F54 Clubman S - thoughts?

[alex87f]

Hey guys,

I've found myself eyeing the F54 Clubman S several times as a potential dad-compatible replacement for either the 86 or the 996.
They're available in the low 20s around here with low miles.

What I'm struggling to understand is how good the chassis is. I don't expect 86-rivaling involvement, but would like something that can be enjoyed at pace, or even used for a couple of laps on the odd Nürburgring weekend.

Wisdom says "get a GTI", but they're not my cup of tea.

Anyone has experience with the Clubman specifically?

[LancePower]

He's a fanboy but info nevertheless....

https://www.motoringfile.com/2023/12...ini-available/

https://www.motoringfile.com/2023/12...into-the-snow/

[Sasquachulator]

Originally Posted by alex87f

Hey guys,

I've found myself eyeing the F54 Clubman S several times as a potential dad-compatible replacement for either the 86 or the 996.
They're available in the low 20s around here with low miles.

What I'm struggling to understand is how good the chassis is. I don't expect 86-rivaling involvement, but would like something that can be enjoyed at pace, or even used for a couple of laps on the odd Nürburgring weekend.

Wisdom says "get a GTI", but they're not my cup of tea.

Anyone has experience with the Clubman specifically?

Mini's are apparently super fun, obviously it'll be a bit different than the twins, as well its a FWD chassis.

The larger not-so-mini minis (Clubman, Countryman) seems to lose a bit of its mini-ness so... dunno to what extent (nor do i know what the baseline could be, but should still be super fun as a mini always seems to be).
They'll feel largely BMW as well since the F54 is using the BMW UKL FWD chassis, and alot of its interior bits are taken from the BMW parts bin. This is a good thing as the first generation of these new minis were....shite (and used an FCW/Stellantis engine)

I was actually thinking about a countryman at some point (a dad-mobile like yourself, to replace the 86) but wifey wasnt a fan lol. Plus i think the X1 we have feels close enough to it, and is bigger and more practical.

[LancePower]

And if the F54 uses the same Motor Mounts as the F56, budget on replacing them every 10-15k miles.

[alex87f]

Originally Posted by Sasquachulator

Mini's are apparently super fun, obviously it'll be a bit different than the twins, as well its a FWD chassis.

The larger not-so-mini minis (Clubman, Countryman) seems to lose a bit of its mini-ness so... dunno to what extent (nor do i know what the baseline could be, but should still be super fun as a mini always seems to be).
They'll feel largely BMW as well since the F54 is using the BMW UKL FWD chassis, and alot of its interior bits are taken from the BMW parts bin. This is a good thing as the first generation of these new minis were....shite (and used an FCW/Stellantis engine)

I was actually thinking about a countryman at some point (a dad-mobile like yourself, to replace the 86) but wifey wasnt a fan lol. Plus i think the X1 we have feels close enough to it, and is bigger and more practical.

Yeah sounds like I need to get out there and test drive a couple of 'em.
I'd want a FWD one, not keen on the AWD system as it's effectively dead weight 99% of the time.

Is your X1 the RWD version? Looks like there are some 3.0 turbo ones, hmm that would be really dumb but really fun as well !

[Sasquachulator]

Originally Posted by alex87f

Yeah sounds like I need to get out there and test drive a couple of 'em.
I'd want a FWD one, not keen on the AWD system as it's effectively dead weight 99% of the time.

Is your X1 the RWD version? Looks like there are some 3.0 turbo ones, hmm that would be really dumb but really fun as well !

Our X1 is an Xdrive AWD one (Canada gets the AWD only, beneficial for us in the snow and cold).

Its the F48 generation that started in 2016 so its has the B48 4 banger turbo.
228hp/258lb/ft of torque.
The first gen X1's had the 3.0 I6 since they were essentially a lifted 3 series wagon of sorts.

But in regards to the Mini, its similarish to the second gen BMW X1 and BMW X2. I believe base minis have a 3 cyl turbo version of the B48 (B38?), the S models has a 189hp variant of of the B48, and the JCW has the same 228 hp version as the X1. There exists a 305hp version which is on the X2 M35i, im not sure if that one was available on the Minis though.
The B48 is a good engine, havent really had any issues with it. And its plenty powerful (make sure to put it in sport mode, eco mode has huge turbo lag but that's to be expected). The 8 speed transmission is actually an Aisin unit (not a ZF, because of FWD im guessing) but it shifts very fast and the paddles are responsive.

The infotainment is pretty much idrive with a mini skin, most switchgear is BMW parts bin, some are mini (like the toggle switches), engine is BMW, platform is BMW, etc.

Im not sure if the mini AWD system is the same as the BMW Xdrive with a different name.

[wbradley]

Expect BMW build quality.

The Countryman was banned for autocross due to its propensity to roll. Clubman obviously has a lower centrre of gravity.

I have heard of dumb quality issues with Mini, such as cracking plastic coolant diverter pipes after a few years. Basically, horrible quality plastic mechanical parts designed to fail prematurely. Keep that in mind when considering the value when buying.

[Lantanafrs2]

I've worked on several minis. They're basically pieces of shit.

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by Lantanafrs2

I've worked on several minis. They're basically pieces of shit.

The new ones, or the real ones?

[Lantanafrs2]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

The new ones, or the real ones?

Good point. Newer ones.