I am about to get a mini cooper and I was wondering if anyone knows when you will be able to order '08s? Also, does anyone know what the are adding or any improvements to the '08 models?
Thanks

 

Read some about motors that shut off at stop lights to save mpg. Kind of like golf carts? Regenerative braking to charge battery? Diesel with mpg in the 60's. Don't know if any of it is comming to us (US).

 

When we took our test drive a couple of weeks ago, we talked with the accessories guy a bit. He told us that he was back from a MINI conference and they announced that the Diesel was definitely not coming to the US. He didn't give details, but I imagine it's waiting to be updated with the BlueTech emission technology that BMW licenses from Mercedes.

 

Ask your MA. Here on the left coast there is a several month wait so people ordering their cars now will be getting an 08. As for changes check Motoringfile who seem to be in the loop. Don't expect any cosmetic changes.

 

Hi,
I posted this article I came across the other day:

http://motoringfile.com/2007/05/25/m...r-2008-models/

Check it out and see for yourself. Keep in mind the writing is from the UK.
No diesel here in the US of A.

 

'08s will be available to order in November or December for a January or February delivery. All of the improvements people are mentioning like auto-shutoff at stop lights and regenerative braking are Europe only for now.

They might add a new color or 2 and do a super minor tweak to some interior features, but nothing major will be changing in '08. Just order now and pick up your '07 in September!

 

One small item that may make it to the USA is the gear shift indicator for the manual transmission. According to the article linked above, it recommends when to shift up or down.

 

And what is your reference?

 

That's what we heard here at Cincy MINI and went ahead and ordered an 07. The Cabrios will be in the fall but Coupe's in early 08. Too long for me. With any luck she's on a ship as we speak...she was built on the 11th of July and was at the port the 12th.

 

Today's 08 info from MotoringFile:
http://motoringfile.com/2007/07/18/m...-to-us-market/

 

I'd like to know what % of EU Mini buyers get AC as an option compared to US (is it an option?). The auto-off feature will not be used with ac on (it can't) and AC is on a lot in the US, whether we need it or not. I get 1-2mpg better with it off in town.

 

I heard a rumor that NightFire Red was going away for '08. Anybody got more info on this???

 

Well...if it does...then mine will become super-rare! Does it then make it a collectors item?

 

MotoringFile and the MINI dealers / MAs I have spoken with.

 

Rattmobbins, when I asked what your reference was with regard to these new features not coming to the U.S., my query came from disappointment and frustration. Didn't mean to take shots at the messenger.

 

I'd be very interested to know if any color changes will be made in '08 and what colors they will be if it does change. Really close to ordering but want an Lotus Elise chrome orange colored Mini Cooper S w/ black top.

 

It's all good man. No worries.

It is kind of a bummer, but I could see MAJOR potential for problems with the engine shutoff feature. I'm sure they've done tons of testing with it, but I just know if it was on my car, it would refuse to restart at the absolute most inopportune time!

 

That would be sweet, but then I would be REALLY sad that I bought a CR '07!!!

 

I wouldn't hold my breath on this but ya never know. Hot Orange has been gone awhile.

 

Thanks for everyones responses. I went to one of the three mini dealers in my area and was ready to order, but they tried to screw me on my trade in ('06 bmw 325i fully loaded) - they offered me 23k! I told them to get lost and walked out. I was so pissed. So after that, and reading what everyone is saying, I think I'll wait a couple of months and order an '08 when I can. Unless you think another dealer will be different and offer me a more reasonable offer on my trade. Thoughts?

 

Why don't you just sell your BMW private party and try to get more for it?

 

that's what I'm gonna try now, I just wanted to avoid the hassel.

 

Speaking from experience (I've bought an awful lot of new cars), Your dealers are no different than any dealer anywhere. I was offered $14.5K trade-in (couldn't help but laugh - you need a sense of humor) for an '04 Prius that I ended up selling privately for nearly $18K.

When you trade in your car you are, in essence, paying for getting out from under the hassle of selling it yourself .. and it is a hassle.

 

2008 MINI Convertible Spy Photos

http://www.worldcarfans.com/spyphoto...ble-spy-photos

 

Non metallic black is a rumor as well