MINI USA has reorganized the accessory line with the introduction of the R56 and has released a dealer bulletin detailing the changes. Of course as educated MINI enthusiasts, we thought you might be interested in this information too.
Beyond a full listing of the new accessories, there’s also some detailed information on a few key products. For instance the R56 has EH2+ hump wheels which lead to better runflat characteristics and a better ride. So that means R50 and R53 OEM wheels aren’t recommended for the new car.
You can read more on the new wheels and all the new MINI accessories in the PDF below:
[ R56 Accessories ] Official MINI USA PDF
So if we use the new wheels, we will get a better ride?
Didn’t the old iPod adapter cost $149? $320 seems a bit steep, seeing as how my iPod nano cost me $199….
More floor mats coming… Neat.
Whoa! Options ARE being installed at the ports. Gabe, do you have any more information on this? The JCW Aero Kit/Brakes/exhaust tips for 3250 looks pretty appealing, actually.
What do the JCW brake discs bring over the standard?
THanks Gabe!
JMelrose
>What do the JCW brake discs bring over the standard?
Sporty looking holes. Nothing more. The R56 already comes with what are essentially the JCW brake calipers, pads and rotors.
>More floor mats coming… Neat.
So you didn’t actually read the PDF then…
The portable navigation system sounds interesting.
What is the technical deal on EH2+? It seems maybe they improved the humps to allow for a softer sidewall that still won’t come off the rim. I don’t see much info out there on it though there is more on EH2. If using non-runflats it doesn’t seem to be any issue on using the old wheels on the new car other than possible bolt size problems. I wonder how R53s would ride with R56 wheels? Could be a nice upgrade path for someone looking for some comfort and runflats.
Random question, but aren’t the R98 Web Spokes available for both the R56 and on the R50/53 MINIs? Are the R98 wheels for the R56 different from the R50/53 version?
hey yeah i heard it from the financial guy at global imports mini that they are going to do a lot of stuff at the ports with accessories.
Steering limiter for 18″ wheels? Whats that about? What does it shave off the turning radius?
What’s this Portable Navigation option with bluetooth and MP3 interface? Are there any pictures? This mount they describe as next to the steering column may bode well for mounting other accessories. I’m also really curious about the new roof rack system. If it is clamp based, is it easily removable when not in use?
Speaking of accessories, the 6 disk CD player is not really of interest, but being able to mount something behind the hinging dash sounds great. If the hinging dash standard or a special part when you get the disk changer?
Is the Universal Boot Protection mat the Universal Trunk Protection in the MiniUSA configurator? This looks like the European rear seat protector designed for the seats in the folded position. This is great since it’s predecessor was not available in the USA and was also a pain to setup. However the seat protector was essential for leather seats and transporting a dog. Bravo.
$320 for the iPod adapter (and you KNOW installation is going to be on top of that) is making me rethink the need for that.
>$320 for the iPod adapter (and you KNOW installation is going to be on top of that) is making me rethink the need for that.
It’s a totally different a fully integrated solution rather than the one that was available with the R50/R53.
>What’s this Portable Navigation option with bluetooth and MP3 interface? Are there any pictures?
It’s just a Garmin 360 or 660 with a MINI logo on the screen.. I have the 660. It’s incredible.
>Speaking of accessories, the 6 disk CD player is not really of interest, but being able to mount something behind the hinging dash sounds great. If the hinging dash standard or a special part when you get the disk changer?
The extra space in the dash is standard. The CD change will eliminate it.
With the portable navigation system will they throw in real time traffic updates?
Gabe,
Reading the PDF it comes across that these port-installed packages are for ‘HEA’ cars.. is that someting special? In reading it, it seems like they are doing these special cars to give the service areas less of a stressful transition to the R56, taking on some of the big job installs for the demo cars so service techs can focus on cars going out to customers.
What is your take on this PDF as far as these port installs go? What are the pros/cons of having an install done there as opposed to the local dealer? (I know this may be brand new news to you also.)
Also, since you have used the new portable one, what are the pros/cons of it compared to the in-dash (in-speedo!) model, which is quite a bit more expensive as well, it seems.
Thanks Gabe!
>What is your take on this PDF as far as these port installs go? What are the pros/cons of having an install done there as opposed to the local dealer? (I know this may be brand new news to you also.)
It may just be for a limited time and just for the demo pre-specced cars that the dealers will be getting.
>Also, since you have used the new portable one, what are the pros/cons of it compared to the in-dash (in-speedo!) model, which is quite a bit more expensive as well, it seems.
If I ordered an r56 I would have to get the in-dash Nav. It make the center stack area look much much better.
That said the Garmin Nuvi 660 has traffic for $60 a year and is an exceptional device.
Gabe,
Can the iPOD interface be self installed by customers ? Is it connected to an available interface somewhere on the glove compartment ?
>Can the iPOD interface be self installed by customers ? Is it connected to an available interface somewhere on the glove compartment ?
Yes – just like before it should be as easy to taking apart the dash and simply plugging it in. However we don’t know where it’s installed yet until we get the dash apart or see an official PDF install guide. We’ll hopefully get the guide in the coming months.
I have heard that the CD changer mounted behind the dash panel can now play MP3 CDs and is slot loading not cartridge loading.
Any word whether the DVD unit mounted below the CD slot can be used for anything other than the NAV DVD? Can it play DVD audio, DVD video and/or MP3s?
Txs Gabe… so it means the interface is not yet available for order as a separate item ?
Port installation of some accessories has been available for almost a year now.
ex: the aerokit. However you couldn’t get the whole thing painted to match body color like you can with a dealer install.
Hi Craig,
Yes, it can indeed play MP3 loaded DVDs.
Anybody knows if the standard CD player in R56 plays MP3 loaded CD-s ?
yes i am driving my r56 mcs for 1,5 month now and with the std boost radio you can also play mp3 cd’s compleet with track details in the display
It does in the UK. Assumedly it’ll be the same here.
Does that mean the new iPod adaptor will display ID3 tags? Is the new radio retrofitable (i.e. has the same wiring harnesses and connectors) to the ’05 MCS? I would rather have this stock look than anything aftermarket.