I just joined the MINI forums because I am looking to purchase an MCS but I am stuck between the R53 and R56. I am currently a BMW owner and vendor on 5series.net. I sell Lighting upgrades for all BMWs, Mercedes, Audis, u name it and they are plug and play with no errors or flicker. I had the whole car redone and bought a Rieger Kit so the car sits VERY low. Just cracked a bumper too so I need a nice daily driver. I bought an Audi wagon as a beater and it wasn't cutting. It was slow, handling was bad and I don't even have fun driving an automatic. I had been looking around for a 2005 and a 2006 MCS but just not sure between which one everyone likes. Supercharger or turbocharger? Availability of performance mods? I know Dinan does the R53 but not the R56.

Thanks everyone and hopefully I will see everyone soon!

Here's my signature pic of my current E60:

 

Welcome ... I have one of each and I prefer the R53 for modibility and better performance my daily driver ... wife got the clubman s for her daily driver

 

so the R53 handles better than the r56? I know some people, actually A LOT of owners prefer the R53.

 

I think so ... much better power band , the supercharger pulls so much harder at higher RPM's then the turbo

 

I purchased my '04 R53 when the R56 came out in 2007. While the R56 may have more power out of the box, there are many more things you can do to the R53.

Upgrades have been mostly JCW including, intake (using the MiniMania filter), exhaust, injectors, strut brace, CF interior pieces, and the ALTA V2 15% pulley.. All in all, a FUN machine to which I have added 75,000 miles in a little less than 3 years with nearly total reliability..

Jim

 

I like the looks of the R56 more. I test drove it and it handles EXCELLENT! Now let's see if I can get rid of the Audi and then I'll move on and join all of you MINI enthusiasts!!!