Need a honest opinion
 

I know this isn't the place to ask but I would like to hear from fellow X5 owners regarding my situation.

My wife's VW R32 lease is about to end in two weeks.
Over the weekend we decided to check out the MINI Cooper S, and my wife couldn't wait and put down $1k to order a fully load Cooper S to the tune of $32k before incentives. The best discount we got was Costco pricing which gets the MINI down to $31k. The dealer wouldn't budge any further.

Anyways, once we got home, she had second thoughts. Now she is thinking about the 128i and take ED. I know we can get the $1K deposit back so I'm not worried about that.

However, We ordered the MINI with everything including all packages and the new MINI connected, similar to the new BMW connected drive thing. However, even with ED price on the 128i with acceptable options like auto, xenon, m-sport pack and Harmon Kardon, it will probably run us about $33-34k ED invoice (this is my own calculation from the invoice price on Costco's site, will probably be higher with MY2012). The $2k difference is not much so we are having a hard time deciding.

So here it is, what if you were me, which one would you purchase. A fully loaded MINI S or ED a 128i with minimum options.

Thanks in advance.

Odd comparo, due to the ED thrown in on the 128i, imo.

It's 'her' car, so suggest she decide. The ED deal requires vacay, trip,
dough, etc. Posters here whom have done ED say it's fabulous, fwiw.

Different cars, imo, also.
GL, mD

Between those two I am partial to the Mini. I still stop to check out Minis when I see them especially with the various mods like the painted roof, rally like lamps, stripes, etc. Timeless in my opinion. The 128i is ho hum, if a bit ugly.

Anyway thats my opinion.

What does ED stand for?

Thank you guys for the quick response.

ED stands for European Delivery.

As a 2005 Mini Cooper S Convertible owner, it depends on your wife's priorities. I wouldn't trade mine uber-personality Mini for a seemingly pedistrian 1 series. But some think the cachet of BMW is worth more. I agree with the earlier post - they are two very different cars. The question is - which is more akin to your wife's preferences?

I'd go with the 1 with ED. We have an 11 x5 and an 11 Mini, and love the Mini (AND the x5 :), but got a crazy deal on the Mini. For 2-3k, I'd go with the 1.

I would go with the Mini personally.... Just not a huge fan of the 1 Series

Tough choice. IMO, it is a shame that the 128i is overshadowed and overlooked in the BMW line-up. The 135i may be faster, but the 128i's lighter weight, lower cost, and more reliable drivetrain make it a great car.

I haven't driven any of the new MINIs with DI, but I have always been fond of the R56, especially the JCW. However, whenever I go to seriously look at one, as fun as they are to drive, I am turned off by the price.

Having done ED with an M3, I would definitely do it, and do it soon, as its attraction to car enthusiasts will surely change in the coming years. With the EU cracking down hard on vehicle emissions, I would not be surprised to see Autobahns speed-limited everywhere. The future of the Nurburgring is in question as well. Plus, traffic enforcement is up across the EU, already insane fuel prices are sure to go higher, etc.

I'd go with the Cooper S, but I wouldn't get it loaded up. It is a fun little car, great to drive, and doesn't need all the toys. Trouble is, when you load it up, you get up into 1 series price territory. Keep it basic, pick a few options to personalize it, and use all the money you save for a great holiday, Europe or anywhere else.