Dissecting the R56′s Character Flaws

Sections: R56 (Hatch) Jun 4th, 2007 86 Comments

Last week I had the chance to spend some time with a Mellow Yellow loaner 2007 MCS due to my R53 being in the shop. While my experience generally backed-up my previous positive reviews of the car, there are certainly some things that continue to find fault with. Not that the R53 doesn’t have similar issues (and disappointments). But the worrying thing is that many of the small deficiencies in the R56 weren’t there in the R50 or R53. It seems as if MINI has rectified some, and created others.

I do want to be clear before going much further however. None of these issues would keep me from buying the new MINI. In fact I can verify they haven’t has my order went in a couple weeks ago. However spending a bit more time in the car gave me a chance to wrap my head around some of the changes that have subtly altered the character of the car.

Engine and exhaust note: This is less of an issue with the R56 as the R53 was simply brilliant in this area. The previous MCS oozed character with the supercharger whine and exhaust pop of the ’05 and ’06 MCS models. The R56, while it sounds great being pushed, has a totally different character. Sure it’s faster in every conceivable way. But it lacks the feeling of speed that the R53 had.

For instance the sound at idle – while a normal characteristic of a direct injection car – certainly isn’t what one would call interesting. And just tooling around town, the R56 sounds a little pedestrian. It’s only when you go full bore that the new drive-train really comes into it’s own in terms of visceral sound quality. Contrast that to the R53 where any spot on the tach gave you an impression of speed. It may not have been the most livable or comfortable characteristic in the long-run, but it was fun nonetheless. There are many reasons the new MCS Turbo is a better engine, but that doesn’t mean the old supercharged mill won’t be missed from time to time.

Interior Plastics: Yes there are some welcome improvements in the cabin of the R56. But in too many places it feels like MINI has either regressed or not upped the ante over the previous car. From the center console to the center stack, the plastic is either too thin or textured poorly. The turn signals, the vents and the glove box all share similar issues. Overall I’d say the R50/R53 had more glaring quality problem but you’d expect more from BMW in their second try with the MINI.

Climate Control: This has been talked to death (and I’ve certainly complained about it in the past myself) but it’s worth mentioning here as well. The climate control interface, while visually interesting, magnifies the surrounding plastic and its inherent cheapness. But what makes this worse is the fact that the climate control buttons themselves could have been executed better. This is especially the case with the manual controls and the two dials that control temp and fan.

Radio Interface: Here we see a classic case of form over function. MINI designers didn’t have a lot of space to work with when the decision was made to move the sound system interface to the speedometer on non-Nav cars. And to some degree, the problem I have with the design rests solely on that integration. However the interface itself (the buttons and where they are placed versus what they control) is also a slight disappointment. There are many reasons I could go on about as to why the gigantic knob in the center of the interface was a terrible decision. But I’ll simply say this: it’s confusing at best.

As we’ve said in the past, there’s little question the R56 is a better car in most ways. And yes we at MF believe that the vast number of improvements that have been made both in the drive-train and the design make this a compelling upgrade for any MINI owner. Should issues like those mentioned above give anyone pause who’s considering an R56? My answer would be a resounding no. But that answer is pretty much left up to you how you value these small details and how much you cherish the specific charisma of the R53 (and yes R50 as well).

It’s important to not lose site of the areas that MINI needs to make improvements. Like the previous generation, there is still tweaking to be done and details to be addressed. And while nothing listed above should truly be a deal-breaker, it doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement to an already great car.

Written By: Gabe

GAS2HI

I had my R53 (05) in for service and took a R56 for a quick spin.

Good points: Much better seats. Optional Arm rest a tad longer better fit better low end torque Misses: More weight! (the redesign of the Miata they tooked extra efforts to “save weight. Less weight = better performance and better MPG! Windows are higher and harder to back up and see out of. The R53 more nimble/lean. R56 a tad “bloated” feel. I have had three R53′s (that GOT TO HAVE rush!), the R56 was “OK”, I will wait for the Clubman!(2n d yr production to sort the bugs out lol.)
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

Misses: More weight! (the redesign of the Miata they tooked extra efforts to “save weight. Less weight = better performance and better MPG!

FYI – the R56 is actually lighter than the R53.
lavardera

Here is an interior detail that nobody has mentioned that I think is really telling: the door arm pad.

In the R50/53 this is an upholstered piece. The vinyl fabric is gathered at the edges and fastened underneath in the same manner as a seat cushion. Somebody in the factory or a at a vendor did this by hand in all likely hood, and even if not it is a piece that is made with a traditional technique.

In the R56 this pad is a molded piece. The “padding” and wear surface are one co-molded piece that is fastened in place, most likely with fasteners that are embeded in during the molding process. Its likely coming from a sub-contractor or at least being made off site form the factory.

I could look at the R50/53 and say, wow a hand made piece of upholstery – that’s cool and retro, and says quality to me. But I can also look at it and say it looks kind of crummy, the fabric is all bunchy around the tight corners, the color does not quite match the other interior materials, and the pad is too soft.

In the R56 I could say wow, another piece of cheap molded plastic, how nice. Or I could see that it makes a better appearance with perfectly formed consistent edges, the pad is a better density for the job, the color is a dead match with the interior and just makes a more unified whole, and I’m sure it was less expensive, faster to install, and will last longer, not to mention it allowed the car to make strides elsewhere.

Neither is right or wrong and I actually appreciate both.
Skiploder

On all but a couple of counts, the interior of the R56 is a definite step up.
chakaluka

Think of it this way – if the R56 had been the first new MINI introduced, would Gabe have started a site dedicated to it? I really doubt it. Just another turbo-powered compact that comes in 4th out of a 5 car comparo doesn’t have the right stuff to achieve the kind of instant cult status of the v1.0 MINI. The R56 is riding the R53′s coat tails to a large extent; basking in the glow of it’s halo, if you will. That will only take it so far.
msh441

Think of it this way – if the R56 had been the first new MINI introduced, would Gabe have started a site dedicated to it? I really doubt it.

Since he is selling his nicely modded relitivly new R53 to buy the R56, I would guess he likes it more than what he currently owns. So I believe you’d be wrong there.

Just another turbo-powered compact that comes in 4th out of a 5 car comparo doesnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t have the right stuff to achieve the kind of instant cult status of the v1.0 MINI.

You seem to put enough weight in car comparos and the opinions of motor journalists. I’m suprised your not driving MT’s car of the year: The Camry. They like it a lot oviously… and by you’re accounts, they can’t be wrong. Sounds like it would suit you well since they placed it above all others. Hey when you trade the MINI for one, make sure and get the back issue with the COTY finals so you can read through it from time to time and reinforce your decision to buy one (cause otherwise the driving experience will be painfully boring without that constant reassurance).

I personnaly would rather just think for myself and decide what I like and why.
Siddhartha

The R53 feels like a truck!? All those flywheel, DMF/tranny and LSD problems?? If I cared what other people said, I’d be crushed.

All I can say is my R53 is one fast little truck. And I’ve been flogging it mercilessly on the track since I picked it up in the spring of ’05 without the least bit of problem from the engine or transmission. Of course I didn’t try to mod it out either. It’s still stock.

When I was in the UK last week I heard stories about some R56 engines dropping the bottom end out while spooling up the turbo in the midrange. Too much torque, or so I hear. If it’s true, I wouldn’t be surprised. One would expect some teething problems with a clean sheet engine. Funny that owners seem more concerned with knobs and trim and shiny bits than engine reliability.
http://www.minifans.gr cafeine

well, to be fair I like the R56 WITH AEROKIT a lot… especially this one: ::click here:: would be good enough to make me buy it.

…but!…no supercharger whine ….and NO EXHAUST POPS?….these two were the thing that will make you wake up at night and make 20 kms around the blocks just to here the pops once more..!…come on MINI…give POPS to the people!!!…
slag1911

Supercharger whine and exhaust burble? Not refined enough for the R56… we have entered the era of the “Toyota Camry” MINI with the R56. Even the R56 engine is sourced from Japan, so this is not really a surprise. The R56 is produced for the masses, not the driving enthusiast…
lavardera

Camry? Engine from japan?

You are living in your own private idaho.
Skiploder

Jerry:

Next time your in Concord, talk to one of the techs about the dual mass flywheel issues they’ve seen. I was actually shown a bad one there a couple of years ago.

Mine held up. Yours may have, but it’s a known issue with the 6 speed and the same issues are cropping up on the R56.

It’s not a knock on the R53 and it’s not a knock on the R56 either. It’s just disappointing that BMW has not addressed the issue despite a TSB and several replacements on he last model.
Nigel

Don’t mess with Idaho…

-Nigel
JS

Here another question missing from this debate. Why does the new R56 now TORQUE STEER?????? Is this a new refinement, a new 07 feature like the 05 exhaust burble? Isn’t this an example of the wrong direction for the New and Improved car?????

On the release day of the R56, I walked up to a familiar Motoring Advisor and the first words out of his mouth were……..”IT TORQUE STEERS NOW!!!!!”
Nigel

Thank you JS. Yet another weak area of the R56 that most R56 apologists conveniently sweep under the carpet.
chakaluka

Since he is selling his nicely modded relitivly new R53 to buy the R56, I would guess he likes it more than what he currently owns. So I believe youÃ¢â‚¬â„¢d be wrong there.

You may believe what you wish. I’m sure Gabe has purchased many cars over the years, each one arguably better than the last in some way, but has only started a web site about one. I am saying that if the R56 had been the first new MINI, it would not have inspired things like MotoringFile.

You seem to put enough weight in car comparos and the opinions of motor journalists.

You miss my point. The R53 blew away the automotive press pretty much without exception. Do some reading and you’ll see. If it happened to come in 2nd in a comparison due to “functional” or “comfort” criteria, reviewers would go out of their way to say it was still the one they would want in their garage. It was that good and that special. The R56 just doesn’t have the stuff, relative to current competitors, to rock the reviewers in that same way.
gz

Anyone who thinks R56 owners aren’t thrilled with their new cars aren’t reading NAM. I agree some changes had to (and did) grow on me as far as styling go, however, my first test drive DID blow me away when it planted my butt in the seat. Bring on that JCW for $2k.
chakaluka

I’m sure many owners are thrilled. I was pointing out that automotive journalists aren’t. Both groups were thrilled with the R53. Dead horse beaten.
slag1911

Yeah lava… the R56 engine is sourced from Japan… Imagine that! Guess that R56 does have the heart of a Camry… and it finished 4th out of 5 in a head to head competition… besting the Sentra!

Educate thyself here –> http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101967&highlight=r56+engine+japan
lavardera

Oh yes – I remember that thread now. I even posted in it! The thread starter is connecting Peugeot and Mitsubishi and is guessing that some of the engine block are coming from Mitsu.

So what are you saying. That Mitsubishi or Japan is bad, worse than say Chrysler or Brazil?
slag1911

No… I’m saying the R56 is going mainstream… including its Japan sourced engine… ala’ Camry…
lavardera

or Peugeot or France for that matter!
lavardera

You can tell me “I told you so” when it becomes america’s best selling car.
gz

Slag1911. By reading responses to the post you cited it would seem that the engine comes from France, although that’s nothing to be thrilled about. Maybe it will run on cheese and be really fast in reverse.
slag1911

GZ… uh… did you read the very 1st post in the link? Additionally, if you read through the entire thread I posted, you will come on entries where R56 owners have scanned and attached their window stickers, and it clearly shows the R56 prince engine is sourced from Japan… try again.
chakaluka

So it sounds like we are all in agreement that the many fatal character flaws of the R56 make it a far inferior car to the exquisite R53. Glad we could finally settle that and move on.
gz

Nah Slag1911. You bored me too much the first time to read it again. All this anti R56 bs is getting old. Go start your own website or put your posts on Mininuts where you can whine in union.
Kurt

This is for two or three people who are considering a 2007 MC automatic. (and yes, I can drive 5-speed, but the wife can’t and frankly, in rush-hour traffic, it’s a chore that I no longer care to be bothered with).

I drove a couple of previous generation new MINI’s, a 2003 and a 2006, both automatics. They were pigs. Nonetheless, something possessed me to order a 2007 auto, filled with faith that the auto tranny would be more responsive. It is. Whereas the R53′s didn’t seem to move until over-revved at 6000 rpm, this one kicks in in all gears. I’m very satisfied, but my needs were much more pedestrian, I guess Ã¢â‚¬â€œ A fun and funky car with a decent auto tranny. I like nice cars, but I’m not an “enthusiast”, I suppose. In Seattle, and I-5 gridlock, there are few opportunities for enthusiast driving, but it’s nimble and zippy around town and can dart in and out of traffic quickly. I fully can’t compare it to the R53, but the R53′s I tried didn’t do it for me, sorry R53 fanatics. For me, the R56 is my first MINI and I will judge the next gen MINI against this one and may end up hatin’ it just the way R53′ers hate the R56. And it might be tinged of jealously towards the new model, which is what I think some R56 critics currently possess.
slag1911

GZ…. the R56 engine is sourced from Japan… there is nothing anti-R56 about this fact. I do find it amusing that a R56 fan such as yourself would consider this a slam… but soon enough your will be back touting this as another example of “R56 refinement” when you read your own window sticker… such is the case of the uninformed.
Nigel

Kurt, is not jealously or sour grapes…. The R56 is half baked effort at best.

It sounds like you previously test drove R50 Cooper CVTs. You never drove the R53 Cooper S Manual or automatic. Not a good comparison against a R56 MC auto which I have driven before. Admitedly a very nice car to drive.

Again I own a gorgeous R53, free and clear. I was looking forward to the next MINI but was dissapointed after repeated test drives. The new car has potential but is not there yet.

My R53 simply gets better with time and mileage, like the finest of wines. Frank Stephenson’s R53 MINI is a timeless classic and a cut above the highly processed and cosy cut ridden R56 MINI under Hildebrand’s watch.

-Nigel
Nigel

Last night I was perusing NAM and found that member Ryephile is selling his Astro Black R56 S not even 2 months into ownership! But here is the kicker…. Ryan was a very enthusiastic supporter of the R56 and he has owned 2 R53s prior (2003 & 2004). He essentially says that the new car is “too damn refined around town” and bores him to tears!!! He is going back either to a R50 or R53 MINI.

May be Slag1911 is right after all. MINI has managed to transform one of the most sought after pocket rockets in the market into a Toyota Camry.

I see more R56 dissertions…. And Ryan is not the first one dumping a new R56 and going back to a first gen MINI….ouch!

-Nigel
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gz

Uninformed? Try uninterested. I don’t care if the engine comes from Jupiter, the R56 smokes the R53. As a former ’05 triple JCW owner I am pleased with the’07. Ticky tack details like “the wipers are from Costa Rica” frankly bore me.
slag1911

Boring is the key to this whole discussion now, isn’t it? The R56 is a bland and cost cutting result of what once was the hottest import in years… and best hold on to that R56, the legendary resale of the R53 has also been lost in the redesign, as the number of R56′s sitting on dealers lots can attest to… enjoy your Sentra trouncing R56!
gz

ZZZZZZ….oh, sorry. Did you say something?
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