BMW 128i vs MINI Clubman S

Sections: E81/82/E87 1 Series, In the Press, MINI Aug 14th, 2008 7 Comments

Now this is new. Edmunds has decided to pit the newest BMW against the newest MINI Cooper.

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. Both have usefully large cargo areas — the rear seats in each folds flat to enhance capacity. And both come standard with a six-speed manual transmission.

Put simply, there’s little to the personality of the 2008 Mini Cooper S Clubman that can’t be had in the 128i, but without the tiresome retro design. The only thing the BMW lacks is the scorching blast of B.S. that accompanies the Mini in the form of retro pap. In its place is an honest car — a fundamentally better machine — which some might find less visually dazzling.

[ Comparison Test: 2008 BMW 128i vs. 2008 Mini Cooper S Clubman ] Edmunds.com

Written By: db

Dan C.

“tiresome retro design” is one of the big reasons I spent the extra bucks getting a 3-series when my Cooper S lease was up this year. I agree with this review whole-heartedly.
Hunter

After 2 1/2 years of owning my 2006 MINI Cooper S, I along with countless passers-by have yet to grow “tiresome” of its retro design.
Tyson

All you have to do is look at the sales figures on both of these vehicles. I work at a BMW/MINI dealer, and ours (as well as every other) is completely out of MINI’s. I have grown tired of dusting off the Bimmers, as they rarely leave the floor.

I love BMW, but it is true.
eager2own

That doesn’t mean one’s “better” than the other — just that gas has become expensive.
danish_mod

Tyson’s point takes aim at better residuals for the MINI.

looking at the bottom line it doesn’t matter which way Edmunds pulls punches,- BMW wins the business.

used 7 & X series should be the bargains these days.
http://www.smartboxusa.com/chicago GSKChicago

Yeah, the MINI is far from tiresome in it’s design. It is still unique, full of character and easily distinguishable from the myriad of bland cars on the road! That said, I traded mine in for a 1er. But not because I thought the MINI was boring or tiresome. Interesting!
Chaz

The automotive world is good when we have a choice of two such distinctive cars, both enthusiast friendly, and with markedly different personalities.
Anyone remember the early 1980’s when we didn’t dare dream of having such options? Rather than defending one or the other as being “better” I’m glad we have both!

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