F55/F56 CR Delists MINI from "Recommended"
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,602
Likes: 107
From: Arizona
I wish it wasnt funny :( I've owned 25 bmw's, mostly 3 series. I'm keeping my 135i until they can make something better, I am unimpressed with the newer ones, definitely not getting my money until they get back to roots.
they are too big now, bloated & soft, the road feel is gone, steering numb, they dumbed them down for the masses. They even have engine sounds that play over the speakers now, and people actually like that! there's threads on the bmw forums explaining how to add sounds or change the sound files so they sound like a different engine.
dont get me started on the reliability on the new ones
they are too big now, bloated & soft, the road feel is gone, steering numb, they dumbed them down for the masses. They even have engine sounds that play over the speakers now, and people actually like that! there's threads on the bmw forums explaining how to add sounds or change the sound files so they sound like a different engine.
dont get me started on the reliability on the new ones
Did you know they did the engine sound over the speakers to the F56 Gen3 Mini too? I was this close to buying one now I'm glad I got a JCW Coupe. I had an 1988 325is for 7 years. Best car I ever had until the 2007 MCS.
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 52
Likes: 1
From: USA
I wish it wasnt funny :( I've owned 25 bmw's, mostly 3 series. I'm keeping my 135i until they can make something better, I am unimpressed with the newer ones, definitely not getting my money until they get back to roots.
they are too big now, bloated & soft, the road feel is gone, steering numb, they dumbed them down for the masses. They even have engine sounds that play over the speakers now, and people actually like that! there's threads on the bmw forums explaining how to add sounds or change the sound files so they sound like a different engine.
dont get me started on the reliability on the new ones
they are too big now, bloated & soft, the road feel is gone, steering numb, they dumbed them down for the masses. They even have engine sounds that play over the speakers now, and people actually like that! there's threads on the bmw forums explaining how to add sounds or change the sound files so they sound like a different engine.
dont get me started on the reliability on the new ones
cheaper than the JCW Pro Exhaust. If it may make one feel better why not? I wonder if a Mini Motoring Assistant would actually use that interior exhaust note via the entertainment system as a selling point? lolI'm a near newbie owning a Mini and I'd rather have the older smaller models which have more eye appeal to me but we're not able to wait for a new generation to come along as needing a car like a month ago
.the pedestrian black plastic guard grill kills the looks for me but... . Watching YouTube I envy those that can track the Mini on a course. Handicap here though having to install a handbrake as the legs are not what it used to be. Can't wait for our Mini to arrive!
Last edited by Paul S.; Dec 15, 2016 at 07:11 PM.
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 246
Likes: 1
When the F56 first came out, I was wishing it really had more BMW DNA in it. Better build, (less rattles), materials, and better reliability. From what I have seen the only improvement is a better interior in almost all areas, and a softer ride (for those that like that).
MINI still is known for poor reliability- not just Consumer Reports, but major car magazines as well. I have been reading the MINI forums since 2009, and I have never seen such a general attitude of dislike on many threads. The outside design, the recalls, the larger size. Sure some people love their cars, but much more complaints than praise.
If only MINI would figure out what made their car popular in the first place, (small and great handling), and build a car that people could actually buy instead of lease because of all the issues (reliability and resale).
I know they can- the recent 3 series for example.
I would like my next car to be another MINI, but not until they figure out how to build a better car.
MINI still is known for poor reliability- not just Consumer Reports, but major car magazines as well. I have been reading the MINI forums since 2009, and I have never seen such a general attitude of dislike on many threads. The outside design, the recalls, the larger size. Sure some people love their cars, but much more complaints than praise.
If only MINI would figure out what made their car popular in the first place, (small and great handling), and build a car that people could actually buy instead of lease because of all the issues (reliability and resale).
I know they can- the recent 3 series for example.
I would like my next car to be another MINI, but not until they figure out how to build a better car.
I'm sorry to break it to you, but as someone who spends regular time in an M235i as well as my MINI, the F56 is pure (modern) BMW. From the build quality to the way it drives, with the exception of the M cars. And then I'd challenge you if you thought they were more reliable.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 2,166
Likes: 520
From: California Native still livin' in LaLa Land
We took delivery of our Clubman at the end of October. Thus far, though it's early days, this has been the most trouble free new car we have ever acquired. Not a single issue yet.
We did decide to ditch the Pirelli run flats. They were good tires but did transmit a lot of road noise and the rigid sidewalls result in stiff ride characteristics that, while not bad at all, were not refined.
And we added the Dinan sport tune plug-and-play box which definitely increases driving spirit of the car.
We were also extremely pleased with our purchase experience. Great deal/significant discount, and good delivery of a clean and issue-free car.
Hoping this holds for the entire 3 year lease. Sure is a fun car.
We did decide to ditch the Pirelli run flats. They were good tires but did transmit a lot of road noise and the rigid sidewalls result in stiff ride characteristics that, while not bad at all, were not refined.
And we added the Dinan sport tune plug-and-play box which definitely increases driving spirit of the car.
We were also extremely pleased with our purchase experience. Great deal/significant discount, and good delivery of a clean and issue-free car.
Hoping this holds for the entire 3 year lease. Sure is a fun car.
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 509
Likes: 1
From: Left coast of Fla.
Consumer Reports
CR puts the '17 Hardtop in the Sports/sporty cars under $40k category. The Nissan Z gets a 75, the BRZ a 73 and further down the list, the GTI get a 71 and the MINI gets a 66. The lowest score for a recommended car is a 73. Predicted reliability is what knocks it down. Below it are the WRX, Mustang, Fiesta and Focus.
Generally speaking, CR likes the MINI. C&D does not.
Generally speaking, CR likes the MINI. C&D does not.
Last edited by torpeau; Dec 19, 2016 at 02:52 PM.
Consumer Reports today released their owner satisfaction survey:
http://www.consumerreports.org/car-r...-satisfaction/
MINI comes in a little behind middle of the pack, rank #16 of 29.
http://www.consumerreports.org/car-r...-satisfaction/
MINI comes in a little behind middle of the pack, rank #16 of 29.
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 509
Likes: 1
From: Left coast of Fla.
When I go online at Consumer Reports, the MINI (presumably the F55/56) is listed as 6th out of 12 cars in the "Sports/sporty cars under $40,000" category. It does not have the recommended check mark. (See my above comment)
Originally Posted by torpeau
When I go online at Consumer Reports, the MINI (presumably the F55/56) is listed as 6th out of 12 cars in the "Sports/sporty cars under $40,000" category. It does not have the recommended check mark. (See my above comment)
If I wanted value and reliability, i would have bought a Honda.
But I'm a glutton for punishment. My motorcycle is a Ducati, which is just about the least reliable machine on the market!
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,331
Likes: 165
From: Bonita Springs Florida
If the M135 BMW was available in the U.S., I'd likely be driving one of those.
My 2017 M240i is beyond great.