This is all matter of opinion. I feel that the 2002-2004 was amazing. I remember when I first saw my first '02. Breathtaking, like nothing else. When 2005 rolled around, it was even better. Upgrading the headlights, front and rear bumpers and several little things on the inside.Steering wheel mainly. And then all the little things under the bonnet. That ran for two years, '05-'06. With the GP being the BEST in my mind. The the over all look and feel. Personally I do not like the direction that Mini took with their 2007s. I will go over the several things that I think should have never changed.

First off--Head lights.




The first generation headlights are much more grown up and just all around better looking. Especially with the two circles on the lower high beam. Brilliant. The second generation headlights are 'no big deal.' They don't have the pop of the 1Gen ones.

Next up---look of the front fascia




Okay, the first gen looks is much....smaller looking. If looks much lower profile, along with the "bulldog stance" looks much more evident. The second gen: WHY SO BIG! The grill looks like its off of a Ford F350. Its in your face and loud looking. Not in a good way. Sitting right in front of one is like looking at the front of one through a wide angle lens. It way too round and tall and porky.

Next----Interior




1 Gen: Totally British. Everything works, goes together and is great. The center console is iconic with the bars on each side. Yet is is refined and BMW like.
2 Gen: Watch out so you hit your head on that huge speedo. Its way too busy. The radio in the speedo is retarded. And it makes it more difficult to get a quick speed reading while driving. The center console is now left empty with only the Mini logo heat controls which screams BOASTING. It just lost it Britshness.

Next---rear end.




This is last thing I will get into today.
1 Gen: Sofisticated still. Slim in a good way taillights. The TWO mufflers that loot awesome on each side of the underside. Bumper is simple but the Aero kit makes it looks aweseome.
2Gen: WAY to round like the front. Dumb fins on the glass part befind the rear windows. Bumper is ugly and kidish. The JCW or aero kit has those square opening on each side is even worst.

I am sticking with my 2006 for as long as I can. The new ones have jsut lost there charm.

 

With all due respect... do we really need yet ANOTHER this-vs.-that (R53 vs. R56) thread?? There are so many out there to post another is redundant and unneccessary, and can fan the flames of hostility and divisivness. This topic has been beat to death since the R56 release.

Let's find something else to discuss that has some value besides inciting more passionate this-vs.-that hostility that has no inherent worth.

 

Everyone has a right to an opinion, but Mini/BMW are progressing the vehicle. It's all about moving product. The design was getting old and it was time to refresh it and get new customers and upgrade existing ones.
Look at it through Mini/BMW's eyes. How can we improve the vehicle, while retaining the heritage and keep the demand high?
I just talked to my MA last week about ordering one and by the look of the dealer build sheet, 95% of the vehicles are special orders. I think they did a good job when talking about selling product.

 

Having owned both an '06 and now an '08, I'm not looking back. The only thing I miss is the supercharger whine...but in every other way the R56 is superior to me. Better power range, better build quality, MUCH better gas mileage. Aesthetics are in the eye of the beholder, I am very pleased with the updated R56.

 

this is the dumbest thread ever.
not only is it almost 2 years behind....
there is absolutely no point to it....

 

I think (maybe) the "point" was to stir the coals. But others are right. This topic is too old and worn out for anyone to get hot over it now (at least I would hope). I'd like to see us all give this thread what it deserves....a big ho-hum.

 

Ho-hum.

 

Yep... where's that dead-horse icon?

 

 

Why should we care what you think? You don't even know how to search for a thread.