Hi All,
Last month I bought a 2009 JCW MINI. I only was able to drive it for a week before we left for Argentina for a month, the saving grace, 2 of those day were at The Glen, Love it. Have not had a car that was this much fun and street legal. I am now back and driving everywhere. Not sure where to start with all the questions. I'm sure reading other post will answer many. But I have to ask 1 to start....what does the R55, R56 and R57 mean and which one do I have. Now you all know just how stupid I am but I need to start somewhere.

Elf

 

Read the very first 'sticky' at the top of this forum.

 

R50: “Mk I / 1st Gen” MINI Cooper coupe/hardtop (2002-2006)
R52: “Mk I / 1st Gen” MINI Cooper & Cooper S Convertible/Cabrio (2005-2008)
R53: “Mk I / 1st Gen” MINI Cooper S coupe/hardtop (2002-2006)
R55: “Mk II / 2nd Gen” MINI Clubman & Clubman S (2008+)
R56: “Mk II / 2nd Gen” MINI Cooper & Cooper S coupe/hardtop (2007+)
R57: “Mk II / 2nd Gen” MINI Cooper & Cooper S Convertible/Cabrio (2009+)

Yours is an R56 which is essentially a 'better S'

 

Welcome and congratulations on that r56+++. A very good choice. Let's see some pics!

 

Welcome to the forum, your first question was too easy, you have to come out withsomething really tough to get the real site mavens involved.

 

Thank You all for the replys. I have been reading other post and I am starting to get a feel for the MINI and some of the equipment on her. Do all MINIS want to cruse at 85-88 mph? This is going to be a problem or at least an expense, but fun anyway.

 

.mmmm yep, I think so ....

but!

at that speed you're in the powerband, which is fun - particularly with the JCW. the roll on throttle is great at that speed. mine likes the 3,500 to 5,500 band very very much.

unfortunately, that's 80-120 mph - so great for track work, not so much for the street.

at 3,200 or less, the mileage is MUCH better!

I've learned to cruise under 3,200, and to take quiet satisfaction in the 34+ mpg I can get in that range.

and keep my license!



try this? http://www.scca-susq.com/

 

I concur w/cmt - YES! Mine wants to get out & run, just like a thoroughbred. However, I've found that MINIs are a Blast even at 30-50, motoring around suburbia. I was grinning from ear to ear yesterday running errands & cornering at 30+ w/Ruffian feeling like she was riding on rails.

 

I think I might have canceled the trip (or at least postponed). We just got back from leaving my girl for a week and I missed her every day!

 

Yes. But only on a track, or when the posted speed limit is 85MPH, of course.