I don't mind the exterior looks of the new 2007 MINIs at all, but the interior...leaves something to be desired. Iwouldn't hesitate to buy a new 07 if the interior remained essentially unchanged.

I'm very unimpressed with the clusters, having the radio embedded into the speedometer, the new toggle switches, the rolling adjustments for heat/ac, and the MINI logo represented in every display. All the controls look very...Fisher Price. My only hope is that the interior photos that I've seen aren't necessarily the final product.

Anybody else have reactions to that, good or bad?

Greg

 

The topic is well covered:

Official List of Praises
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=82045

The 2007 MINI, What do we think of it ?
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=80033

Official List of grievances
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=76514

 

Dunno what photos youve seen dude but if they're recent then that's the interior. While there are small things that look odd, like the new HVAC controls, I for one think that overall it's a huge improvement: higher quality materials, much smaller downtubes that'll provide more legroom, and just more refined looking. Remember this is BMWs car 100%, no more holdover Rover engineering gremlins--I've had my 05 S in the shop a total of 9 days since I bought it over two years ago just for various niggling and major interior/dash/door issues that were really getting on my nerves, just like a freaking Land Rover I once owned (not for long.)

I for one welcome the new interior, and think BMW did a fine job. But then it's all a matter of taste.

 

Uh they are..

 

Excellent compilation of overview threads on the subject there jmelrose! - proving yet again what a great resource we have in NAM!

2

 

I agree the interior doesn't look as good as the R50, but oh well... I guess we are stuck with it... Maybe in '09 they will re-design it all again for the 50th anniversary edition! I have an '06, so I won't be getting a new one anytime soon anyway...

 

i don't think I have seen a worse center console on any car ... EVER!
and I love my gdamn MINI

 

Yes, how about it, 2006 will be THE collector year everyone looks for in future years: ---final model year when most of the bugs had been worked out and before they destroyed the interior on the 2007.

I had already ordered my 2006 when I saw the pictures of the 2007 interior. I was sooooooooooooo grateful I didn't get stuck with the new version. It really does look hooky.

 

if BMW's intent was to turn initial MINI customers into BMW buyers they have suceeded ... I am most likely going to get a 3 series next

 

I couldn't have said it better. Have one cluster shaped like the MINI logo is cool, but LET's not overdo it!

Still loving my decision to buy an '06!

 

To quote Spiro Agnew: "Nattering nabobs of negativism."

 

That describes it with such precision, Fisher-Price. Now if only Mini can offer a Playmobile upgrade it might be something I could live with.

As for the late Spiro Agnew, --just remember, he was a lawyer. And we all know what that means....

http://www.rotten.com/library/bio/usa/spiro-t-agnew/

 

I agree with Sequence that the new HVAC controls are "odd," and I have heard from others the comment that they look like Fisher-Price controls.

Comparing the interior designs of both generations -- as someone who is not biased by ownership of a 1st generation MINI -- it does seem to me, however, that the overall design of the 2nd generation appears more "finished" and of better quality. I think comments about Fisher-Price controls are amusing since nothing could be more flimsy and toy-like than the 1st generation steering-column-mounted stalks -- the new ones certainly seem to be an improvement.
That's just an outside opinion of someone who hasn't bought either car yet, and is merely researching which to go with -- and I think that the '07 seems like the better quality car to me.

 

And for someone who's had their 05 S in the shop 9 days (6 alone for the dash) to correct crappy interior construction and parts issues, anything is an improvement. I welcome the new interior.

 

The steering column mounted stalks on my '03 were really cheap feeling. Otherwise, I really liked the interior. But from pictures, I think I'm going to like this new interior better. Actually, the re-emergence of yellow, the new interior, and the apparent ability to open the rear window on the sunroof are what have caused me to hold off on an '06 and wait for an '07.

 

I agree with those that dislike the interior. I only wanted to hear other opinions on the topic because my initial reaction was, "WTH did they do that for...??? Who's child designed this?"

No, the 2006 interior isn't perfect in terms of quality, but I very much like the look and layout compared to the '07s. I think the drastic interior redesign was a big mistake, but... time will tell. Makes me glad that I bought an '06 before the remake. I'd be all over the '07s with the '06 interior.

My opinions, worth the price charged.

 

The current interior is funky....still makes me smile. The new interior has some funkiness, but takes a big step in the direction of being chic. Maybe I'll be ready for it in five years.

 

O7 interior looks great to me. More color, more comfortable and better looking seats, more leg room, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, sunroof that opens in the front and rear. I'll take the 07 anyday.

 

i agree...looks much classier and of better quality than the current interior, although very spacey and not for the traditional fans

 

I hated it at first...now I prefer the new interior. Give it time...

 

telescoping wheel, smaller downtubes, mood lighting (didnt see this on the 07 option sheet tho) bi-opening moonroof, more legroom, higher quality materials, redesigned doors, better sport seats, push button start, that killer huge speedo, toggles on the roof, more surface and color options inc chrome line--uhhh yeah this new interior rocks

 

Come on. Things could be a LOT worse.

 

Getting used to the new HUGE speedo. Still don't like the stuff below it.

That Redwood Red Lounge Leather, though... combined with an anthracite headliner and chrome interior trim pack... yuh-um! I'll live with some funky switchgear for that!

 

Really like the Red lounge leather, looks very rich with the grey exterior

 

this had me laughing out loud!!