I will be in production in July but this just hit me. Is this R56 just like the 2001-2002+- mini when it came out. Are we the pioneers or ginnny pigs for this generation or is the technology and advances in this car more proven than back in 2001. The prince engine is brand new, was the engine back then brand new. When I read some "plastic" is on the engine that scares me a little but what do I know. Why am I getting concerned. I have a warranty. I purchased one of the new Jeep SUV's many many years ago and loved the look and got many positive comments but after 10 different things went wrong in under 2 years, I couldn't take it any more and bought a Honda. Please help me with my panic attack with any words of wisdom.

 

*breathe in*, *breathe out*, *breathe in*.....

It will be alright.

It's the first year of the R56. Sure, there will probably be some growing pains and issues with all the changes, but that's what the pioneer spirit is about. The R56 is a beautiful MINI. I look forward to test driving one just to feel the differences of new and "old".

Based on all the posts on NAM from other R56 owners, there have been some issues but nothing more than is to be expected from a new model year. The number of happy and (so far) problem-free R56 owners seems to far exceed those that have experienced some challenges.

And honestly, regardless of model year and years in production - it's the luck of the draw. You can get a lemon regardless of make, model, year, and history.

Don't worry You're going to be juuuuuuuuuuuust fine.

 

You want a sure thing? Bet after the race.

The odds look to be in your favor with the R56. It is and will always be your call.

Besides, aren't there alot of the 2001-2002 MINIs still around?

 

Right...trust your warranty. I do see similarities between this and R50/53 in that at this point so many options are not available and/or will be "soon." Also the niggling little software (check engine light) and other issues that MINI is dealing with...no deal breakers, just tiny things. Anyway, all that will be sorted out. R53 owners, for example, had nagging stumble and yo-yo issues, and this is not nearly that bad.

Hopefully you like working with your dealership as warranty issues will go through them. I've been very fortunate to have a suberb dealership only blocks away (had all work on my '03 R50 done there) so I'm not worried about caring for my R56 at all.

 

The warranty ought to be sufficient to cover any problems related to the new model. Rest easy!

 

WOW It just hit you? Man where have you been for the last 6 months.

 

He has been diddling around with the configurator. Like I did for months before ordering.

Dunt(tm) worry amazonracer, things are gonna ba a-ok. Have some ice cream. I find a good bowl of Ben 'n' Jerry's or Blue Belle makes the world seem like a nice place to live. Better than the alternative, for sure.

 

Actually driving a MINI every day is an amazing thing to be able to do. You have so much to look forward to here.

 

don't be a negative nancy...things always work out and with a 4 year warranty and loaners you can't go wrong.

p.s. its guinea pigs not ginny pigs...

 

This just dawned on you? We are pioneers and ginneau pigs. But not first generation ones. It's not like they just come up with a new idea and thorw it out there and see what happens. On the other hand, any time something new hits the market, there is a shake-out period. So, if you buy new, you are part of it. I wouldn't worry about the use of plastics. Try to find a drivetrain without it. If you are going to worry about it, though, don't do it.

 

I think that has more to do with the "sauce" you pour on it, Skuzzy.

 

Yes, I'd be worried. In fact, I am worried! That's why I'm not buying an 07.

But I appreciate your willingness to participate in BMW's beta testing and am counting on you to find your share of bugs!

 

There are those who like to live on the edge. Like those who have loaded Windows Vista on their computer.

While I have stayed away from the Vista nightmare, I fully jumped into the Mini fray with my eyes wide open and ready to ride the ride!! So far, it has been a helluva lot of fun!

To some people a car is just a tool. To others it is another life experience to be savored!

LynnEl,...you may very well be correct. I do lik-a-the-sauce.

 

I figured that when you said I could bribe you with only 2 shots.

 

There have already been myriad running changes implemented to the R56 and even so, the cars have been relatively free of major mechanical problems, so I would rest easy. If, like 911Fan, you have the option of waiting, give it a few more months so that the minor electrical gremlins will be ironed out and maybe a few more options choices will emerge. But no major changes will be implemented until the mid-cycle refresh, which will be in another two years or so.

I also had concerns about buying a car in the first year of production but since I needed a car ASAP, getting the MINI outweighed the alternative, which was getting something I would not have been as happy with.

 

Not a problem

I enjoy being one of the early adapters. Of course, the warranty and Lemon laws take much of the stress out of the decision. Why wait???

 

I had EXACTLY the same worries when I was waiting for my new MINI. And I didn't have even a short track record to look at! When I ordered in December all I read about was the "beta testing" as some people put it. Adding to those fears was that it seems these forums highlight the problems, not the joys. (And that's exactly what other people said.)

Even so, I took the plunge. Having a car conk out on me helped nudge me in the right direction, and I couldn't find what I wanted in the remaining '06s. How has it been for my January build? Nearing 6,000 miles and all is well. The only problems have been a cruise control "dropout" which was reprogrammed, and a sticking a/c control (on order). That's it! That's all! Nada problems! So get that bowl of Ben & Jerry's, or Blue Bell, like we have here in Texas, and don't worry. Just look forward to your happy motoring!

 

The R56 is a work in progress. When I ordered, dealers in the USA had not yet seen an MCS with a NAV, iPod integration, nor with an auto trans. They are now just starting to arrive. As several people can tell you, the software for the NAV was delivered recently without Vocie Activation enabled. An extensive software update is required. Some dealers haven't manage it successfully yet. One person has a iPod integration installation take his whole car down. Transmissions have been removed and replaced.

We are second tier field testing for BMW. The UK was doing the first tier beta testing. However, some things in the car have changed for the USA, so in part, we are also beta testing.

Welcome to the bleeding edge of technology. You have not ordered a Honda. And yes, there really is a goblin living under your bed.

 

Go for it. Life is passing us by . No guarantee that any of us will be around a year or two from now. I have lost a dozen friends in the last few years. I'm not waiting.

 

Here Here

 

Where, where?

Or, did you mean, "Hear, hear."

 

I have a Volkswagen/Audi 1.8 turbo engine that has 145K miles on it. Prior to my purchase, I was a bit concerned about turbo-chargers, but no more... Other more minor items have failed, but not the turbo which was a high dollar replacement item.

It's not worth worrying about your car; If you have another car to drive to drive for 6 more months, you can postpone your order three months or so and order a 2008.

I'm in a way waiting to see the Mini Traveler; If not, I'll decide towards the end of the year. Besides, I'm still a bit unsure about the color and want to order the alarm system to be factory installed.

 

I intentionally waited six month just like you waiting if there any big issues. So far, evryone is happy. The new engine is co developed by BMW and Pugeot unlike the first one which is a Chrysler engine. Pugeot is well known for making durable engines and BMW is well known for great engine integration work. If nothing has come out by now, you should be safe. Otherwise, you can always wait for on more year!

 

So I can't spell like my 18 year old. I'm a bone head.

 

But to be fair, that isn't the case for all cars. Navigation for the U.S. market began being installed in March. Mine was a week 10 build, beginning March 3, and the voice activation worked perfectly when delivered.