MF Exclusive: MINI’s Mid Life-Cycle Refresh

Sections: R55 (Clubman) | R56 (Hatch) | R57 (Conv.) Jan 3rd, 2008 76 Comments

As is customary with BMW products, the current generation MINIs (The R55, R56 and R57 included) will undergo a mild mid-model cycle facelift sometime during it production run. While we don’t have details on the exact new look, we can shed some light on the time frame of the change. But before we do that, first let’s take a look back. The R50/R53 had it’s own nip and tuck back in the summer of 2004 (for the 2005 model year) almost 3 years to the day after it’s UK introduction and a little over two years after it was introduced in most other parts of the world (including the US).

At the time it was seen as a relatively quick facelift meant to deal with a number of teething problems early MINI owners experienced. However if you look at the general timeframe, it really didn’t differ from the typical BMW approach of mildly refreshing a model line-up around three years after its introduction. And like the R50/R53, we expect the R55, R56, R57 facelift to happen exactly three years after the introduction of the first model of the current generation – in this case the R56 in late 2006. That means we should see the first refreshed cars in late 2009 as 2010 models.

According to sources, we expect the 2nd generation facelift to be a little less thorough than what we saw with the R50/R53 in 2004. As is typical for BMW, we should expect a mild refresh of the front and rear facia with a slight redesign of the headlights and taillights. However, where the R50/R53 saw seemingly countless component changes in and outside the car, we can expect BMW to not be quite as drastic with the current generation MINI. While we personally hope the center stack design and radio interface is re-evaluated, we wouldn’t be surprised if the changes to the interior are a bit more subtle and focus on upgrades in material quality rather than outright design changes.

And like MINI’s R0/R53 mid-model cycle upgrades, we also might see a slight performance upgrade. Although how that is accomplished is pure speculation at this point.

All told, it would seem that changes to the 2010 MINI range will be a little less dramatic than what we saw with the 2005 cars and it certainly shouldn’t stop anyone from considering an ’08 or ’09 MINI. Especially with the Clubman and factory JCW models coming on line for the 2008 model year and rumors or a 50th anniversary MINI for the 2009.

Written By: Gabe

lavardera

I like the retro feel of the R50/53 speedo – its very seductive, but at the same time it disturbs me that its phony. We all know the gauges are digitally activated and the temperature gauge does not objectively follow the temperature of the coolant like a real gauge. The R56 speedo is guilty of the same. This stuff bugs me – I don’t like when design is patronizingly retro and that’s how the old dash makes me feel. The R56 treatment feels more like a car designed in its own time – more real and less like a disney ride.
http://mydrive.roadfly.com/blog/asakowsk/ Andy S.

With a mid cycle refresh, there are only so many things any car maker can do, mostly due to cost constraints. For example, the sheet metal is almost never touched.

Knowing that, here is my wish list of reasonable improvements (most of which were already mentioned)

1) A better looking non-JCW aero kit 2) A few more reasonably priced 17″ wheel options 3) Make the grill color/style be an option 4) MCS fake hood scoop delete option 5) A chrono pack option. By shrinking the center speedometer to a more modest size (even slightly smaller than the R50/R53 size), there is plenty of space in that huge round portion of the center stack for a few more gauges. Functional and better looking.
terrie

I am dreaming of a Turquoise body color with a white roof and mirrors..very 50′s..and a hit on that peace pipe…
pete

bump up the displacement to 2.0 give it 200 horsepower.

actually let it compete with a gti and civic si
O(=^=)OCapn

bring back … the R53
pocket_rocket

I traded my 04S and have missed it ever since. Honestly, it is one of the worst decisions I have made regarding cars. I took it very hard the day of trade to say the least.

I promised myself another but ONLY when they get the center stack right. That gaping space with a knob in the middle looks TERRIBLE.

I hope they address this and if not then who knows when my next MINI will appear.

Cheers!
pocket_rocket

I traded my 04S and have missed it ever since. Honestly, it is one of the worst decisions I have made regarding cars. I took it very hard the day of trade to say the least.

I promised myself another but ONLY when they get the center stack right. That gaping space with a knob in the middle looks TERRIBLE.

I hope they address this and if not then who knows when my next MINI will appear.

Cheers!
greg

PR. Go find an ’06 or a MCSC. I plan to order a new one in fall ’08 as to stay in a R53 as long as possible.
SpeedPedal

Totally agree with those who dislike the center stack and radio controls. While the size of the new speedo is not objectionable per se, in all other respects it is overdone and poorly integrated. I would never consider giving up my ’05 R53 for an R56 for this reason alone — a major design flaw that never should have gotten past R & D.
knightowl71

pocket_rocket Jan 9th, 2008 Link I traded my 04S and have missed it ever since. Honestly, it is one of the worst decisions I have made regarding cars. I took it very hard the day of trade to say the least.

What did you trade your 04S for? I am thinking of trading my 03S but am having a hard time letting it go.

I definately do not want an R56.
B

Really not clear why the regenerative brakes and auto start/stop are not yet available on the US cars! Gives 15/20% better fuel economy (compare US with Euro mileage). We know the US is land of the gas guzzler but this is really a little mindless since its standard everywhere else.
Steve Swytak

We need Chris Bangle design some sharp creases in the middle of the doors and side panels. O yeah!! Also, it needs to be maybe 2.5″ longer and an inch or two wider. Maybe 100 pounds heavier. Soften the shocks just a little please, so I don’t feel the botts dots and seams in the road. That is all I ask. Oh yeah, a little more leg and elbow room for rear passengers. A little more Camryesque.
swr

why can’t mini bring the british green and saddle combo. Saddle convertiable top with british green is beautiful.
Luke

I agree with “Ian F”, the sideward headlights of the R56 are a step backwards. I can’t get used to this dumb fish look! Unfortunately the headlights won’t change, that’s too much redesign for a facelift.

But I still hope the center stack design and radio WILL be redesigned. Yes, get back to the simple and functional design philosphy!

These two changes are reason enough for me to pass on a new R56 while my R53 still works fine – despite the nice new motors, increased comfort and other neat advances of the R56
Phillip

I don’t see a problem at all with the center stack. It is better than the older model which looks like the 90′s black plastic and all the old german buttons. I think the finish and materials are cheap and need to be upgraded but not anything else. Plus I like the new headlights better the lower hood and the headlights on the R53 looks like the first neon.
Michael Berliner

c4 and js sum up my feelings completely. The new MINI is a piece of @#$%, and I would not buy one in a million years. My ’08 MCS convertible was recently in the shop for a week to get its top repaired. I was given an ’08 MC as a loaner. It was a terrible car – I was so happy to get back into my ’08 MCS convertible, and will not buy a new MINI – BMW have ruined an icon with their corporate budgets and designers. Yuk!
Demon

Everyone is entitled to their opinion….
Sonny C.

c4 is definitely right: darn fix those headlights !!! The straight lights of the R53 were so much nicer to look at than the “dumb fish” ones of the new Mini2. The grille of the new Mini2 is horrible, a chrome option for the Cooper S would be a huge step going forward. If you also resize the the speedo and fix the center console then I’m gonna buy a new MCS right away after lifecycle refresh. If you don’t I’ll just stay with my current MCS or look elsewhere for a neat little racer.
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Bernie

I would like to see the roof raised by increasing the height of the windshield and all other windows.

It would make it easier for us taller drivers to see overhead signs, and make for better visibility allaround.

It would also be truer to the original Mini look and practicality. The current MINI has a much different ratio of glass to sheetmetal.

Not all that great, unless taking your styling cues from Toyota is the way to go. I hope they don’t try to mimic Toyota handling next.

How about offering a sunroof option that gives you a sliding solid sunblocker, instead of glass over the backseat. If you cared much about the backseat passengers, why not get the Clubman?
Scott

Bernie,

You need to get a LightInSight for your windshield. http://www.lightinsight.com/

I have the same problem as you in my MINI with seeing stop lights. The funny thing is I also have the same problem in my wife’s Tahoe.

-Scott
JC

Okay… seriously? the new mini’s are beyond UGLY. maybe the outside isn’t that bad, but the interior just looks plastic and feels plastic AND cheap. We have a 2006 MCS Parklane, which you can’t buy anymore, which sucks. Unfortunately we had a crash a few days ago, and we might need to get a new car. we looked at the new minis but they are very…. unappealing. Why can’t they just make the damn new one’s as nice as the older ones??? is that not the point of a new design? to make it better? Our mini had the european leather trim, with chrome around all features and double dials infront of the steering wheel.

sigh
Brad

You know I really dont know get what eveyone is complaining about when it comes to the R56 and its quality. I am very happy with it, the center stack, and the entire look of the car. Anyone who isnt- maybe a mini just isnt right for you?
matt

We have an 07 MCS and an 04 MCS. I love the way the 04 looks – it is nearly flawless in style, proportion, relationship to the ground, etc. Inside is appropriately spartan. The 07: can not make the same statements about the exterior (17′s may help but this is the wife’s car) but I have come to accept the interior, particularly the improved seats. The spedo is annoyingly large but I am usually looking at the road. The major difference, and why I am trying to sell the 04 and adopt the 07 as my own, is the fuel efficiency and the torque / acceleration. Even without the sport button engaged the 07 leaves the 04 in the dust. It is totally quick and has punch from 65-85. We switched cars last week – verdict: the 04 drives like a go-tank, and I am trying to find a way to get over the exterior. The avg 35/mpg helps.
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Kevin

1)bring back a chrono gauge pack option( water,fuel,oil temp and oil pressure …or boost gauge for the turbo) 2)offer at least a boost gauge for the Cooper S as a stand alone option 3)Make the hood scoop a functional cold air system on the S 4)Reduce the size of the speedo and take the radio out of it. 5) How about different colors for the roof (vs. just black or white or monotone). What about BRG, SIlver, Burgundy, Chrome, blue…. 6)New body colors such as lime,orange,teal,copper,ruby,steel blue metallic,purple 7)Give me back my water temp gauge and add an oil pressure gauge as standard 8) What about some different colored —fabric— sport seats (Red? Blue? similar to Corbeau’s or Recaro’s) 9) how about some hood vents to vent the hot air from the engine. 10)side molding as an option 11)a “Bulldog” hard core ,no frills Cooper or Cooper S priced well below a JCW version. 12)A version with no chrome (flat black trim)

Whacha think people?

oops excuse me I am drooling.sorry.

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