Comments on: MINI Clubman Q&A (Part 1) http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/ MINI Cooper news, reviews and opinion. Sun, 21 Mar 2010 17:04:44 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: R55 lifesapn?? - MINI2 - MINI Forum http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-209862 R55 lifesapn?? - MINI2 - MINI Forum Thu, 28 Feb 2008 18:09:27 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/#comment-209862 <p>[...] Motoringfile says Quote: Gabe Feb 21st, 2008 Link I’ve tried asking this question in several places including here with no firm answer; what’s the lifespan suppose to be for the R55 Clubman before it’s replaced??? I’m trying to gauge whether or not I’ll be buying this generation or the next?? The Clubman will be in production for around seven years. Granted this is a US based siteMotoringFile » Archive » MINI Clubman Q&A (Part 1) [...]</p> [...] Motoringfile says Quote: Gabe Feb 21st, 2008 Link I’ve tried asking this question in several places including here with no firm answer; what’s the lifespan suppose to be for the R55 Clubman before it’s replaced??? I’m trying to gauge whether or not I’ll be buying this generation or the next?? The Clubman will be in production for around seven years. Granted this is a US based siteMotoringFile » Archive » MINI Clubman Q&A (Part 1) [...]

]]> By: Paul http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-209556 Paul Tue, 26 Feb 2008 15:06:54 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/#comment-209556 <p>Any reason why that added defrost wiring to the driver's side rear window (window between B & c pillars) but not the passenger side window (between the clubdoor and C pillar...)?</p> Any reason why that added defrost wiring to the driver’s side rear window (window between B & c pillars) but not the passenger side window (between the clubdoor and C pillar…)?

]]> By: Patrick http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-209001 Patrick Sat, 23 Feb 2008 12:19:51 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/#comment-209001 <p>If anyone has a question like: How would the Clubman look like in Hot Chocolate/Black... here's the answer. I just picked up a brand new Cooper Clubman this morning. Sooo happy. Even though I had doubts about the color. I really love the combination with the black. Since I don't know how to put a spiffy little gallery in my post (or if it's even possible), here's a link to my Flickr site.</p> <p>[Hot Chocolate/Black MC Clubman]http://flickr.com/photos/pepperwhite/sets/72157603965432118/</p> <p>Greetings, Pat</p> If anyone has a question like: How would the Clubman look like in Hot Chocolate/Black… here’s the answer. I just picked up a brand new Cooper Clubman this morning. Sooo happy. Even though I had doubts about the color. I really love the combination with the black. Since I don’t know how to put a spiffy little gallery in my post (or if it’s even possible), here’s a link to my Flickr site.

[Hot Chocolate/Black MC Clubman]http://flickr.com/photos/pepperwhite/sets/72157603965432118/

Greetings, Pat

]]> By: Chris B. http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-208957 Chris B. Sat, 23 Feb 2008 02:16:43 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/#comment-208957 <p>Well, the Japanese have endless architectures and components to work with so they can afford to change ever so often because it's relatively cheap for them. BMW and the brands under the BMW AG umbrella are not what you'd call generic brands and have limited volumes when compared with the Japanese. Aside from that, because of higher standards of engineering that BMW and other premium brands subscribe to there is the associated higher R&D cost; developing new models and platforms is not cheap so costs need to be spread out within limited means. In the future you'll probably see BMW doing more collaboration with neighboring competitors, such as the rumored collaboration with Daimler AG for future small car development. However that deal may have fallen through by now.</p> Well, the Japanese have endless architectures and components to work with so they can afford to change ever so often because it’s relatively cheap for them. BMW and the brands under the BMW AG umbrella are not what you’d call generic brands and have limited volumes when compared with the Japanese. Aside from that, because of higher standards of engineering that BMW and other premium brands subscribe to there is the associated higher R&D cost; developing new models and platforms is not cheap so costs need to be spread out within limited means. In the future you’ll probably see BMW doing more collaboration with neighboring competitors, such as the rumored collaboration with Daimler AG for future small car development. However that deal may have fallen through by now.

]]> By: C4 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-208933 C4 Fri, 22 Feb 2008 22:06:57 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/#comment-208933 <p>Most Japanese cars see 5 year production cycles. American cars typically have longer cycles.</p> <p>I agree on that cars should not change so drastically every so often.</p> Most Japanese cars see 5 year production cycles. American cars typically have longer cycles.

I agree on that cars should not change so drastically every so often.

]]> By: Chris B. http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-208929 Chris B. Fri, 22 Feb 2008 21:14:42 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/#comment-208929 <p>Seven years is the typical lifespan for most cars. Personally I think it should be slightly longer than that, but yeh, it's typically 7 years. Changing every five would simply be spending too much R&D money, and apparently BMW plans on cutting back on R&D costs in the future to further increase earning/profit potential.</p> Seven years is the typical lifespan for most cars. Personally I think it should be slightly longer than that, but yeh, it’s typically 7 years. Changing every five would simply be spending too much R&D money, and apparently BMW plans on cutting back on R&D costs in the future to further increase earning/profit potential.

]]> By: Calogero http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-208916 Calogero Fri, 22 Feb 2008 19:01:40 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/#comment-208916 <p>Seven years is a great time frame. Hopefully we can see some nice little tweaks and new developments with the Clubman.</p> <p>Personally I'd like to see the interior/dash return to the old form as was in the 2006 era.</p> Seven years is a great time frame. Hopefully we can see some nice little tweaks and new developments with the Clubman.

Personally I’d like to see the interior/dash return to the old form as was in the 2006 era.

]]> By: c4 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-208893 c4 Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:07:53 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/#comment-208893 <p>Aussom, supposedly spare parts for a discontinued car must be made or kept for about 10-15 years after the model has gone out of production.</p> <p>Maybe someone with better knowledge may want to chime in.</p> Aussom, supposedly spare parts for a discontinued car must be made or kept for about 10-15 years after the model has gone out of production.

Maybe someone with better knowledge may want to chime in.

]]> By: c4 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-208892 c4 Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:06:45 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/#comment-208892 <p>Gabe, are you sure the R55 will be produced for 7 years? That is good news, but that sounds like an aweful long amount of time for a car to be produced. The 1st gen MINIs were produced in 5 year cycle runs:</p> <p>R50/53 (2001-2006) R52 Cabrio (2004-2008)</p> <p>But the longer the car is made, the better for resale value.</p> Gabe, are you sure the R55 will be produced for 7 years? That is good news, but that sounds like an aweful long amount of time for a car to be produced. The 1st gen MINIs were produced in 5 year cycle runs:

R50/53 (2001-2006) R52 Cabrio (2004-2008)

But the longer the car is made, the better for resale value.

]]> By: Aussom http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-208877 Aussom Fri, 22 Feb 2008 13:52:41 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/#comment-208877 <p>"The Clubman will be in production for around seven years." Does that also mean that spare parts will be available from BMW for a further 12 years afterwards?</p> <p>I had to wait almost 6 months for the bonnet scoop foam spare on my 2002 MCS to arrive from Germany last year as I was advised that it had to go through a production run. Is there any indication on how much longer the R53 MCS spare parts will still be available for - and can we expect longer delays with obtaining spare parts from Germany?</p> “The Clubman will be in production for around seven years.” Does that also mean that spare parts will be available from BMW for a further 12 years afterwards?

I had to wait almost 6 months for the bonnet scoop foam spare on my 2002 MCS to arrive from Germany last year as I was advised that it had to go through a production run. Is there any indication on how much longer the R53 MCS spare parts will still be available for – and can we expect longer delays with obtaining spare parts from Germany?

]]> By: Chris B. http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-208852 Chris B. Fri, 22 Feb 2008 05:47:26 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/#comment-208852 <p>^Thank you sir!!! FINALLY, an answer.</p> ^Thank you sir!!! FINALLY, an answer.

]]> By: Gabe http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-208844 Gabe Fri, 22 Feb 2008 03:59:23 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/#comment-208844 <blockquote> <p>I’ve tried asking this question in several places including here with no firm answer; what’s the lifespan suppose to be for the R55 Clubman before it’s replaced??? I’m trying to gauge whether or not I’ll be buying this generation or the next??</p> </blockquote> <p>The Clubman will be in production for around seven years.</p>

I’ve tried asking this question in several places including here with no firm answer; what’s the lifespan suppose to be for the R55 Clubman before it’s replaced??? I’m trying to gauge whether or not I’ll be buying this generation or the next??

The Clubman will be in production for around seven years.

]]> By: Chris B. http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-208819 Chris B. Thu, 21 Feb 2008 23:17:58 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/#comment-208819 <p>Just five years!?!?!? That's wwayy too short. I'ts normally about seven years for the lifespan of a car, even thought I know the last generation Cooper was with us for only 5 years they have to have changed the number by now???</p> Just five years!?!?!? That’s wwayy too short. I’ts normally about seven years for the lifespan of a car, even thought I know the last generation Cooper was with us for only 5 years they have to have changed the number by now???

]]> By: C4 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-208814 C4 Thu, 21 Feb 2008 21:50:49 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/#comment-208814 <p>Chris, lemme take a guess here... Clubman (R55) introduced...2008. Add 5 years.. That puts the last production year of this car at or around 2013.</p> <p>Hope this helps!</p> Chris, lemme take a guess here… Clubman (R55) introduced…2008. Add 5 years.. That puts the last production year of this car at or around 2013.

Hope this helps!

]]> By: Chris B. http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-208812 Chris B. Thu, 21 Feb 2008 21:42:12 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/#comment-208812 <p>I've tried asking this question in several places including here with no firm answer; what's the lifespan suppose to be for the R55 Clubman before it's replaced??? I'm trying to gauge whether or not I'll be buying this generation or the next??</p> I’ve tried asking this question in several places including here with no firm answer; what’s the lifespan suppose to be for the R55 Clubman before it’s replaced??? I’m trying to gauge whether or not I’ll be buying this generation or the next??

]]> By: bar http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-208789 bar Thu, 21 Feb 2008 18:52:12 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/#comment-208789 <p>Will a JCW Clubman really cost in the high 30s to 40K(US MSRP)? I was thinking somewhere between 30-34K?</p> Will a JCW Clubman really cost in the high 30s to 40K(US MSRP)? I was thinking somewhere between 30-34K?

]]> By: c4 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-208764 c4 Thu, 21 Feb 2008 16:15:57 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/#comment-208764 <p>While I generrally consider myself a fan of Jezza, I think he totally missed the boat on this one. The R56 and Clubman powertrain layouts are indentical to each other. How he did never experience torque steer in the R56 but a year later did in the Clubman with the same mechanicals is quite frankly beyond me.</p> <p>But then again Jeeza is known to praise and bash (at the same time) 2 identical cars whose only differences are in trim/badge or body style.</p> While I generrally consider myself a fan of Jezza, I think he totally missed the boat on this one. The R56 and Clubman powertrain layouts are indentical to each other. How he did never experience torque steer in the R56 but a year later did in the Clubman with the same mechanicals is quite frankly beyond me.

But then again Jeeza is known to praise and bash (at the same time) 2 identical cars whose only differences are in trim/badge or body style.

]]> By: RoccoRocket http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-208761 RoccoRocket Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:59:02 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/#comment-208761 <blockquote> <p>But not as wearing as the torque steer. I do not know why the Clubman is so badly affected when the normal car, with exactly the same engine, is not. But I do know that there is no point paying extra for satellite navigation, because this is a car that goes where the camber of the road dictates. You, the man behind the wheel, have no say at all.</p> <p>And woe betide the chap who decides to put his foot down hard coming off a greasy roundabout, because what happens next, in my experience, gets perilously close to dangerous. At best, it appears to be an extreme flaw. Jeremy Clarkson's review.</p> </blockquote> <p>Did you experence massive torque steer?</p>

But not as wearing as the torque steer. I do not know why the Clubman is so badly affected when the normal car, with exactly the same engine, is not. But I do know that there is no point paying extra for satellite navigation, because this is a car that goes where the camber of the road dictates. You, the man behind the wheel, have no say at all.

And woe betide the chap who decides to put his foot down hard coming off a greasy roundabout, because what happens next, in my experience, gets perilously close to dangerous. At best, it appears to be an extreme flaw. Jeremy Clarkson’s review.

Did you experence massive torque steer?

]]> By: c4 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-208757 c4 Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:28:15 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/#comment-208757 <p>I appreciate the responses.</p> I appreciate the responses.

]]> By: ontheroadagain http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-208755 ontheroadagain Thu, 21 Feb 2008 14:16:27 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/21/mini-clubman-qa-part-1/#comment-208755 <p>Thanks so much for your responses!</p> Thanks so much for your responses!

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