Like I stated before--the automatic in the R56 has tended to be more reliable than the manual.

However. The manual is by no means unreliable. I know of two people with R56s equipped with manuals (a MC and an MCS). The 2007 MCS had its clutch and flywheel replaced at 25k, but has been rock solid up to 78k km--a car that drives a mix of city and highway, and sees the odd AutoX event.

The 2007 MC has 51k km in everyday mixed city/highway driving.

Anyways. Yes, there have been problems with the clutch and throwout bearing in the R56. However, these are not the majority, and for those who have had issues, MINI has remedied the cars (and if the example of the MCS above is any indicator, may have improved the quality of the clutch/throwout bearing).

The Aisin, while reliable, is not completely immune to issues either. Search the forums and you'll find a decent share of problems with the auto.

Pick whichever one you prefer, basically!

Oh, and I have to say... no matter how good a conventional auto can be, it's still a fluid coupling vs. a direct coupling. Which one you prefer is, well, personal.

 

I lived in SF for eight years and had a stick for the entire time. First was a Capri 2600 and then a VW Dasher. Neither had any premature clutch problems or needed to be replaced. The starting on hills thing is exaggerated, but parallel parking on a steep hill is not. You just have to make judicious use of your parking brake and coordination with your clutch. That said, I currently have an AT ML-320 and BMW 540i but am awaiting delivery of my 09 6-sp MCS. To me, it's more of a what fits the car and its intended use than a rigid AT or manual position. Hope this helps a little. Good luck, either way will be great.

 

I agree. For months after learning standard, I avoided parallel parking on steep hills like the plague. I got better though... if it's an uphill spot, I can usually pull past the spot and roll backwards into the spot in one maneuver. Downhill spots... well, like you said, judicious use of parking break. Hill-holder helps but I don't like to take chances when the next car is that close.

 

+2 on the Hill Assist. It's great. I live on the side of a mountain and find it comes into play everytime I drive.