Uncategorized
AutoExpress has a couple more shots of the Cabrio that was in central London recently. While blurry and a bit grainy they do show some new angles we haven't seen before. Interestingly they claim (and one picture seems to show) that MINI has decided to go ahead with the sliding roof design that has been on the drawing boards for quite sometime. You may remember it was mentioned here last week only to be denied immediately by several sources and a prominent MINI website. Here's an excerpt of the article:
Rather than discreetly snapping the newcomer ahead of its launch, bosses decided official photography should take place somewhere spectacular. So this undisguised Cooper S Cabrio charged into the centre of London complete with a police escort as part of a photoshoot for a new sales brochure
These pictures are the first to clearly reveal the showroom-ready Cabriolet, roof down and with the 2004 facelift. The convertible, as well as the revisions to the rest of the range, will debut at March's Geneva Motor Show. Thankfully, engineers have opted to keep the sliding roof panel, revealed in our issue 726 scoop shots. This will be fitted to all Cabriolets, which come in One, Cooper and Cooper S trim.
You can read the entire article and see the photos here.
Also something to note – the standard MCS chrome gas cap seems to be missing on this car. Not sure if this is simply due to this car being a pre-production vehicle or not.
<p>the more i see it, the more i like it !!</p>
<p>me too.</p>
<p>What happened to the S style gascap?</p>
<p>I'd love to have those wheels for my MCS.
Curious about the prize though.</p>
<p>By the way… what do you think of the interrupted chrome rail on the formerly shown orange MINI Open? Looks kinda strange to me…</p>
<p>Is it me, or are the new tail lights still amber at the top, and not all one color? If that's what i'm actually seeing, they look much better than the all red design posted earlier</p>
<p>Nice. Like the new “Shark Blue” color, I also dig the wheels, but man, oh man!….those protruding boot lid hinges are ugly!Yeah, where is the 'S' chromed gas cap?</p>
<p>Also check out the inmense blind spots on the “C” pillars with the top up.</p>
<p>Rocketboy – the new rear lights do have amber in them. </p>
<p>Frank – that color is actually “Black Eye Purple”</p>
<p>Thanks Gabe. I really like the color shade. It is the “Dark Silver Grey” but in the blue version. Fits nicely in between Indy Blue and Electric Blue…will it replace IB?</p>
<p>Is this purple blue a cabrio only color?</p>
<p>Also..is the new Orange a solid or metallic finish?</p>
<p>Frank:</p>
<p>Will it replace IB? No. There is another much more similar blue coming for 2005</p>
<p>Is this purple blue a cabrio only color? Yes</p>
<p>Also..is the new Orange a solid or metallic finish? Not quite sure but the photo seemed to not be metallic. That would be a change from the original orange MINI shown 3 years ago at the Paris autoshow</p>
<p>We really like the current IB and hopefully the upcoming revision is even better. I wish MINI would bring back an improved hue of Velvet Red ('cause I don't think Solid Gold metallic is selling well).</p>
<p>I too hope the new Orange color is a solid finish, the way this color should be.</p>
<p>Gabe…totally indiscreet question…are you thinking of trading your current Cooper for one of the new Cabrios and if so, would it be an 'S' this time?</p>
<p>No I'll probably be trading up for something around 2006/7 – especially since I just bought <a href="http://bridger.us/bmw/IMG_2898.JPG">this</a>. </p>
<p>By that time the R56 will have been introduced with the new engine. It looks like the Cooper will be bumped up to 140hp and the MCS will be at around 170hp. Of couse those numbers are targets – the final output may be slightly different. Based on that I might stay with the Cooper. Also the R56 MC will also be coming out earlier than the MCS so that might play a part of the desicion as well. Of course if I can wait I'll go for the MCS… something I couldn't do two years ago :)</p>
<p>I personally would stay with the hard top just because I'm not really a convertible person – if that makes sense. That being said I think it'll be a fantastic car that will sell very well.</p>
<p>Gabe, congrats on that beautiful 325 wagon…very nice car and on the rare side too.</p>
<p>I don't understand why so many buyers fall for the smaller X5 SUV when BMW makes such nice wagons as the older 5 series and the current 325.</p>
<p>Thanks – my wife and I love it. It's such a great change of pace from the MINI.</p>
<p>It's a very rare example too – loaded with manual transmission and sport package. We bought it used (ridiculous deal – cheaper than my Cooper with only 31k on the odometer!) with full CPO warranty. It was a corporate car and based on the address of the original location I believe it may have been a BMW Designworks car.</p>
<p>Gabe… I thought that was amber… a much better design then the all red look…</p>
<p>Great comments and look on the cabrio.</p>
<p>However, as much as I like my '02 MCS in Dark Silver w/lapis leather, I've found myself considering a 330i. Originally, I had wanted it though at the time wasn't able to garner a reasonable purchase price from a dealer. So here I am, just over a year into the Mini wanting a 3 series. Over the past couple of days, I've been reasoning why I don't care for the Mini and things I like about it. </p>
<p>Overall, I'm wondering if anyone else has already made the move to a 3 series from their Mini or vice versa and what were the results and satisfaction. Granted each person would move for various reasons, so I'm trying to get just an overall feeling.</p>
<p>thanks.</p>
<p>elmor – this is obviously very off topic but it's something that I should probably post about at some point so I'm glad you brought it up.</p>
<p>I personally moved from a 325ci into my current MINI. Now I have another E46/3 series as a second car. </p>
<p>Recently I got an opportunity to spend some time in an almost identical 325ci to the one I sold. I came away with an overwhelming feeling of having done the right thing when I sold it and bought the MINI. It was hard to pin down specific reasons other than I just didn't enjoy the BMW near as much as I do the MINI – even after two years.</p>
<p>Obviously it's a very personal choice but for my needs the MINI is a much better one.</p>
<p>The thing to keep in mind (as I'm sure you know) is that, while they are similar in some respects, they are very different cars to live with on day to day basis.</p>
<p>Thanks for the thoughts Gabe. I think that you bring up a good point with regard to the daily drive.</p>
<p>I like fun things and wonder if a 330i may be too serious for me. The MCS offers great mileage, though I would prefer a little softer ride. And I love the handling and the zippy feeling.</p>
<p>Not that I regret the purchase of the MCS by any means….though after having driven a 320i in 1981, I remembered that great feeling and handling of the car and have always wanted a 3 series. I guess after a year, I'm kinda wondering what that daily drive would be with a 3 series. I was wondering what I gain other than the obvious.</p>
<p>Don't mean to go too off topic and I appreicate the discussion.</p>
<p>elmer</p>
<p>I have had an 03 325iT w/sport package/manual for a year and recently purchased an 02 MCS with 1200 miles. Quite a difference between the two cars. Driving the MCS brings back the essence of pure joyful driving contrasted by the sculpted refinement of the BMW. The BMW is the better car; the MCS is more fun. Each is a great car and we all have to decide which characteristics are more important. I'm lucky I get to drive both!</p>
<p>2VIZSLAS – sounds like a similar stable to what I have :)</p>
<p>Nice to see someone else with an E46 wagon who also has a manual w/sport package – quite a rare combination.</p>
<p>The BMW is typically more rewarding only at higher speeds and when being pushed fairly hard. The MINI is immediately enjoyable and it's fun factor is accessable at low speeds. I've often said you need to double your speed in the BMW to have the same fun as you would in the MINI.</p>
<p>Further all E46s i've driven have very little of the initial sharp steering feel that the current MINI has. There's that point when you first turn the wheel were you really don't have much feedback at all. This is true of the 325 all the way up to the <a href="https://www.motoringfile.com/?Y=2003&M=09&D=30&TitleID=TheBMWM3SMGVsTheMINICooperS">M3</a>.</p>
<p>That being said when pushed hard it's the BMW that excels where the MINI becomes nervous and twitchy. A short wheel base and poor weight distribution is hard to overcome in situations like this.</p>
<p>I also don't get the hinges? They look retro but out of place, KLUNKY.</p>
<p>Gabe, that 325 wagon looks brand new, again congratulations on a decidely smart purchase!</p>
<p>A couple of years ago I had the pleasure to test drive a new 325ix (All wheel drive wagon in Miami, please?)with the 5-speed and it was very, very nice. To me the inline 6 cylinder engines in these cars totally surpass any V-6 in the market in terms of refinenment, power delivery and butter smooth demeanor.</p>
<p>The current E46 3 series is a lovely car but it has become wayyy to common to be exclusive much anymore, but the Sportwagon version is indeed the best kept secret in the line-up as it is the rarest of all models, aside from the M3 SMG.</p>
<p>If MINI for one reason or another does not produce a MINI “Countryman” version in the current R50 platform or the upcoming R56 chassis, then we will give the 3 series wagon a good and hard look again. Hopefully by then (2006 or 2007) BMW will continue to offer the 3 series wagon but wonder how it will look after the all new 3 series is “banglarized” and introduced in a cpuple of years time.</p>
<p>Enjoy your wagon.</p>
<p>I think the wagon's immediate threat is the X3. My take is that BMW is gauging the wagons sales this year with the X3 in the lineup to see if they want to import them in the years ahead.</p>
<p>I agree – the 3 series wagon (or touring) is easily the best kept secret of the 3 series line-up. Why some people have this blind aversion to wagons is beyond me. It offers perfect 50/50 weight distribution, 330i sized brakes, lower final drive ratio, and a stiffer suspension. While this was all done in part to negate the 175 pound weight penalty it makes the car a very worthwhile drive. Even more amazing it has more room than an X5. All this in a package that's exceptionally good looking. </p>
<p>Of course add the inline six which has no equal in terms of drivability and refinement. It's an inherently smooth powerplant that you just can't help but wind up.</p>
<p>For my money it's about the perfect second car to the MINI.</p>
<p>I have owned two E46 323i sedans, and before them, an E36 (1992) 325i. I have to say that the E36 was actually much more fun to drive than the newer E46. It felt “edgier.” The E46 was no doubt the better car and the car I'd rather live with every day, but the E36 had it beat in terms of road feel. And my MCS has all the road feel I'll ever want!</p>
<p>I would have to agree with you to some degree. Having had 3 seperate E36 3 series I've often thought about positives and negatives of both the E36 and the E46. (to those who don't know the E36 was the 3 series from '92 to '98 and the E46 is the current iteration)</p>
<p>I think the E36 was a bit more tossable and the fun you could have a bit more accessable. But too that degree I'd say the same thing about the E30 as compared with the E36. Among other things it has a lot to do with the cars getting slightly larger and heavier each iteration. </p>
<p>All said however, the E46 has a quality that the E36 never had. Having been through years of E36 ownership I've seen the weak points of the car and simply decided to move on. The E46 is a superior automobile in <em>almost</em> everyway. In fact when I bought my current E46 wagon I was deciding between it and a fairly low mile 4 door M3 for the same price. I chose the wagon. Maybe that's just me getting a little older but after 3 months of ownership I'd do the same thing again.</p>
<p>The E30 and E36 had somewhat cheap plastic interiors. The E46 has more of a luxury car look and feel, but that drivetrain is still awesome.</p>
<p>I hope the next generation (E50?) will not be Banglarized to the point of not having a center console but instead a LCD color screen with (Gasp!) i-drive!.</p>
<p>I am not liking BMW's philosophy as of late of turning “driver's cars” into “Rolling living rooms” or “Rolling offices”.</p>
<p>The E46 3-series, is the last true to form “BMW” left, sorry to say.</p>
<p>The next 3 series will be the E92 I believe.</p>
<p>Yes interior quality on the E30 and E36 were some of the worst aspects of those cars. Electrical gremlins in the E36 were also a constant annoyance. Water pumps and ball joints would be close behind on the complaint sheet. Yet they were and are very rewarding cars to own and drive.</p>
<p>I'd have to disagree to some extent about the current BMWs. I think the new 5 series is a fantastic car that drives impeccably. Active steering, once you're used to it, makes the car literally feel like a MINI at initial turn in during low speeds. In fact my only complaint about the car is the over reliance on iDrive to maintain basic functions. I like the idea – I just think it needs some usability experts to attack it with some new ideas.</p>
<p>(funny how all comments about BMW somehow eventually turn into iDrive critiques!)</p>
<p>Gabe & Frank,</p>
<p>I totally agree on your comments re the E36 &
E46 and the idea of a wagon vs a sportbrute. The E36 was definitely edgier. I believe the next generation 3 will go too far away from this edginess and I will be looking to the 1 series. I love the sportwagon in all respects except the clutch takeup. I plan to have my clutch delay valve drilled out. Curious as to what you think of the clutch in your wagon.</p>
<p>By the way Gabe, I enjoy your site. Informative, intelligent discourse but still lighthearted. Hope the site continues.</p>
<p>Thanks all, I'm enjoying the thoughts posted on wih regard to the 3 series. Though I'm no where near making a decision at this point…amazing how the current job market comes into play…the desire to have a 3 series has been one of my dreams. I've even thought of going out to get an E21 to satisfy the desire. Though the prospects of maintaining an older car at this time are quite daunting.</p>
<p>I am wondering for all the MCS owners what type of mileage you're getting. I've heard of others getting great mileage. overall last year, I got a total of 26.14 mpgs. It is a combination of city/highway. Mileage would be one reason that I would not trade for a current 330i…though maybe I'm missing the point about the model.</p>
<p>Oops, the mileage above should have read 24.63 mpgs for 2003.</p>
<p>Ah the clutch! Yes it takes a bit of time to master. </p>
<p>The take up can be a bit tricky but and overall it feels a little light. But for to me the Getrag 5-speed more than makes up for this issue. </p>
<p>The clutch in the E36 was much friendlier.</p>
<p>Elmor – that's about my mileage with the 2.5L inline six (as oppose to the 3.0L).</p>
<p>If you're really interested in a smaller BMW I'd recommend waiting to see the upcoming <a href="https://www.motoringfile.com/?Y=2003&M=09&D=24&TitleID=HasTheMINIAlteredBMWsPlansForThe1Series">1 series</a>.</p>
<p>My mileage in the 325iT is 21.5 combined, mostly city driving. My 1995 & 1999 3's got about 21 combined and both were automatics.</p>
<p>My 4 month old '04 MCS with 3,800 miles is currently returning around 24MPG on strict city driving. I am pulling between 260-280 miles per tankful. I expect the mileage to improve as the car racks up more time on the road.</p>
<p>Frank… No, that's about right for city driving. If I get to 300 miles on one tank, I'm pusing it, and my roads are all highway/light city/thruway type rides…</p>
<p>BTW I was just told by someone with some inside info that the color on this cabrio may not be Black Eye Purple but something called Cool Blue. I can't verify this but I thought I'd at least mention it in the comments.</p>
<p>This is off topic a bit, but the 330 discussion got me going. My dream car is the 330i (with performance package), but I can't afford it. Anyway, I've narrowed down my choices to the Mazda 6s and the MCS. Both cars will be loaded. Does anyone have an unbiased opinion or knowledge of the Mazda 6s?</p>
<p>Also, any owners here with Indi Blue exterior and Lapis Blue interior? Does it look pretty good or match?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>Les – you may want to look at cars coming off of lease. You could probably pick up a 325i with sports package for not much more than a well equipped Mazda 6. While it's not as swift as a 330i if you can find one with a manual and sport package it's almost every bit as fun.</p>
<p>Personally I think the Mazda 6 is a fantastic car spec wise but I haven't driven one yet so I can't really say.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, I can't bring myself to buy a pre-owned vehicle. I'm a freak when it comes to caring for my vehicle (I'm driving the same car I drove in high school and I'm nearly 27). I'm been around bad used car experiences and I would prefer to get less car if it's new. </p>
<p>I love sport sedans and the MCS is out of character for me, but I'm single and I loved my test drive. Reminded me of a BMW so much. The driver in me says get the MCS, but logic tells me the Mazda 6s is more useful. I have a couple months to decide.</p>
<p>Thanks for your help. I enjoy the site.</p>
<p>I think you may be surprised how new a certified pre-owned BMW really is. </p>
<p>Regardless best of luck with your decision and remember this – a MINI is more practical than most people give it credit for.</p>
<p>Les,</p>
<p>I felt the same way that you currently are with regard to taking on your next car purchase.</p>
<p>Prior to the Mini, I had bought an Infiniti I30 at some ones direction even though I was looking for a 3 series. The details aren't really important, but the point is I did not keep the car more that 6 months till I was able to get a hold of a brand new Mini. With the Infiniti, this was not a good thing. Plus I did not feel the car was “me” so to speak. Plus, I was filling up with gas every two weeks. </p>
<p>The last three months of owning the car, I ventured to every BMW and Mini dealer with 100 miles trying to find a solution. One night I was walking thru a BMW dealer lot, and I had been feeling for a couple of days that for some reason getting a 3 series was not working (hitting a brick wall I liked to call it) so I decided to visually step back to open myself up to another solution.</p>
<p>Walking thru the lot, I started to take notice once again of the Mini. Originally, I'd couldn't believe that BMW would put out such a thing and after the test drive I was sold. Thereafter, I called religiously for 3 months every local Mini dealer until I found one that had the model I wanted.</p>
<p>The point of all this is that I’d gotten a responsible car but I wasn’t enjoying it like I felt that I should or obtaining the economical value of it. I enjoy driving the Mini and am getting better gas mileage with the fun factor, plus can carry my dog in the back without the worry of damaging the seats.</p>
<p>So depending what you'd consider pratical; i.e., good gas mileage, good room, fun and zippy, etc., a Mini might be the right thing, and the pre owned BMW's Gabe referenced are pretty sharp, too. Yes, I test drove both Mini and a 330i back to back and was blown away on how well the Mini felt to some extent like the 330i. Though you just can't be the look of a 3 series in Dark Silver, so I'm thinking….</p>
<p>The new Mazda 6 is a markedly improvement over the old and humdrum 626 sedan.</p>
<p>I suggest reading test drive reports from sources like Edmunds.com. The car has a small back seat for a four door sedan and to be quite honest the looks of the 6 don't impress me much anymore. This car looked great in preview photos in magazines but in person does nothing for me. It reminds me too much of Acura's TSX sedan.</p>
<p>Mazdas don't have stellar resale values either. Service quality is hit or miss and it is a car that everyone drives like the Accord and Camry but much better handling.</p>
<p>Go with the MCS…you won't regret it one bit…these cars are addictive, cool, unique and a kick in the pants to drive. Not sure if I can say the same about any other V6 FWD sedan in the market today. BTW a “real” sports sedan has an inline 6 cyl engine, 50/50 weight distribution, impeccable suspension settings and rear wheel drive….that's a 3 series BMW…</p>
<p>That's for all of the input. Hey, I agree that a real sports sedan is a BMW 3 series (specifically the 330i). Unfortunately, I'm going to have to graduate up to that one day. For now, it looks like I'm leaning towards the MCS. Everytime I start to reconsider I tell myself I need another test drive. Thanks again.</p>
<p>For me it was a decision between the MCS and the Mazda RX-8, both awkward, fun to drive cars, with 6 speeds and great handling. The RX-8 has 4-doors, more power, rwd, 50/50 weight distribution, and more room than the Mini, but its not a hatch nor is it as pure of an experience and it'll cost 6-7000 more well equiped. I just wish the mini had the 9000 rpm redline of the renisis rotary engine.</p>
<p>Where are you guys getting your information about colors and such?</p>
<p>What exactly are the colors on the line-up?</p>
<p>I would trade my MINI in for a Silk Green Cabrio. Although, that orange is pretty snazzy…</p>
<p>While waiting for the service crew to install equipment to play my wife's mp3 player at Hank Arron's Mini,in Atlanta,I went over to the showroom to talk to the Mgr.there about the 05 MC Open. I was told that he went to a dealer's meeting in January of this year and they brought in an orange MC Open;and,yes… the roof does go back partially and,of course,fully. He also mention that the dealers,including himself,were drooling over how great the car look in the flesh. Keep up the good work Gabe. Peace.</p>
<p>i amherebefore you ooohhhhhhhhhhh</p>
<p>Nice car, just like mine. the black cabrio looks much better.</p>