I actually thought the power of the R56 was much more dramatic than my R53 when I did a test drive, and then had one for a few days (it was modded, though). Obviously, the sport button helped out a lot. I do like the "now" power of the R53, but when I got back in my car after the R56, it didn't feel as "now" as I thought it was. It also seemed to lose more steam than I thought it did in the upper rpms. Now that I have a 15% pulley, it's a different story. So I didn't experience what you did with regard to the R56 power delivery.

As far as the interior goes, I have to agree with you there. And do be fair, the R53 isn't my favorite interior ever, either. It's not driver-centered enough for my liking. But it's worlds ahead of the R56's, as far as I'm concerned.

mb

 

Mb,

I like your term "now" power but felt the R56 was the one lacking in the "now". I was driving a 07 MCS with the Cooper Works body kit, wheels less the tuning kit. Being a loaner, perhaps this vehicle was a victim of abuse although it didn't appear to be.

Later

 

Chances are it's just a difference in the clutch / drive by wire throttle that you are noticing and calling "turbo lag". Many people with R53s have complained about this on the R56. Once you get used to the clutch / throttle, you don't notice it anymore. For some people, the sport button makes enough of a difference for them to be happy. I find the throttle mapping in sport mode too on / off and actually prefer non sport mode.

Of course, I don't have a whole lot of R53 driving experience, so I could be wrong.

The build quality (and general reliability) of my 2007 MCS is worlds better than my 2003 Cooper - but that's not hard.

 

I'll try my best to explain it to you.

I don't understand where you're getting that I'm aggressively defending my car. I have in the past, but not here. I simply asked if there was any way of telling whether or not this was slag (or any number of other people) who decided they were bored and made a new avatar to start up a debate. Judging by the responses the OP has made since then, I'd have to conclude that yes, that is exactly the case. See examples quoted below:

If Mr. Scrubbly is just trolling around, people should know about it so they don't get all riled up. His first post on the forum is a thread clearly aimed at resurrecting a heated debate that has resulted in multiple threads being closed and he has fabricated faults that no one else has experienced... turbo lag? Additionally, he has already resorted to personally attacking anyone whose opinion differs from his own.

Now you tell me, what are the chances that this is a legitimate new member of the forum?

 

That's where I'm getting it.

So you're saying if he's not a "troll," then it's OK to get riled up over something like someone else's opinion on your car? I'm all for being passionate about a car, but come on, people who don't like the R56 (and who have never met you) have nothing against you personally. So why the need to be "riled?"

Yes, people are fabricating faults, and working dilligently at it, just to get a reaction out of you. If this is true, then two more things are true: 1. Shame on you for falling into it and name calling just as he has ("troll), and 2. Since they're just fabrications in your mind, who cares?

I personally didn't experience turbo-lag when I drove the R56. That's all you have to say! Who's to say my experience isn't "fabricated", or is it just true because you happen to agree with it?

What are the chances anyone actually cares? Let's flip it up and say he came on here bashing the R53. I bet you wouldn't take up that fight. That's why you're not quite credible with your inquiry. If you're going to play NAM Troll Police (part of the Alliance?) then play it both ways.

Thank you for trying your best, I think it cleared some things up for me.

mb

 

Like it not people do get into heated debates about it. If Scrubbly doesn't like my car thats fine, I honestly couldn't care less. I've never taken anything as a personal insult when people bash my car. I've taken things personally when people insult the owners of said cars, but not insults of the car itself.

I'm not personally attacking him by calling him a troll, and in case you didn't notice it, you just agreed with me. It is a reportable offense on this website, as well as nearly every forum I've ever frequented.

And if I had fallen into his game I'd be debating with him, which I'm not.

Its true, I haven't experienced it in the months that I've owned it. Oddly enough, neither has anybody else, including yourself.

You could bet that, but you'd be wrong. You're saying that I'm not credible based on something that you "bet" I would do if it ever came up. Guess what though? It hasn't. I've never seen anyone try to incite flames by bashing the R53. I call it like I see it, a troll is a troll and this one is obvious. Flamebaiting and personal attacks are reportable offenses on this site, and I don't see the harm in calling them out. If the community can moderate itself then it makes the moderators' jobs that much easier. The only thing I've done in this thread was ask if there was any way of proving that Scrubbly was a legitimate new member. I haven't defended my car, I haven't made any personal attacks, I haven't done anything. Why do you feel the need to jump all over me for that?

Sorry for being a skeptic, sheesh.

 

Well, to be fair, Terry at BMS (in a thread somewhere) has noted the R56's turbo lag when it's compared to the 335i. They've done some impressive things to the e90, and probably will to the R56, too.

Anyway, good talk, Russ (guess the movie, win a prize). Back to the car comparisons...

mb

 

For some R56 is a revelation, for some not. I'm fine w/ that. However, after over a year with R56 and now the Clubman and the John Cooper Works car, it's hard to say BMW took a wrong turn with R56. Many, many owners and enthusiasts are lovin' the 2nd gen car as they motor each day, just as they do/did with the first gen MINI. Nothing to fret over....just enjoy the MINI you drive for all the qualities that make it unique and special.

 

Vacation

 

doodz, supercharger are SUPPOSED to give immediate power delivery, they go right off the crank shaft. THATS THE POINT! of course a supercharger is going to make boost fast than a turbo. they always have and probably alway will. BUT, in general (i said in general) turbos are more efficient and make more power, but need to spool up. so each one has an advantage and disadvantage. even as an r56 owner, i would say that in theory (i said in theory) a supercharger would be a better choice given that the mini is a twisty carver as opposed to a drag car. however, since the turbo is small, it spools up quickly and the engine makes peak torque from ~1700 rpm. its pretty damn quick. but of course the supercharge is gonna boost faster, thats not a valid argument.

please note that not once did i say either MINI was better than the other. i really do love both, in fact, i wish my r56 was a little smaller like the r53. i just find it strange that you never see an r56 owner bashing the r53. especially considering its faster and gets better gas mileage. despite that, i have never seen a single post bragging about that and saying anything bad about the r53. id love to have both in my driveway. whats up the the hate fest?

 

Yep, first time I've heard that about the R56

 

ive seen one now

 

Winner winner chicken dinner Name your prize...

mb

 

Pig in a Poke! European vacation.

 

This is OT, but I think public education should offer students courses in classic movies like the ones discussed in this thread.

There could be some real learning involved in comparing Caddyshack to the terrible sequel.

mb

 

Explain to me where that's any concern of yours? There are moderators on forums for a reason. Let them deal with it, or if you suspect someone made another account (Against NAM Guidelines), use the "Report Post" feature.

It's not your job to police the forums.

 

What hate fest? The hate is coming from Vic and most of you all. I just gave my thoughts on the two vehicles after driving the new mini and then asked others their opinions. Whats up with the mine is better than yours mentality. Geez, get over it. You gonna implode when Gen III Mini arrives? Apparently, opinion descenting or otherwise isn't tolerated. OK, I love all Minis, the classic, the Gen 1 and especially the new Mini. I JUST LOVE THE NEW MINI. IT IS TERRIFIC, ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL. TURBOS RULE, SUPERCHARGERS DROOL! There happy, get a life.

 

All I did was ask a simple question. Sue me.

 

See...ITYS. (IBFTL)

 

It's awesome how a brand new member can see right through the BS. Scrubbly - you learned the lesson the hard way, I suppose. Opinions about the R56 are not tolerated here unless you have a certain # of posts, you mention that you like it before you give your opinion, and you appease all of the fragile egos. Oh, and don't forget to dodge the renegade member police who are patrolling every R53 vs R56 thread with care.

Think it's frustrating not being allowed to have an opinion on a public forum? The idea that since we're a community we need to love every part of it reminds me of Pleasantville (and F451). Or any other utopia/dystopia movie or piece of literature.

Slippery slope, people.

Scrubbly - just remember, "thoughts, bad - keeping everyone happy, good"

mb

 

^ That's why I just cut and paste all my comments from BMW/MINI press releases.

 

Good Lord I don't understand how this got so out of hand.

I guess I'll add something worthwhile to the conversation. I think its great that you don't like the R56, and its good that you have an R53 to keep you happy. Neither car can appease everyone and thats what makes the MINI brand so great. Both cars drive great and have the same appeal but achieve those attributes in very different ways.

My original post was just a question because I was skeptical that someone who had just joined brought up a hotly debated topic with their first post. I don't think it is unreasonable to believe that someone might have created a new account solely for the purpose of stirring the pot, it happens all the time on internet forums. Now for the love of God get off my back.

 

i wasnt referring to anyone in particular. all i was saying was that, in general, you dont see r56 owners bashing r53s, but you see a lot of threads bashing r56s. i also said that turbos and superchargers a pretty much equal. they are just different. i said i like both and i didnt say it but i do really want a classic mini. you dont have to like the r56, but i just cant understand why there is so much hostility towards it. maybe my post was misunderstood, but i was trying to say that both MINIs are pretty much equal, and that i would like to own both. and that superchargers and turbos are merely different. one isnt necessarily better than the other.

 

Which is essentially what you got, my friend. It's fine to say BMW took the wrong direction, but don't expect others to sit by and say nothing. And yes, sparks will fly. So if folks are entitled to have an opinion...great, but guess what....that works both ways. You said you didn't want to start the gen wars again (and I believe you) but that's exactly what your comment (and their tone) did. No scandal...that's just how things are. There are people driving (and enjoying the heck out of) R56 every day...and it's been over a year since it arrived. I'm afraid there are a lot of opinions out there, since you did ask.

 

That's a rock-solid strategy! Well done...

mb