Ya know the other "official list" is so dated and negative in some ways, and I know that many who initially hated R56 are starting to embrace the car. I, for one, was skeptical until the official photos were released a couple months ago, and now with all the road tests read I'm almost sold, only a lengthy test drive remains.

I'll start by my first bit of praise: buh bye Rover "engineering," hello BMW. Glad you finally arrived. This is now your car, 100%!

So begins the "official list of praises", where those who love the new car can discuss what they like about R56, and where those who still have doubts--indeed haters--can find something about the new car they like and post.

It'll be cool if this "official list of praises" can exceed the postings of the "official list of grievances" by the time R56 hits our shores early next year.

Run with it, Nammers!

 

Nice thread. I like everything about the new MINI except for the price increase.

 

thanks! as first-time potential owner, this is refreshing. i have to say i just like everything about this car. previous car was bmw e46 model and like others, i struggled with model changes - but i think i found my alternative solution in the new MINI. i think of this as bmw's successor to my e46 that i really liked a lot!

 

On the practical side I think having a telescoping steering wheel is very nice, as are, IMO, better looking, and as reported, more comfortable seats....oh yeah, better gas mileage makes me happy too.

 

Okay I'm embarassed to admit it but I thing the color-changing ambient lighting is very cool. I know it's pretty meaningless but I just can't resist. Other things I love:

Front grill...liked it from the very start. Appears more one piece, very Mini-appropriate. Excellent feature.

Cooper front end....awesome!!! I love the simpler look and bigger fogs!!! And w/ the sculpted side skirts, standard spoiler, and cleaner rear end, begins to look more serious/less cheeky like the outgoing MCS. Love the rear fog, too!

Interior....the new dash is utterly fantastic. Much more easy to customize and, imho, even more Mini-esque than the outgoing. Bigger speedo is great! Glovebox is awesome! Start button is luscious! Admittedly, I too was baffled by the center stack, but I'm over that due to the added leg space. I also like the repositioning of the seat-back releases...nice touch.

That's probably enough for now, but for a Cooper lover, I must say I am giving a big to the R56 Cooper!!! Oh, did I mention burning regular gas and getting improved mpg!!!!

 

As a non-first gen Mini owner, I found the "official grievances" thread completely hilarious. The fact that people can find so much to ***** about, in a car that has been changed so little, is beyond belief to me. It just reinforces my belief that people can and will complain about anything.

I think the new Mini is exactly what I'm looking for. The same style of the original with a slightly quieter ride, better gas mileage and more comfy seats. Sorry, but I have a 50 mile one-way commute.

 

Gokartride, I'm in the same boat with the ambient lighting. If it isn't too much for the option, then my R56 will have it just for the Ooo and Ahh factor.

Here are my praises of the R56:

Well done, MINI for resisting the common trend among small car manufacturers to increase the weight of the vehicle to make it "safer." Although 20lbs is a meager decrease, it is far better than the 200lbs that other small cars seem to gain between generations.

Well done, MINI for increasing the interior customization options. Not only can the dash be customized, but there is also the color line and the seat color options now available.

Well done, MINI for creating an exhaust growl on the Cooper S that is very tasty!!! The supercharger whine will be dearly missed, but that growl is new music that I will keep the window down to enjoy. I just hope too many HondaKids don't chase me down wanting to stoplight race.

Well done, MINI for meeting new crash standards, but still staying close to the original design.

Well done, MINI for getting more out of 1.6L rather than increasing displacement for more power.

Well done, MINI for increasing fuel efficiency.

 

I know I posted some complaints about the new styling but I do like the new 2007 JCW Aero Kit.
The aero kit seems to hide some of the things that were bugging me and improves the overall appearance quite a bit.

 

All right Godzilla I'm glad there's something U like hate to see you rampaging thru Munich smashing buildings and torching everything in sight I like the new aero kit as well, looks more functional than the old, esp. when you're >wait I cant talk about that<

Another praise: how the designers blended the new taller front end with the slightly higher shoulder lines all the way to the rear. Maybe it does reduce the glass a bit, but if they wouldve left it the way it was it wouldve looked kinda awkward. Nice job BMW.

 

well, i'm still getting an '06... just can't wait for the '07... but I imagine a day in the future when I will be motoring in the new design.

the two things i like revolve around 1 word --- buttons.

1) push button start... so cool
2) the push butten for the glove box on the dash... also cool

as for more technical things, i've been impressed by the reviews so far. the car sounds a bit more solid, which is great...

still i'm happy that i'll be motoring in Grover in about 2 weeks.

 

 

Gokart, I heartily concur!

Actually, you've summarized things quite nicely and it sure is GREAT to see a thread that sings the praises of the R56 rather than the negative gloom & doom threads that seem to be so prevalent. As heffergm states,

"As a non-first gen Mini owner, I found the "official grievances" thread completely hilarious. The fact that people can find so much to ***** about, in a car that has been changed so little, is beyond belief to me. It just reinforces my belief that people can and will complain about anything".

I couldn't agree with you more heffergm! The more the naysayers get exposed to the R56, the more they will come to discover its virtues.

BTW, Godzilla nailed (stomped ) this one perfectly in saying that the Aero-Kit enhances the lines of the R56. Very Cool!

Oh, and lest I forget (gokart you left out an important aspect of the R56 ), the NEW engine with the increased hp will deliver more smiles to those fortunate R56 drivers!

 

This car looks stunning!

I love that, to 95% of the viewing public, nothing is different and they need to have the differences between the R53 & R56 pointed out to them! In other words… it’s still a MINI!

When looking at the R56 in profile, I love the way the windows taper in height from front to rear! It gives such a swift feel to it.

The new aero kit rocks… rocks HARD!

World-class MINI handling!

I like the “mood lighting” too!

Improved fuel economy!

Tremendous tuning potential!

The exhaust-freakin’-growl is spectacular!

The additional toggles in the overhead!

Did I mention that it looks stunning!?

 

better seats!
more leg room!
ipod controls with the joystick!
more interior options!
keyless ignition in your pocket (via convenience option)

 

Great thread sequence

The new body looks great especially the front of the car. The front grill has such a nice new look.

The nav looks super cool inside the giant speedo. And it will be integrated into some of the other systems. . . Way Cool!!

I love the key fob and the little pouch they made for it in the dash!

I am so glad they made the car quiet inside. The more quiet it is, the better I can hear the sound system. And speaking of sound system . . . Yea, they are offering HD radio!!!! Come on that is sweet too. 6 disk changer in the dash!!!

Telescoping wheel! Good work BMW.

The two way video phone in the dash so I can talk to Bassel . . . no wait that was in a movie.

Where did you all read about the ambient lighting option I missed that one. I also missed the regular gas. Very nice.


Cheers
Dave

 

i too have heard nothing about running regular. anyone got a link for us?

 

RED LEATHER!!!

Yum!

 

2 rear fogs, and much better front fogs

 

Standard factory alarm is nice too

 

Max torque #'s @ 3K RPM....

 

Okay, I may be wrong about that although I swear I read it somewhere. I checked on some of the official release write-ups on MotoringFile and is says, "Anti-knock control, finally, enables the engine to run on various fuel grades between 91 and 98 octane." That ain't exactly regular, is it? I'll try to keep looking.

 

91 is Prem unleaded here, and if the new S engine has a 10.5:1 compression ratio it seems that would indicate premium. Well, no matter, because:

better gas mileage!

 

Granted, this is based on reviews and not on having driven one yet...

1. Redesigning but staying true to the values of the previous redesign. (honestly, the folks that complained about the new MINI vs old Mini have a better and more honest beef than folks claiming R56 is a travesty)
2. Better fuel economy
3. Smoother ride without, as I'm gathering, a handling loss -- maybe even a handling improvement from what I've read
4. More room for my huge legs
5. A classier interior
6. Better looking seats. and reportedly more comfortable
7. More horsepower
8. A beefier look -- honestly, I like the "trout" nose
9. No shortage of optional features
10. Better brakes standard
11. Not putting a clown face on the A/C control (OK, that's sarcasm)
12. Steering wheel adjustable for rake and reach

Aside from the expected "what color" dilemma (I have plenty of time to think -- leaning maybe to PS/B, PW/PW is tempting but I don't wash cars often, so it'd get filthy looking, DS/DS is my fave but that may be delayed , PS/PS would be novel -- I'm deciding on manual vs. auto for MCS, but auto may be delayed and although I tend to ride the clutch and drive in stop and go traffic and have long legs, I might go manual.

-W-

 

As previously stated, I'm a tried-and-true Cooper guy, and although we have Nightfire Red available, I'm still eagerly awaiting info on Oxygen Blue. It may not matter in the end...I'm seriously leaning towards Chili Red to take full advantage of the great interior trim options. I'm also awaiting info on a Cooper test drive one of these days!! I've never been the least bit antsy to have a 6-gear box, but the addition is welcome for Coopers. Funny thing is that I, once again, plan on keeping my Cooper lightweight and nimble...so the overall loss of pounds for the Cooper and the slightly lower COG will theoretically be an advantage.

 

Go for Chili Red.