Maybe its me...but the doors are very heavy (solid construction?). The dealers were laughing at my observation. Compared to my bigger vehicles the cooper(at least the 07) seems to have been built like a tank. Is it because of its small size extra effort was put into it in terms of side impact???

 

there may be some of that, but you are right it is a heavy door. Also it is a strong hinge I think, that takes a bit more effort to open. So it does try to close on you a little more than other doors.

 

likely the interlocking side impact beams adding some mass. most of the changes in the 2nd gen cars came about due to the new european safety safety requirements.
I was really happy with the new R56's we checked out at the dealer when we put our deposit down, compared to the 1st gen, almost every component felt sturdier, but the drive still feels light & nimble.

 

I love the heavy doors! You know the old saying the heavier the door the better the quality

 

I noticed that too the first time I opened one in the show room. Gives me a greater sense of security about side impacts (although maybe false - I'm not sure what the ratings are)

 

Coupe's always have big doors... but look cooler than 4-doors.
That said, I do wish the little suicide door from the Clubman was an option on a "regular" size R56...

 

Its hilarious that manufactures put so much money into how doors feel and close Funny part is people actually pay attention. Personally I don't like the heavy door just from the standpoint I like when the door spring lets it open to more than two spots easily. Just makes it easier getting in and out around other cars.

 

I start paying attention to doors when I was a teenager in the mid 80's. My brother rented an expensive Mercedes and I was amazed with the weight of the door and also how it closed. It seem so air tight without rattle when you closed it.

 

I love my MCS because I don't have bruises all over my shin like I did when I drove my civic. That door would not stay open for the life of me, it was the most irritating thing. I agree 2 doors looks wayyyy cooler than 4. I'm so happy to be back in 2

 

SO also commented on how heavy the doors were....didn't realize it until we picked up our R56. Seems very solidly constructed.

 

Doing some body work years ago (not on a MINI), I realized that the solid "thunk" is just smoke and mirrors. Take off the rubber door gaskets, slam the door, and recoil in fear

 

Not sure how this went down, but the heft of MINI doors offer a welcome relief from the light, tinny doors folks often tended to equate w/ small cars. I think MINI probably did well in deciding to make the car feel like a brick.

 

I am also yery impressed with the solidness and weight of the R56 doors, also as mentioned before, the solid hinges that are welded to the solid frame. . No halfway closeing, just a solid click.

 

That's my feeling about the whole car It's the best I've ever driven.

 

You ever closed a door on a Toyota truck? Eeeek, those things sound like a tuna can popping open after a canopener hit it! Scary.

I like the heavy thunking clunking of the MINI door.

 

I hate the doors--or at least the hinges. I'm ALWAYS getting smooshed as I try to get out.

Is there a way to adjust the hinges, dealer or otherwise?