After observing this for weeks, it is clear that there are several 2nd generation bashers regularly posting largely petty and sarcastic comments about the R56 at every opportunity. They claim they are just pointing out the issues, but their words show otherwise. After reading hundreds of posts, almost all of the R56 bashing has involved asthetics (exhaust sound, center stack, fake hood scoop, etc.). On the other hand, without exception, every published independent test report I have read, including Dave's, has stated that the R56, overall is a much imporved product, both in performance and quality. Sure, there are early production issues, just as there were with the 1st generation BMW MINIs. I owned a 2004 MCS. I read quite a bit about MINIs before I got it and there were plenty of complaints about it, too. Sure the 2nd generation isn't perfect, and there are things I would certainly have done differently, but to those few Bashers out there, don't pretend you are providing anyone a public service. There are always those who have to denigrate the new just because they have the old.

Now, for my personal opinion: I think the styling of my 2004 MCS is much better than the R56's. I think the Sport button should default to "on," but I would rather have the button than no choice at all. I think the upgraded radio in both generations leaves much to be desired but, having said that, it's still a decent stereo. I would prefer a functional hood scoop (even if it isn't needed, but have no more problem with it being non-functional any more than I do about the aesthetics-only rear wing/spoiler on either generation. Other than that, I find the R56 a better car than the earlier version, for the same reason all the major reviews have, including our own Dave's.

 

Stop bashing the first generation.

 

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To review so far:

Might want to actually read the 1st post goaljnky

 

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Please post links to all those "bashing" posts while I prepare the popcorn


(Another totally pointless and unproductive thread that will surely end up NAM style flame war with many casualties)

 

Eh, I take it with a grain of salt, the purists didn't like alot about the "new" MINIs that came out a few years ago, now the purists and the R53/etc crowd doesn't like the R56, blah blah blah.

I still know very little about MINIs in general, I'm quite new to them, but thus far, I like ALL of them, old or new. I drove an 07 MCS last week, and now I can't wait to get one, but it will probably be 2008 before I have the down payment saved up :(

Anyways, I just disregard the ne-sayers. I'm a young guy that comes from a muscle-car background, and this is the same new mustang/old mustang, new camaro/old camaro crap I've heard for years. I disregard the bashing because I view it as the petty crap that 15 years olds do. Enjoy the cars, damn it!

 

Well said!

 

I pretty much disregard the whole thing, too...folks have their opinion. Either way, R56 is proving itself on it's own merit, so our own random opinions are meaning less and less. Of course, that is my opinion.

 

I guess Im of the opinion that if someone doesnt like my car for whatever reason, I could really care less. All that matters to me is that I like it. You think my headlights look bug eyed? You think my boot is too big ? You dont like my turbo or new engine, interior, etc etc etc? OH WELL If you dont like the complaints then dont click on the threads, its easier that way for me.

 

Tsk, tsk, there is an ignore button here ------------------------>

 

It's all about change... embrace the change, they ain't going back. You can still have favorites. Me, well the new R-56 is slowly growing on me. Looking forward to a test drive. But I am keeping my '05-S.

 

Thanks so much LynnEl for starting yet another thread to insure that the flamewars continue. It seemed as though everyone was finally starting to calm down somewhat so we really really needed another inflamatory thread like this. Again thank you, thank you so much Hopefully the mods will see fit to lock this one down also.

 

I agree and pulled my replies. Thanks for helping me see the light.

dean.

 

I don't see this turning out productively...