If you are planning to get one, either hold off for new engines

OR

expect to see some sharp pricing on existing stock

Mini S gets Valvetronic
- 175hp to 184hp
- 41-49mpg
- improved revability and response

Mini 1.6
- lower friction materials
- 120hp to 122hp
- improved revability and response

Mini ONE and First gets 'new' engines but not really interested in those 98hp and 75hp units

and yeah damn i just got a mini too...

 

Woah... maybe I will hold off till the end of the year..

 

All those figures are misleading because they're Euro numbers. The hp numbers are slightly inflated (the current S has 172hp, not 175... The Cooper has 118, not 120). Also, the mileage numbers are significantly inflated because the Euro testing is different and a US gallon is significantly smaller than an Imperial gallon.

Basically, both engines will make a few more horsepower and mabe a little better mileage. The S getting Valvetronic on top of the existing VANOS (both of which the Cooper already had) is nice, but all the changes are more evolutionary rather than revolutionary, IMO.

 

I wonder if they'll sound like a diesel too when they start up....that'd be really special.

 

That is what is keeping me from buying an R56 S. So far only band aide fixes that don't last. Me I'd give up a few horse power for an engine that doesn't beat itself on cold start.

Well I'll keep driving my R53 for a while longer.

 

Reducing the noise alone will increase the HP by at least 10.
All the friction from the chain rubbing against the wall and making that horrible noise saps away power.
So maybe the increase in hp number is from the real fix of the issue.

 

According to the article new engines will be starting with the March production. How far out is the wait on a MCS at this point?

 

Hrm I wonder if they are doing this to avoid any higher numbers of cold start issues to avoid a recall for the prince engine.

 

And you've got a Nice R53 Chuck.

 

Its the same block they are just fixing some stuff that they have learned over the last 3 years and adding valvetronic. Its going to be sweet non the less.

 

The updated engine is said to start production in March, but another possible reason to wait is that the 2011 model (starting this August/September) will have the mid-cycle refresh. It is expected to debut soon (Geneva auto show) and will include some styling updates including the center stack. However it might be accompanied by the annual price increase.

 

I'm waiting for a wholesale change in motors. There's no doubt that the new motors are better than the old, but they just don't have the soul .

 

Why is everyone so worried about this new motor? I just don't get it. It is going to be a great improvement.

 

But the next generation engines could very well have even less of the "soul" you want. Look at the general progression of engines produced by BMW and you'll get a feeling for the likelihood that it might happen for you.

 

??? BMW is widely regarded as one of the finest engine manufacturers in the world.

The current generation of BMW engines are among the best performing and most sophisticated available, and are usually at or near the top of many independent engine design evaluations.

I'm not sure what "soul" means in engine design, but BMW has it.

 

He's got a valid point. If you'd owned a few BMWs going back a few years, you'd be able to relate.

Case in point: the "old" Z3/Z4. The S54 motor, same L6 as in the M3, resides in late Z3M's and all Z4M's. In US trim, it puts out 330 hp from 3.2 litres of naturally aspirated goodness, with an 8k redline. It has a song like no other, and definitely has a ton of automotive "soul". The new Z4 doesn't (at least not yet) have an M version, but has the 300 hp, N54 motor in the highline version. It has more torque than the S54, but other than that, it's a soulless lump in comparison. Lower redline, throttle not very linear, mountain of torque early, then runs out of breath at relatively low RPMs. The S54 makes power all the way to 7900 rpms before leveling off.

The newer BMW motors lack the older motors' soul, IMHO, and many fellow owners agree. I've never driven an R53 so I can't apply it in this case, but I don't doubt that I'd very possibly feel the same way in the R53/R56 comparison.

 

Very true. BTW, this motor is not a BMW motor as such: it's a PSV motor.

Yes, there is truth to what you say, but there's a difference. I own and work on both S54 and N54 motored cars, and I agree that the N54 cars (BMW 335i, 135i etc.) are a little detached from the pure driving experience, but with a little work, you can make them thrilling cars to drive. I'm talking about software, exhaust, and some suspension work, and you have a raw driving machine. Maybe as we develop the R56, I'll feel the same way about it (I've got a trick up my sleeve which may help greatly, but more on that later) but right now, I'm still prefer the older MINIs.

 

I am just going to buy an M3 next. wanted one this time and bought a r56 instead. Wife is making me keep it till its paid off so I will have to wait a few years, but if you are looking for a ton more horsepower, might be time to look for another car. Wonder how the M3's 400+ HP will handle in the snow...............

 

BMW's cannot drive in snow lol. They're worse than a Ford F-150.

 

And therein lies the problem. The VAST majority of car purchasers - even most enthusiasts - don't modify their motors. The enthusiasts in particular don't want a "detached" driving experience. For me, the N54 feels VERY detached, especially when compared to the S54 (which really isn't a fair comparison, being as they were confined to M cars), but even in comparison to the N52. Apparently we're seeing the same thing in the current Mini motor, when owners of R53's compare the driving experience.

 

I've seen it. the M3s and 5-series guys sliding backwards on the inclines

 

That is right and another problem is that a majority of BMW customers reside in areas that cannot legally perform modifications even if they want to. The ones that do have to sneak around the rules.

 

Has nothing to do with BMWs - all about tires, and RWD vs. AWD vs. FWD. A BMW X-Drive with snow tires will be a freaking snow-mobile, a RWD with summer tires will be a nightmare. That's true for any manufacturer.

 

Do the engine updates rolling out in March 2010 production include the factory JCW's as well -will they include Valvetronic?

Or are JCW's on their own update schedule?

 

Still confused...Seems the March engine updates are for Europe only. My dealer said he has no info on engine changes until September or 2011 models. Either way, I am putting an order for March production and hope for the best.