Long time no speak!

WOW! Now that’s a really great looking MINI if I do say so myself.

I’ve just placed an order for a similarly speced R56 MINI (including nav, PDC, Hi-Fi, and the VDC installed iPod adapter). I just can’t get over how cool the new nav interface is when compared to my R53 (the PDC integration is totally wild and I think that I might even like it a bit better than the rear-view camera I installed on my R53). Kudos to MINI. I’m looking forward to figuring out an aux video input for the new nav just as I did for the old one.

This will be our fourth MINI in less than three years (including the lemon that had to be bought back by MINI USA if you remember). I’m really looking forward to the new car.

If you remember, I was one of the few who got up close and personal with the prototype R56 (long ago) and I absolutely hated the new interior. However, after seeing how nice it looks with the new nav system and all of the other really cool interior options, I’m starting to think that I might like it more than my 05 R53. The new R56 sure drives great. You gotta love that torque! I test drove one with the air on and it didn’t make any difference whatsoever. The air on my 19% modded R53 simply sucks the life right out of the motor at low revs.

Take care.

– MIKE

AWESOME!

How much difference is there between the JCW Aero kit and the Aero kit that comes with the HyperSport package? I opted for the HyperSport package because I don’t think it comes with the side vents (which look good on yours in black but not particularly good on BRG)

I’m Diggin’ the “ring” decal. I need to get a “Bitte ein Bitt” sticker for the back of mine. :-)

How much wind noise is there with the sunroof open?

This one is a variant of it that adds more style and exudes sporty class. Once you switch to a leather interior, it’s very hard to go back!

Also- the armrest is the most rinky dinky peice of dooky I have ever seen. Were you able to remove it without causing damage to the rest of the interior?

In the photo taken in your garage, or someones garage. There is a red/white car with what looks like the new roof rack system. Is that also yours? How do you like the way it attaches to the roof?

Any thing you can share about the new racks would be appreciated. You could post it here or PM me.

From the information available at the dealer it seemed that they were more complicated to install than the first edition racks.

Thanks again for a great and insightful review.

John

Amen. They nailed the steering in the first generation car. I test drove an R56 and was completely underwhelmed with the steering feel. It felt quite… ordinary.

I had an R56 Cooper S loaner yesterday, and found it pops and burbles even more than my R53! This was a car with stock exhaust. Needless to say I didn’t turn on the radio.

I think it is a real pity the pops are not available in your market.

In terms of handling, the R56 definately needs sports suspension, IMHO. The standard suspension does not compare to the R53 in terms of that feeling of connectedness.

I hope that once I hand the 2003 over to its new owner, and can’t drive it anymore, I can become comfortable with the 2007.