All new Convertible for 2016 based on the F56 Hardtop.

No surprises here, just a convertible version of the F56. Top operation looks identical to the R57. Openometer is supposed to still be there but I can't see an actual physical gauge for it (thank God!).

Here's some weirdness: I cannot locate any roll bar !!!





Looks like we officially lost the center-mounted speedometer.

I would drop the LED mood lighting ring in a heartbeat to get the center speedo back.

No clue why each video is double-posted but one is called "Driving" and the other is called "Design."

 

Yep, and the openmeter is now in the display, rain warner looks cool and the interior is an improvement on the seat and finish.

No roll bars but does have a the post pop up at the seat belt points on the back and it looks like there are four post now ( maybe on the driver / front passenger side ).

The convertible top can now come in black Jack

 

Pretty sweet. I like it.
Heres the S


How come the right hand drive cars do 250 but the left hand drive only do 160?

 

I am hoping MINI will let us remotely open or close the roof on our phones to work with the rain warning app.

 

That would be hoping .

 

Thanks so much for posting these.
I am very excited to upgrade from my '09.
Sadly, it looks like from the vids that there still will be no "one touch" open/close for the top.
Can anyone confirm?
Was really hoping they'd allow that feature with the new model.
I bought the aftermarket doohickey but don't know if it'll work with this new model.
Thanks again!

 

Looks like hold and open like in the past.

 

Given the injury/finger-amputating potential of the hardware I'm not surprised they don't offer it.

Where'd they get that fake tiny luggage? Lord knows our R57 boot won't hold anything nearly as well as that picture.

I like the on-door controls for the window and the locking. Like most other vehicles (which, in this case, is a good thing).

I also like what looks like rotating ***** for the AC, instead of the thumbwheels.

Not sure about the center-console location for the start/stop, prefer that to remain closer to the driver position.

USB socket now sticks out horizontally instead of vertical, might bode better for avoiding crap getting into it, or cables get broken when junk is crammed around it.

Looks like wiper gets a control on the stalk for speed/intermittent. That's nice.

We don't have NAV in our R57. Looks like there's an on-wheel control? And is that an iDrive sort of thing in the center console?

Looks to be a nice evolution of the design.

 

Does anyone know when orders will be taken by dealers? Was set on a JCW Hatchback, but now....

 

You can call them, I bet they will take deposits.

 

I was at my dealer today to order my wife's 2016 Hardtop. They said they just got two allocations for the new convertible. They could have placed my order today.

 

Did you place an order for the convertible ?

 

Seriously thought about it, but this MINI is for the wife and she wanted a hardtop. Should be here in February.

Me, however, after we get the wife's MINI if I really enjoy driving it I will most likely order a JCW Hardtop or the convertible.

 

Thanks for the update, if you g through with it, post up.

 

Just placed an order for the F57. Should be delivered in mid-March.
If there is interest, I will be glad to post pix & full review...

 

Please do!

 

+1 yes, i would like to hear about what you liked and disliked .

Excited for spring

 

We just ordered our F57 in Caribbean Aqua from Airport Mini on March 16th. My wife and I are looking forward to some fun motoring this year in our first ever convertible. We love our current 2009 R56 however we could not pass up this new generation convertible in metallic Caribbean Aqua.... While we have some concerns over rear visibility issues, we feel that the rear cameras/sensors will provide us with some reassurance when backing. Changing lanes on highways (especially going from left to right) will require extra precaution. I REALLY wish Mini would offer the side mirror turning lights and lane change warning indicators. It would be an option I would easily include on any car purchase.

Hopefully NAM will eventually create a 3rd Gen F57 category so that we can avoid cross posts, etc....

 

Awesome, Congrats

You can get the euro blind spot mirrors for the F57 ( they fit F56 / F55 also ) , i have the Gen 1 MINI version on my r52 and they help, gives you that extra viewing area. There are two different kinds , ones with auto dimming and ones without, if you have auto-dimming factory then get the auto dim ones ( electrochromtic ) .

https://www.ecstuning.com/News/MINI_F56_Blind_Spot_Mirrors_Genuine_European_F55_C ooper_S_JCW_Electrochromatic_Side_Mirrors_Heated_A spherical_Visibility_2014_2015/

 

Thanks for the euro blind spot mirror info... I will most definitely keep them mind once our new Mini arrives. Considering that you're located in Wadsworth and I am in Canton.....it makes purchasing all that much easier!!! How about installation? Difficult...(do it myself without breaking something) or can you recommend someone in our area? P.S. I frequently travel to Wadsworth in the summer....

 

Interesting new "Commercial" on the new F57 Convertible....that I found on the MiniUSA site.

 

Cool, if you see an R58 JCW Chili red or R52 MCC Hot orange rolling around thats me. Just give me a wave.

They are the same as the Gen 1 and Gen2 , clips to that motor adjuster, just like the VW ones in the install portion, turn the mirror inwards , get the pry tool and pop them out , pop the new ones in.



We don't have local pickup this time. The MINI dealership can do it fo you , they mimic the OEM US design on the back, so it install like the stock mirrors. For install shops , not many MINI places around here. Do you know any other MINI owners in the area that are DIY guys? There are some in the cleveland MINI club that are.

 

Yep, been to key west and Miami, MINI is doing the movie commercials like BMW did for the Hire Series.

 

Great example video for the euro mirrors....thank you. Makes me wonder why these types of mirrors do not come stock... What would we do without aftermarket parts?

 

I ordered our 2016 F57 Mini Convertible on March 16th...and today March 18th, I have an Order Status of 150 - Production Started (based on the dealer Vehicle Inquiry Report. It appears that the dealer information receives updates quicker the the Mini Owners Lounge tracking capability. On MOL....the status simple show "On Order". A VIN number has also been assigned to the Mini. Much faster than I anticipated...pleasant surprise for spring. (Note: That is a Caribbean Aqua Smile)...