We are looking to order a new S roadster in the next week or so, and we are looking for some timing advice. If we order now will we get a 2013 or 2014 built? We have talked to two dealers and one is telling us 2013 as the 14's won't be out until early 2014. Other dealer said that we would probably get a 2014 built if we order this month. We really have not pressed the question as we are not ready to completely commit yet, but which year might affect our decision.

Also read that the 14 might lose the big round center speedometer. Definitely want the this so again not sure how this will play into our decisions.

Thanks to everyone in advance for their comments.

 

Just hope MINI does not do what they did with the GEN1 Convertibles in 07/08...especially with the F56 & the new BMW engines coming out.

 

The '14 Roadster will be almost identical to the '13. Some options will change, but that's it. The platform change won't be coming to the Roadster (assuming it returns next generation) until around 2017.

 

That's good.

 

It will return in the next generation...we still have the Clubman.

 

Not sure when the actual switch is made from 2013 to 2014. Dealers have an allotment. When they use up their allotment they have to wait until 2014 opens up. That was my case unless they can borrow take a slot from a sister dealership.

 

There's no guarantee for the Clubman returning, either, though, as MF has reported, MINI does at least seem to have a plan in place for how to bring it back while differentiating it from the 5-door version of the F56 (ie, giving it a sportier, shooting brake style). FWIW, I like the current Clubman...

As for the Roadster coming back, I certainly hope it does. I'd love to see the Coupe and Roadster converge into a single retractable hardtop model, with available AWD and 225-250hp. That would be a monster little TT killer, with better handling and about $10K cheaper.

 

If sales on the Coupe don't pick up, kiss those babies goodbye:-(

 

Yeah, it's the unfortunate flipside to the enjoyable rarity of our cars.

Weirdly, I see Pontiac Solstices all the time, but those didn't last either.

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Any idea if they will add DRL LED in 14'?

 

Reports that I've seen is that the Roadster is doing very well, (far better than the Coupe). The future of the Coupe is uncertain, but it looks like plans are already being considered to transition the Roadster to the new platform in 2017. What I've read points to BMW wanting to transition the Roadster into a "proper" roadster platform, whatever that means. Over the past year, the two biggest concerns around enthusiasts, specially comparing it to the Mazda Miata MX-5 which many consider to be the standard for Roadsters are: The present Roadster is front wheel drive, and according to some testers, the run flat tires give the Roadster a harsher ride than necessary. And some would like a little better feedback through the wheel. But I think the Roadster looks like a great money earner for BMW/Mini.

 

There's room for improvement, certainly, but I hope that if they do update the Roadster, they keep the fantastic storage space. Everyone is amazed when I open the trunk.

 

Eh hmm. Boot, sir. Boot.

[QUOTE=St_G;3759813]Everyone is amazed when I open the trunk.[/QUOTE]

 

I think you may have nailed it, here. If the coupe sales don't pick up I have a feeling they will merge the two to some extent. A hardtop would be pretty slick as long as it didn't have that helmet look. Not my thing - I think the shape of the Roadster's roof is better (when it's up )

 

I agree. And I also think that retractable hard tops are tough to get right. Mazda has yet to do it, and the Z4 hardtop ain't that great either.

 

Our 2014 Roadster S began production on June 21st, Scheduled to be completed on July 2nd... gotta be one of the first 2014 Roadsters in production, right? We won it on Wheel of Fortune on February 15th, so it has been a long wait, but well worth it.

 

That's a great story! I hope you're prepared...when you acquire a MINI, you're not just getting a car, you're joining a big, friendly motoring family.

 

That is one helluva win. Usually its a Kia or something lol

What did you end up having built?

 

Your timeline looks like mine did last year and I took delivery on my 2013 Roadster S on August 1, 2012. It was the first one to be delivered to Florida from the GA distribution Ctr. where it sat for almost 2 weeks. You will likely have a similar wait if its a 2014, some EPA B.S.

Have fun!

 

Hi
Cool story, did you get the car yet? We will be ordering a roadster soon and I'm curious about the changes for the 2014 model!
Enjoy the roadster!

Steve

 

We currently have the coupe and yes it would be great to see the two merged into an retractable hard top.
One concern, should they develope the idea into production, would be how much trunk space would you have to give up? We absolutely love the trunk space in our coupe, and by the way the "baseball cap" realy grows on you and is a very efficient spoiler/diffuser that provides much needed shade for that back window while helping keeping it dust free.
Actual "usable" trunk space was a must for us to justify our Mini as our little grocery getter and lack of this trunk space was what stoped me from buying my wife a Solstice when they first came out.

 

We ordered ours on June 29th and it was a bit confusing at the dealer because the website packages was different than the 2014 packages.
We were told that there is hardly no difference between the 2013 and 2014 model except for the packages they reshuffled and some price adjustments (though it did not seem like it was in fact different). On the other hand they did drop the pattern on the mini yours seats for who knows what reason!!!

The website had a premium package which no longer exist. Instead they have a city pack which contains less but cost less. I think they did this to push some of the option forward as the premium package might have been too much for some.

In the end we had to trade the rain sensor for the comfort access keyless which upon reflection I think is better anyway ...

 

Don't expect ANY changes to the roadster. In essence this platform is dead and they will not be making changes. All their effort and time will be in moving each model to the next generation. As someone mentioned there may be option package changes but you will not see a midcycle refresh or any updates. Remember that tis is a very low volume car and I doubt BMW will invest any additional money for changes. The next generate on will not be based of the F56 platform and will be unique to the line [comes from Gabe at Motoring File.

 

I would not be surprised if they would come-up with a dual top liner despite what the salesman are forced to say right now to justify why it's a single liner.

 

Not a chance.

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