With the exception that this isn't an SUV message board, it is a MINI message board. And SUV's suck.

I guess I shouldn't be feeding the troll, though. I mean, what do you call someone with 12000 posts who isn't interested in the car, but seems to post solely to try to make people who like the car upset? Either a troll, or an inferiority complex.

 

Troll? Not like the car? Since when did I ever say I didn't like MINIs? Point to exactly ONE post. Find ONE post disparging the R56 ... just one. Now the GP, different story. Just like C4 wants a clubmen when the time comes, I gave up my MC40 and repeatedly posted I was in the market for a turbo convertable JCW when they come out.

So dont make assumptions about something you know nothing about. :impatient

The fact is, "the obssesed" ppl just dont want to hear any reality or problems with the first gen cars. Thats fine. You live with what you can bear and thats cool. To each their own.

 

I agree, mcarlo52. It seems to me that some journos were fed the line that BMW is trying to make MINI more approachable. In reality they've made improvements, which is what you do when you redesign a car. I'd probably take the looks of the R53 over the R56, so you could say it was a side-step or a step backwards in styling done out of necessity, but folks saying the R56 has lost its edge because its not noisy or doesn't rattle its interior loose... come on. Mk 1 Mini's from '59 had a slider window instead of rollup windows. While sought after now by collectors from a heritage standpoint, there was little debate at the time that the addition of rollup windows was a positive move in the evolution of the car. It could be argued that that took the edge off the original Mini, and was done to appease the masses, but the first design was just hardcore for weight and cost sake only. It was also very low on power and unfortunately with the increase refinement of the car came the need to increase displacement and power. In the case of the R56 MCS, they've delivered a faster car with between 19 and 25% improved fuel economy. That's a win win. If I feel like it's too quiet, I'll make sure I screw up my sunroof seal, and if it's not roughnecked enough, I'll loosen the bonnet bolts and increase my panel gap ;^)

I read one review from a journalist who claimed he could feel the increased length of the car as he drove it. HELLO, the wheelbase hasn't changed, nor has the track. The increased length by all rights is imperceptable from inside the car. I appreciate everyone trying to emote their take on the new car, but it's a little early to pass judgement on how we'll all perceive the model change in a few years after the R56 enjoys engine mods, aftermarket suspension, etc.

 

the R53 does indeed have throttle lag. So what? I got used to it as do most owners. I purposefully ordered mine last summer knowing the new model was on the way (read first year anything = teething issues). In fact, I just looked at the R56 over lunch today. Very nice! I look forward to getting one once the aftermarket has their act together and parts sorted for the new car. No longer will I live on the bleeding edge....I'm happy to let others go through the pains this time around!

 

+1

 

Oh you mean the joys of being a "Beta"tester for BMW?

Been there, done that

 

I personally think that with some additional "tweaking"and the advent of the JCW R56 MINI (Not to mention AWD and DSG) this car will have incredible potential. So it appears that we won't see the R56 JCW for another year?

 

I was referring more to my time being the guinea pig for my Subaru Legacy GT ("what do you mean the wagon is different than the sedan?" ), but I'm sure it's no different on the BMW/MINI side. Trust me, I'm fine watching from the stands on this one.