I was curious if anyone knew the approximate date that MINI will cease production of the current Cabrio to make way for the 2009 design. Just wondering when I should make the push to order. Thanks!

 

hmmm -- don't know the answer, but you may want to ask on the R53 forum when production ended for the hardtop 2 years ago to set up for the R56.
I'd think that's a good gauge considering the very parallel introduction dates for the R57

 

According to Motoringfile... the R57 is supposed to make its worldwide debut March 2009: http://www.motoringfile.com/section/r57/

if that's the case, I would expect the R57 would start to build toward the end of this year (based on the Clubman release and the original R52). Maybe they might stop building the R52 by mid/late summer?? just my best guess...

 

I'd imagine 2009 cabrio orders will start around November/December this year. Perhaps there will even be discounts on the 2008s, especially w/ the model change coming. Personally, I think it'd be tougher to approach this transition w/ the cabrio than w/ the coupe. R56 was a unknown quantity before, but not so much now. Lots of folks will wait for the '09s w/ the new engines and other improvements, so maybe some good deals will be had on '08s.

 

oh, don't go there.

 

Aren't the rool bars supposed to be retractable on the '08s?

 

Yep, same system as the 1- and 3- series bimmers.

 

I read that production of the current Cabrio will cease in July. I thought that was early, but I suppose they need time to get ready to produce the R57 in time for the launch.
I'm already no. 1 on the list here for the 2009 model. I love the Clubman S and to have that in a convertible makes my life complete. Selling my BMW convertible to make the change.

 

I hope you also love the R56 -- the R57 will be based on the R56 (the coupe) and not the R55 (the Clubman)

 

I do love the R56. I would love to have one of them and it is a real temptation to see if they have any deals on the 2008s when the 2009 comes in.
I need to sell my BMW first and pay off the balance on Otto, and then use the rest toward the new convertible.
Honestly if they had the R56 at the time I bought the 330 I would have gotten that instead. It came out a few years after my BMW so it wasn't an option.
I like the rollbar system of the 330 and look forward to that change in the 2009 MINI. Honestly the problem with visibility out the back is there with the 330 too and so that isn't a hangup for me. I only drive topless anyway. If it's bad weather the convertible stays garaged. That is the reason my 2002 330 has 5,700 miles on it and has never been rained on, snowed on, etc. Garage queen. Never a particle of food, liquid or even another passenger except for my 3 lifesize gorillas.

The Clubman is for my daily drive to my shop and for pleasure, not for shopping or anything else that would subject it to possible damage by that angry segment of our population. I thought waiting for the new engine that matches the Clubman's would be good as I love the turbo and handling of the Clubby.

I'm scheduled for a Cabrio test drive at my dealer's on the 25th. I have to be in Phoenix that day and wanted to get a feel for the 2008 S.

I asked to be put on the 2009 list a month ago.

 

3 lifesize gorillas?

 

I have a photo of them in my gallery. Joe, who used to sit upfront in the BMW is now my navigator for the Clubman. He looks soooo good in there.