in front of the steering, and there was only the speedometer in front. From what I've found out, the facelifted new model had both of them in front of the steering. Can someone please clarify? Does anyone know what does AB offer in their next shipment of MCS? Am actually interested in the manual version and my buddy wants the auto. Hoping to hear from you guys.Thanks in advance.Cheers~!

 

[netracer]

now into MCS oredi?

Cartrade no longer a dealer. G-Power is an independent importer, ahem2 u should know under whose AP. AB is the best bet but stock is still the old batch.

Should you want value for money, press hard on the grey importers as they make a bigger margin (due to lower tax).

On the other hand for warranty claims n peace of mind, AB is ur best bet.

 

[graffika]

G-power is not tweaked up...b*sh*t .. just change the tags and all ,change something here and there ...G-power pula .. you feel more powerful cause its auto . .you'll feel the pulling power..its normal. G-power is known to use older models and mod them , thats y the interior is crap.

best bet would be as stated , AB , but again , you have to wait for new batch. and mini s , if you really want to feel its sleek power , the (M) version is the one to go....

 

[notiguy]

thanks mate... i need to know more infos bout this ride before i commit as to me, paying this kinda price for such a small car is considered very hefty for me.

 

[Detonics]

Originally posted by graffika@Feb 27 2006, 05:06 PM
G-power is not tweaked up...b*sh*t .. just change the tags and all ,change something here and there ...G-power pula .. you feel more powerful cause its auto . .you'll feel the pulling power..its normal.

Are you sure? Can you prove that they are BullS**ting? What do you mean you feel more powerful cause its auto? The manual is more powerful la friend.....

 

[Detonics]

notiguy,

IF you want to have 2years warranty and good price, go for AB cars... The mini is well known for small2 probs; like dashboard rattling, steering column, and etc...but no worries on the engine.....

 

[bmwsideways]

Originally posted by Detonics+Mar 1 2006, 12:17 AM-->QUOTE (Detonics @ Mar 1 2006, 12:17 AM)

 

[notiguy]

I've seen the AB option list just now. They are bringing in the Mini 7, Mini Park Lane and Mini Checkmate instead. The MCS (Checkmate) manual seems to have more options over the shiftronic auto, hence, making the manual version just as expensive as the auto. The options for the July delivery would be projector xenon HID, multi-functional steering, Harman/Kardon Hi-Fi Loud speakers, chrome line interior, auto climate control, cockpit chrono package etc. Left the list with my friend. Anyway, the additional options for the manual over the auto that i can remember was the panorama roof and bluetooth equipped like that new Bimmers. Price is supposingly to be in the region of RM220k.

I had an experience driving with the JCW S which my friend had brought out and also another 2004 grey import MCS. The JCW S was equipped with Hartge full exhaust system, remapped ECU by Simon, Hartge s/charger pulleys and lots of other goodies which i cant recall. To my experience, the handling was great and my first thoughts was that "am i driving a go-kart?" First gear was a little sluggish and felt something like a turbo-lag. Second gear onwards was fun. Powerful, but not very powerful, adequete for a 1.2tonne car. The next thing I found out that the gear shift was quite long, is there any after-market short-shifters around? Still think that the shiftronic that i test drove (G-Power) was more responsive and felt like i was putting in a dollar for an arcade game.

Will get a ride of the ori MCS from a friend tomorrow and we'll see the difference.

 

[Detonics]

Yes, you can get the adaptor for the gear. Shorten the gear throw...which is about RM270.

 

[Detonics]

Originally posted by bmwsideways@Mar 1 2006, 01:44 AM

auto has better acceleration compare to manual due to the fact of its gear ratio

hence, we felt that auto cars are more powerful

Agree but not the MINI. I think the manual has better acceleration than the auto....Or maybe I should try the auto again... B)

 

[notiguy]

Detonics,

adaptor? or is it the whole shifter? I've been browsing online, and found that the whole shifter aint cheap... sigh....

 

[DanPromote]

First time I hear auto has better acceleration than manual. If you compare stock auto and manual gearbox factory specs, you will always see the accleration for manual is faster than auto.

Only racecar auto gearbox is faster than manual, where the gear changes in miliseconds and there's no way human can change gears that fast.

 

[Detonics]

Originally posted by notiguy@Mar 3 2006, 01:40 AM
Detonics,

adaptor? or is it the whole shifter? I've been browsing online, and found that the whole shifter aint cheap... sigh....

Yup, just the adaptor will do. Don't have to change the whole shifter.. Plus, the adaptor installation is easy too! It cost about USD48

 

[The Necessary]

Originally posted by DanPromote@Mar 3 2006, 12:48 AM
First time I hear auto has better acceleration than manual. If you compare stock auto and manual gearbox factory specs, you will always see the accleration for manual is faster than auto.

Only racecar auto gearbox is faster than manual, where the gear changes in miliseconds and there's no way human can change gears that fast.

Yeah, first I've heard too.

Although prelimnary figures published by Porsche seem to show that the new 997 Turbo is quicker from 0-60 with an auto!

Well, in racecars, they would be SMG-esque transmissions anyways, and those will definitely be quicker.

 

[DanPromote]

For performance and sports cars that's quite believable la, I don't think they use the standard auto gearbox we see on most daily driven cars.

If you compare eg. an e36/46 328i manual and an e36/46 328i auto, the manual will still have better acceleration.

 

[Detonics]

Maybe in some cases the auto has better acc than the manual... which I cant point at. Proton maybe? Hmmm, I don't think so...