F60 Countryman manuel vs auto

[macp]

Thinking about a Countryman for our next car. I also like the Clubman but the difficulty of finding one with factory roof rails is a PITA. Its the same issue with the 5dr. I also think we should go for the 2.0 rather than the 1.5. Its going to be a do it all car although we are just a couple. My wife will use it daily for work in her private healthcare role. We are budgeting around maximum 17 or 18k. But knowing all that im wondering if we go manual or auto. Im actually an auto convert so more than happy to go that way if it fits with how the car will be used. I guess im just worrying about reliability.

Thoughts & comment guys please.

Edited by macp on Saturday 7th October 20:38

[edc]

I have a 1.5 auto. It does a 2 to 3 day a week 20 miles motorway commute and short town journeys. I didn't need any extra power or handling capability as I have a weekend car and also a larger family car. This fills the role it needs perfectly well. If I had to do longer journeys in it or get all the family in, I could. If I was to buy one again I'd get one with the LED headlights

[macp]

edc said:

I have a 1.5 auto. It does a 2 to 3 day a week 20 miles motorway commute and short town journeys. I didn't need any extra power or handling capability as I have a weekend car and also a larger family car. This fills the role it needs perfectly well. If I had to do longer journeys in it or get all the family in, I could. If I was to buy one again I'd get one with the LED headlights

Thanks for your reply and tip about LED headlights. I like triples and have had two fairly recently. But did you try the 2.0 as well. And may I ask which model you have.

[edc]

macp said:

Thanks for your reply and tip about LED headlights. I like triples and have had two fairly recently. But did you try the 2.0 as well. And may I ask which model you have.

In the past we've had a 1.0 triple Seat Arona and Fiesta STLine with a more peppy 140bhp. That car replaced a C55 AMG so my Mrs could learn to drive.

I didn't bother trying the 2.0 but I've had and driven plenty enough cars to know what more power would feel like.

Up to around 70-80 the car is more than competent and it will easily get to 90-100 without any trouble only then just getting breathless. It's a typical turbo petrol quite punchy mid range but runs out of steam at the top of the rev range.

Mines a 67 Cooper. Fairly basic spec with basic nav, dual zone climate and that's pretty much it otherwise standard spec. I've had the bonnet stripes replaced with fresh ones and added some side stripes. The chrome trims installed for black ones including the badges.

The previous car had HID lights but also the LED lights give a cleaner smarter look at the front.

[macron]

You should drive with the engine you wish to buy- I back to backed the 1.5 and 2.0 hatch then also clubman, they both go well in the smaller car, the wider track, significant additional rear leg room and 60kg makes the clubman both far more grown up, but also only remotely enjoyable with the larger engine. That mere 60kg just stunts the 1.5. Had I only drive a 1.5 clubman I'd probably have thought it was an OK car. But it really is better with more Cc's.

Auto boxes defo change depending on years and engine size, only the later cars have the 8 speed, so again I'd defo try before you commit.

Haven't tried a countryman, so can't help!

[E-bmw]

I would go for the Spaniard all say every day, but then I am not an auto fan.

[macp]

Im also thinking given my impending left knee problem due to cycling. That auto might be the only choice.

[stevemcs]

We have the f57 2.0 auto, it’s fine for every day use, plenty of power and the gearbox is good. It’s not zf8 good but more than adequate

For the countryman I’d probably go with the 2.0. The clubman and countryman use the Aisin 8 speed.

Media xl is worth having, leds are a must. You will find most countryman’s and clubman’s have the heated screen too.

[macp]

Thanks all for the replies. Just picked up the new car. A 2019 Countryman 2.0 with auto gearbox. Fantastic spec too. Harman Kardon stereo upgrade. With electrically adjustable leather sports seats. And electric pan roof. Still working out the rest of the spec. So im not yet certain if it has medial XL or LED headlights. Very impressed with the gearbox and the ride quality. Its a surprisingly good drive. Im very happy.

Edit: yes it does have media XL

Edited by macp on Sunday 15th October 17:27

[edc]

Headlights should be very easy to identify. What size wheels? Like for like the Countryman uses a higher profile for the same size wheel as the Clubman.

[E-bmw]

macp said:

Thanks all for the replies. Just picked up the new car. A 2019 Countryman 2.0 with auto gearbox. Fantastic spec too. Harman Kardon stereo upgrade. With electrically adjustable leather sports seats. And electric pan roof. Still working out the rest of the spec. So im not yet certain if it has medial XL or LED headlights. Very impressed with the gearbox and the ride quality. Its a surprisingly good drive. Im very happy.

Edit: yes it does have media XL

Edited by macp on Sunday 15th October 17:27

Google "mini vin decoder" you will find several sites that will give you a full build sheet from the chassis number.

[macp]

edc said:

Headlights should be very easy to identify. What size wheels? Like for like the Countryman uses a higher profile for the same size wheel as the Clubman.

Just waited until it got dark and tried the lights. And my guess is standard halogens. They are not crisp and white. Which is a shame. But ah well you cant have it all. I have done really well with the rest of the specification.

These are the wheels fitted. They are called JCW thrill spoke. They are 18" and im surprised at the ride which i can only describe as firm but composed. But also with a softness to it. The tyres are 50 profile though which probably helps.

[macron]

Leather sounds like an Exclusive S from 2019?

Nice to get HK and a roof too.

Amazing to think back then they did these discount things and incentives for people to buy.

Not so much now!

[edc]

Shame about the lights as the spec sounds good. I presume also it is the dual zone digital climate and has heated seats too?
With the XL media it's much easier and cheaper to update the software and get more Carplay and Android auto features.

[macp]

macron said:

Leather sounds like an Exclusive S from 2019?

Nice to get HK and a roof too.

I was also thinking it could be an Exclusive S. Its a London car and as I have often found. The car specifications in the South are often considerably better than in the North.

Edited by macp on Monday 16th October 21:16

[macp]

edc said:

Shame about the lights as the spec sounds good. I presume also it is the dual zone digital climate and has heated seats too?
With the XL media it's much easier and cheaper to update the software and get more Carplay and Android auto features.

Swmbo got home tonight and I asked what the headlights were like. To which she replied "absolutely superb". So I will need to try them on a night drive myself.

And yes to dual zone climate & heated seats.

[macp]

Thought I would offer up a couple pics. The cabin is a nice place to be. And yes that dangly air freshener thingy is no more.

[edc]

Did you get the LED headlights then? It's very easy to tell from a pic.