Here's another review dated July 27th and quoted as the official BMW release. http://www.eurocarblog.com/post/416/...ficial-preview

It's LONG but it does boast more HP on both models. I do not like the headlights and they RUINED the tail lights, IMHO.

 

So......we can't put you down in the "maybe" category for an 07'.

 

I'm still confused as to why they are already redesigning the MINI. I realize that it is common to redesign cars every 3-5 years or so but it doesn't appear like the MINI's design is outdated and it still seems to be selling well. I consider it a fairly classic design. Furthermore, the design differences are subtle and the average consumer won't even be able to tell the difference.

 

I don't think anybody has really seen the tail lights yet...not w/o substantial body-colored masking. It's impossible to tell what they look like. I seriously doubt they're ugly.

The '07s are updated largely because of a change in the engine supplier (for many reasons) and because of European pedestrian safety mandates which require some changes to the bodywork. Those are the two main drivers, but it was a good enough reason to make some other tweaks, too.

I still like it and will gladly buy one.

Potential buyers....please take a deep breath. If you are hanging on every word on you read on NAM, remember.....these are largely just opinions and speculation, sometimes educated, sometimes not. We do this...we obsess....over everything. Relax, I really don't think this is the ruin of the MINI.

 

I think the average customer will be able to tell the difference with no problem. I also believe they will, for the most part, prefer the 07'.

 

I guess I still have a little confusion in regards to the Convertible. Will the 07 Covertible retain the first generation styling until 08? Or dare I ask...... a covertible will not be offered in 07.

 

In addition to gokartride's two points, BMW is more than likely also trying to get a bigger profit margin. Current MINI is not very profitable. This isn't to say the re-design will be cutting corners, but... As a consumer, I don't give much thought to BMW's profit margins.

The MINI was def. still selling well enough, before they started to ramp down production this year.

 

The cabrio will carry forward next year as is on the current platform with the current engine. No changes of significance will be made (color, but no big changes mechanical).

 

Still have to disagree . I've run into way too many people that lack very basic car knowlege. For example, I've seen people confuse Buicks for Mercedes. Or one time I was washing my 1995 Honda Accord and my uncle asked me if I had bought a new car (this was in 2005). But those are just some of my anecdotal experiences...

 

They made that Bimmer 325 body style for years and sold the crap out if it...Money went into engineering instead!

I will also be very surprised if the build quality remains as decent as it is...BMW must make $$ and if they would only keep their mits off the Mini and continue refinement....it would be better off.

Again putting $$ into styling (crummy at that) and not engineering killed off the American companys and made the japanese companys prosper...not to mention retooling costs that must be recouped!

BTW: look at American manufacturing mentality...The PT Cruiser has been decling and is looking for a newer identity (smart thinking)...so here comes Chevy to copy it while it is on the downslide...DUMB!!!

 

I think one of the main reasons is that they had to conform to new European crash laws, and therefore the bonnet had to be modified. I guess they decided since they have to do that, they might as well do a larger redesign.

 

Another reason for redesign is to make money as others have said. Suppose the net on each current car is $500 before options. If they can change that to $1500 then they can afford to sell 1/2 to 1/3 as many cars and still come out even if things could scale that well. Or perhaps maintain a competitive price for more years etc.

I like what BMW is trying to do with the 2007. It's faster, more comfortable and better MPG out the door. You can always crank up any lacking viseral qualities on your own if it's too refined. It's much harder to go the other way. I don't mind the new look inside and out as long as they have increased the quality of the interior as promised.

Karl

 

unfortunately, i cannot afford to replace my car in time, or i would do so. i do not feel that i can get past the (many) things i dislike about this redesign, and am VERY distressed. i think the car is being "mainstreamed" and will sell well, but to a broader and less discerning buyer, and it is not for me. some of these design issues (most importantly, the bonnet not meeting the windscreen, and integration of the running/turn indicators into the headlamp cluster (now, the mini has acquired "instant brothers," namely, the dodge neon and-- take a look at the 2006 front end-- hundai accent!), just ruins the car for me. the design team, i feel, is to be condemed for not devising more creative solutions to these issues. so no, i am off the list... !