I have a 2004 R50 with 60k miles on it and all the stuff it says on my sig... Is it worth it to upgrade to an R56 S? I would be at least getting a 2009 but I want to try and get a H/K system again and that's only in 2010. So what shall I do.....

 

Only your own butt can tell you for sure ... test drive!!

 

+!!!
It's really the ONLY way you are going to know!!

 

I took one for a ride last week and was like WOW I was wondering in the long haul.

 

Well as you can see I don't have an "S", couldn't justify the $$, at the time, but I would love Hubby to get a MINI Clubman "S", or JCW (he WANTS!!), but for me Molly is the absolute perfect Motoring Companion!!

I would say that if the time is RIGHT for you, then go for it!!

 

If it was my decision I'd get a late 2006 R53. But like the others have said the only way you'll know for sure is to go drive!

 

If you have driven a 2010 and fallen in love and have to have the H/K sound there is only one choice, go get it. Sounds like your '04 is probably in good shape mileage wise so good time to trade or sell outright.

 

I'd go with the 10' if you upgrade. Get the HK radio. Not to mention the final fixes to prevent cold start clatter.

 

had the HK system in a loaner last week. BLOWS my 09's basic crap AWAY. Do want.

 

i had one of the last batches of r53s, then i had an '09 r56, just picked up a '10 r56 on thursday night with the harmon kardon.

my impressions:

• i like the the look of the r53 interior more, but the fit, finish and solidity of the r56.
• the steering of the r53 is much stiffer (in a good way), even with sport mode in the r56
• acceleration in the r56 feels much better than the r53, this might just be a perception thing, but the distance one needs to press their foot on the accelerator to "get a move on" is much less
• the harmon kardon is insane. i would never have added it on my own accord, but i needed a car asap and the only one on the lot with the convenience package came with the h/k.
• the '10 r56 seems a teensy bit tighter/snappier than the '09 r56, but that could just be the fact i'd been rolling in a chevy malibu loaner for weeks

it's definitely not a case one being better than the other, they're different with pros and cons to each. though i miss/like some aspects of the r53 i don't regret one bit upgrading to an r56