Curious to know why MINI's aren't represented at Bimmerfest? I know MINI's aren't a proper BMW (no propeller badge) but the parent company is BMW and of course, the next gen MINI is expected to share it's platform with the next gen 1 series. The MINI brand is also a lead-in to the BMW brand so why aren't there any MINI cars represented at Bimmerfest? I believe last year or the year before, I saw one RR Phantom there. Again, that's not a proper BMW (no propeller badge) but of course BMW owns Rolls-Royce.
Frankly, I'd like to see all BMW products at the fest. It would be nice to see all of their products coming together in one place.

 

It's because it isn't a proper BMW that some BMW fans don't consider us family. We're not "bimmers". That was a sentiment I was told from a BMW meet I wanted to attend but they weren't going to have enough available parking spots for a Mini. It's with that kind of attitude that not a lot of Mini's participate.

I try to go out there as much as I can, but Bimmerfest has never been the same since they brought it out to Pasadena (Rose Bowl). Back in 09 they had it in Santa Barbara on a polo field. It was by far, the best gathering ever. All the cars in one large field, grass which kept everyone fairly cool in a hot day, and easy on the knees when walking around.

Next year, if I'm available, I may be there to represent the Mini at his booth, especially since he's rep'd me to his contact at EuroTuner to feature me, but because he actually does most of the work on my Mini and I came from a BMW.

 

Many years ago, when I went to Bimmerfest at the Santa Barbara Earl Warren Showgrounds there were Minis represented but that was a pretty informal gathering. In general, the BMW owners do not realy feel that Minis belong with them and I kind of agree. I think the BWMCCA puts up with Minis if someone wants to join but would prefer BWMs only.

 

Yea, I don't intend to stick my BMWCCA decal on a Mini. Though a Mini is a BMW, it just isn't a BMW.

 

There's a few of them coming to bimmerfest east. That's why the east coast is the best coast.

 

The BMW owners on my street spend all their time discussing the residual value on their leases...maybe it's that Mini owners don't want to be at bimmerfest, rather than the other way around.

 

a mini is not a bmw......it's that simple. mini might be owned by bmw, but a mini is a bmw in the same way that smart is a mercedes.

 

I know that is way off date...

I went in my 05 JCW in 2017. Held at Ontario Raceway (SoCal). I saw two other Mini's in the parking lot, and there was four (as I recall) racing (on the track).
Yea, NO...Mini stuff in the new parts area. No plans of going back.

Mike

 

Yes..old thread...but I will add to it also...most true BMW owners are jerks, snobs, *********s....etc....at least up here in NW Washington....and most if not all don't know where the turn signal lever is....I have yet to meet a decent BMW owner yet....

Bryan

 

Agreed.
My brother was a body shop manager for about 18 years at a BMW shop, he also agrees (mostly) with your comment. He says that there are "normal" BMW folks every now and again.

Mike

 

Do you know the difference between a porcupine and your above defined BMW owner?