picked up last night--closed the store due to late arrival of clear bra installer.

Great car-more of the same but better. Surprised by how much the piping of the lounge leather stands out from outside the car--nice touch. (black seats/CR w/white car)

Car is quick--like the engine sound BUT JCW exhaust or kit could be interesting.--albiet I am coming from 04 Cooper CVT which sounded wheezy. Would have loved the steering tightening to be on full time or have a 2 position sport button so the tighter steering would be available even if not in sport mode.

Lots of nice touches--can even learn to love turn signals if they are programmed properly. Lots more toys on this one.

Setting up bluetooth PIA but works well.

Very comfortable and rides significantly better than R50. Much better interior materials. Secret compartment is cool. I know there have been complaints about the OEM radio but IMHO its as good as the old H/K. I am a serious audiophile SO I lower the bar for car radios, but this one is not bad. Just neeeded a few tweaks of the settings.

More later....This car is more polished, refined than old one BUT I do leave room and understand how some could prefer the more raw feeling of the R50/53. For me, this is a much better daily driver. Pics now posted at end of thread (8-10)

As always, a grt experience with my top notch MA, DAVID OLENICK. Great enthusiast, knows the cars and has good ideas in helping to spec a car properly.

 

Nice update. Waiting for pics and more comparison between R50 and R56.

 

Pretty good for a quick review I'd say!!! I agree w/ the more polished/refined comment between R50 and R56. There's still much I like about R50, but overall I think R56 is a big step forward, especially for a daily driver. The big revelation for the Cooper is the improved low-rev torque and the 6th gear which makes highway cruising a good bit more pleasant, not to mention improving mpg. Also, the kick in power we got on R50 Coopers at 4K rpms seems to now happen at 3K. It's not as extreme, but it is there and very smooth.

 

Curious about your comment about the turn signals "if they are programmed properly". Are there options? My first MCS due to arrive @ SC aboard the Frisia on Jul 5, and trying to have my "to do list" completed b4 arrival in TX.
Tks.

 

The turn signal has a detent...if you nudge the stalk slightly (to the detent) the turn signal will click once or three times, programmable between the two. I have mine set on three and I use it all the time for lane changes and the like. If you nudge the stalk all the way the turn signal will stay on until you cancel it.

Takes a bit of practice...so do the wipers.

 

Good to see you have the new MINI, good first impressions, looking forward to some new pictures. Are you thinking custom exhaust, Alta or holding out for the JCW?

Enjoy...

 

A pic is worth how many words?

Congrats on pickup!

 

piano black door tirm or dash trim will likely show hariline scratches easily. Time to look for a good plastic polish.

 

really please my MA showed me cream line with blk. lounge leather. It'll take some cleaning form time to time but love the "english" look.

 

the web spokes are beautiful Real good deal for $500. if you are opting for sport package anyway and can live with perf. tires.

 

for those wondering..I opted for the chrome line exterior to get the chrome around the fog lights, front lower air intake, and trunk handle. I then had them switch back to white mirror caps and kept the chrome ones in case I need a change or hit e-bay.

 

likely either leave it as is or go the JCW route. Rumor has it no JCW exhaust as a stand alone item.

 

Emtrey - WOW - TOI KAR looks great. Glad to see the first pics of a car from the INTEGRITY. Hopefully some of those fast looks rubbed off on DoubleDuece during the journey.

 

Thanks DD---The Integrity's cargo was an excellent vintage. Sorry to hear you might have to "wait" even longer due to your travel plans. I am still in awe of the fact that I got TOI KAR (2) so quickly. That will make up for all the long, excrutiating waits for other ordered cars over the years. So far, the R56 has meet my expectaions and more.

Check your car carefully at delivery. I had some shipping damage (scuffing) on the drivers side rear and pass. side front wheel wells. My dealer is replacing both fender trims.

 

I had mine set to the 3 click option (as did GOKARTRIDE) and am very pleased with its operation. 3 clicks nice for lane change,ets. Full down/up just like conventional turn signals. Its programmable from the turn signal stalk.

 

emtrey, not sure if it's an optical illusion, but check your door sills...is there a light blue film on them? If so, this protective film should be removed so the door sills are silver. The car looks amazing...interior fabulous!! Congrats!

 

yes..I noticed it today when car was in sunlight. They also forgot to remove it from dead pedal. Thanks...

ps...I found a grt helper for wood trim. I used the wax our floor guy recommended for touching up our wood floors if they got wet.
Landmark's clear carnuba wax.

 

Tks for info. 3 click option sounds best.

 

Love the pictures, nice combination with the cream. I'm thinking the ALTA R56 cat-back will go on Scooter. I'm at 600 miles on the OD, still trying hard to keep the revs down.

Love your car, webbies are nice. I love them on my DS/w, they do attract brake dust.

 

Very nice! Love the TOI KAR plate!

 

My friend has a Ds/black due any day, he has same interior as mine and webbies. I am used to brake dust and hard to clean wheels. Its the price we pay for "fashion" LOL...

Tha Alta exhaust is an option..sounds nice. I am in no hurry to spend any more money on cars this year. 2 new cars in 10 months has tapped that disopsable income category.

 

GAWD!! That is by far the UGLIEST looking little fire truck I have ever seen!!!


Couldn't resist. Dude, that is sweet looking. Good luck with that beatiful machine. I'm wishing I ordered the wood trim....

Do the webspokes really attract brake dust?

 

Little fire truck, huh? Do I have to think up another vanity plate---jeez??? LOL...

The wheels will need attention BUT I have had ones that are much harder to keep clean (M-3, P sport design). I have used p21S for years and still find it best especially for wheels on German cars. I find on the webbies its best to clean the inner spokes then do a swipe over the outer rim paying attention to dust that accumualates in the crease where the rim meets the spoked center. You'll see when you get your car--its fairly obvious.

They are so great looking its worth a little extra effort. Every proper fire truck should have em.................

The wood trim and the LL seats were mandatory. The cream line was a last minute adjustment after my MA showed me a car that had the nicest MINI interior he said he had ever seen. The only thing I did not pick up on from that setup was the wood wheel--too slippery .

I am going to order a 4 inch shorty antenna ( didn't he play for the Globetrotters at one time ) and seat back pullstraps. Then the ultimate quest--I need to black out the S side markers. It does not look too bad on a red car but its gotta go. I know someone is showing a vinyl covering BUT I want a new part or somnething anodized or powder coated. Anyone creative--lots of mony to be made here.

 

Looks great emtrey!

 

Good catch...you are right!!! I like mine but if I was approaching the car a bit differently I'd want leather, too!!!