R56 Changes to the R56/rumor mill?
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OVERDRIVE
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,602
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From: Arizona
Changes to the R56/rumor mill?
Just cruised by Motoringfile and they don't seem to think there's much on tap for the R56 this spring in the Geneva auto show. Maybe some little tweaks to the controls, a couple colors, some trim. Somebody here mentioned engine changes but they didn't. Is it safe to say that my 07 is still going to be state-of-the-art Mini material for another year or so? (aside from the JCW-I do want one of those puppies)
5th Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 952
Likes: 6
From: Chandler, AZ
The US horsepower figure for the "new" motor is reportedly 179 hp. Also, there are further details in the MINI press release, including info on a new self-adjusting clutch....
In future, manual MINI Cooper S models will come with a new, self-adjusting clutch. Automatic readjustment ensures that the pedal feel you expect from a MINI is there to be enjoyed over the car’s full service life. Plus, the synchronisation of the gears is further optimised by a carbon coating for the clutch linings. The automatic gearbox, available for the MINI Cooper and MINI One as well as the MINI Cooper S, stands out with its high-efficiency set-up. This enables further significant reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in all models in which it is fitted.
In future, manual MINI Cooper S models will come with a new, self-adjusting clutch. Automatic readjustment ensures that the pedal feel you expect from a MINI is there to be enjoyed over the car’s full service life. Plus, the synchronisation of the gears is further optimised by a carbon coating for the clutch linings. The automatic gearbox, available for the MINI Cooper and MINI One as well as the MINI Cooper S, stands out with its high-efficiency set-up. This enables further significant reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in all models in which it is fitted.
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,694
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From: Central NJ
From the Motoringfile story:
The Cooper S on the other hand is where the big news is. As we’ve confirmed at Detroit, MINI will be adding BMW’s Valvetronic system which continuously variates timing (on both intake and exhaust camshafts) intake valve lift. Valvetronic-equipped engines are unique in that they rely on the amount of valve lift to throttle the engine rather than a butterfly valve in the intake tract. In other words, in normal driving, the “gas pedal” controls the Valvetronic hardware rather than the throttle plate. It’s a small distinction but one that has served BMW well since it’s introduction in 2001.
With this change power is up to 181 bhp or 179 hp. Torque is up as well at 177ft lbs. However those numbers may go up or down before the official announcement in early February. Efficiency will also be up (due to Valvetronic) by around 10%
With this change power is up to 181 bhp or 179 hp. Torque is up as well at 177ft lbs. However those numbers may go up or down before the official announcement in early February. Efficiency will also be up (due to Valvetronic) by around 10%
4th Gear
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 402
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From: Lombard, IL
Newt - sounds like March production cars will be better with the new motor changes... +Hp +Mileage +fixing of cold start chatter (haha - maybe!)
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Wow valvetronic. Its a new head to the same Prince motor. It's BMW's version of VTEC. It isn't a new motor. It will be swappable with time and willingness to try something new. It might not happen right away but give it a few years for the parts to get cheaper and I can see it being a swap.
Not much going on otherwise I guess. Thanks.
OVERDRIVE
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,233
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From: San Francisco
It's a mid-cycle refresh, not a new model. I think this refresh is actually more substantial than the 2005 refresh of the 1st gen. Some other changes that have been rumored are a restyled bumpers and lights, and updated Nav/entertainment system.
5th Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 952
Likes: 6
From: Chandler, AZ
Spoken like a true Justa owner. 
BMW has plenty of experience with turbocharging & Valvetronic, starting with the widely-used N54 motor in 2007.
But.. the HPFP's fail on those motors like crazy, so don't expect that problem to go away with the new upgrades.
BMW has plenty of experience with turbocharging & Valvetronic, starting with the widely-used N54 motor in 2007.
But.. the HPFP's fail on those motors like crazy, so don't expect that problem to go away with the new upgrades.
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 395
Likes: 0
From: Houston
Flatter torque curve, smoother drivability/power delivery, increased efficiency/lower fuel consumption. And dont forget more part sales in 6 years
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 395
Likes: 0
From: Houston
Whilst possible the swap would involve the entire engine harness and computer along with the mechanical bits needing changed. I will not be attempting this swap
Wow valvetronic. Its a new head to the same Prince motor. It's BMW's version of VTEC. It isn't a new motor. It will be swappable with time and willingness to try something new. It might not happen right away but give it a few years for the parts to get cheaper and I can see it being a swap.
No commitment thats all I have to say. Its not he whole motor. If it was that would be easy. All it is the head and the harness. Why not give it a try it would only make your MINI perform better. I just don't see why people here don't want to build their motor in their car. Its like wow intake and exhaust and I better be running 10s in the 1/4 mile.
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 771
Likes: 1
From: Port Orange, Florida
What I would hope for is a bit smoother throttle opening from the start, perhaps a reduction in the "lag" that seems to creep in from time to time. Variable valve engines are a proven technology and I kinda wish I had waited a year or so now, but perhaps the trade-in value of my 09 will stay high and maybe we can take home a 2012 when they come around.
In the meantime, I'm still very happy with mine. The only changes that I would really like to see would be to add a real temp gauge, dump the Run Flats, and put an on/off switch on the ambient lighting.
I'm told that there has been no consideration of any of those items on the 2011s. Nuts. They never call me to ask what I need. Inconsiderate bunch.
In the meantime, I'm still very happy with mine. The only changes that I would really like to see would be to add a real temp gauge, dump the Run Flats, and put an on/off switch on the ambient lighting.
I'm told that there has been no consideration of any of those items on the 2011s. Nuts. They never call me to ask what I need. Inconsiderate bunch.
5th Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 952
Likes: 6
From: Chandler, AZ
Check out the interior of the new R60. The center stack is black instead of silver, with the controls remaining virtually the same.. but it looks a LOT better IMHO. Also, the nav screen shows the new interface, and appears to be hard drive-based as there is no longer a 2nd DVD slot - just a single slot in the faceplate that currently comes off to hide the DVD slot. Makes a lot of sense, BMW has already gone the hard drive route (as has most of the rest of the universe). I suspect we'll see the same black center stack as well.
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