Comments on: R52 MINI Convertible Production Ending

By: PGT

PGT — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 23:06:18 +0000

C4…just saw your Q….we at one point tried to install the M7 USS but it didn’t clear the Milltek exhaust. It did help though I would have swapped to the proper fitting TSW brace when it came out if we kept the R52.

By: R57 vs. R52 Should I wait? - MINI2 - MINI Forum

R57 vs. R52 Should I wait? - MINI2 - MINI Forum — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:20:47 +0000

[...] production for the US market is supposed to end this month, so I’m not sure if you can still order one built to your specifications. R57 production starts [...]

By: R57 vs. R52 Should I wait? - MINI2 - MINI Forum

R57 vs. R52 Should I wait? - MINI2 - MINI Forum — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:10:05 +0000

[...] production for the US market is supposed to end this month, so I’m not sure if you can still order one built to your [...]

By: akwaba

akwaba — Sat, 24 May 2008 18:18:11 +0000

Since 2001, my dream was the Frank’stephenson mini…a long wait for the R56 and finally say…”What have they done to the mini design :(, why all cars tend to be massive, botox like as all german cars”. Quickly, i have to buy an R53 before they…too late… no more R53. And one day (dec.2007) i saw a picture (never see it for real !) of THE mini cooper S Sidewalk sparkling silver.Stunning, state of the art, incredible… i didn’t miss the last chance to heard the supercharger,and drive this fabulous R52. Order april 1st, receive 6 months later. My dream come’s true, thank’s Mr Stephenson, thank’s a lot. I always think that’s sidewalk have been created by somes people at bmw…in “memory” of Franck Stephenson ;)

By: C4

C4 — Fri, 23 May 2008 18:06:38 +0000

PGT, did you have any brace bars on it?

By: PGT

PGT — Fri, 23 May 2008 11:49:40 +0000

We loved our R52, even driving with the top down from Cleveland OH back to DC two years ago this weekend (Memorial Day trip). The only complaint we had with it was the flexible chassis….the windshield header would vibrate…you could see it in the rear-view mirror. I didn’t notice it until I got my own R53 and then drove the wife’s car.

By: Mowse

Mowse — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:15:42 +0000

Frank, I have a thought for your next career move. COME BACK TO MINI FOR THE THIRD GENERATION!!!!!!!!

By: Bill

Bill — Wed, 21 May 2008 17:47:23 +0000

I will miss the Tritec. The new peugeut turbo engine sucks.

Look what BMW made this poor bunny do.

(Click on my name)

By: Gabe

Gabe — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:51:02 +0000

Frank is a motoringfile fan? Very COOL!

Yes Frank and I have been exchanging emails for over five years now. He's been a fan since almost the inception of the site.

By: C4

C4 — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:30:37 +0000

Quite a change from a LS430 to a MINI! But filling up that V8 Lexus must have gotten pretty old, I bet.

By: matt

matt — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:23:44 +0000

A co-worker and her husband just finalized their order for a Sidewalk R52 this past weekend. When doing so they were told theirs was one of if not the last spot available for production.

And they're trading in their 06 Lexus LS 430 for the MINI.

By: C4

C4 — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:08:18 +0000

Frank, best wishes in your next career move. I am sure there are many automakers right now that look forward to your experience, vision, integrity and impressive design portfolio.

DB, Todd and Gabe: I also second the suggestion for a "Live" WRR interview with Frank. That would make for a truly memorable podcast.

By: GoMiniGo

GoMiniGo — Wed, 21 May 2008 13:49:56 +0000

Frank is a motoringfile fan? Very COOL!

How about a era-ending interview with him?

One question that has always bugged me. Why did the rear license plate get moved from the rear bumper (in the original sketches) to the rear hatch? I have always wondered what real life rendition of that would have looked like. The sketches were GREAT!

oh yeah - 102k on my 02 MCS and still have a smile on my face.

By: David - Cabriopilot

David - Cabriopilot — Wed, 21 May 2008 10:54:44 +0000

I think BMW needs to rethink the direction they are taking the MINI. The key word here is “MINI” not MAXI-4Wheel-Stationwagen. What the R50/R53/R52 represent to me is a 1970′s muscle car hidden inside in a small sportscar frame with plenty of additude to boot. These models I believe will hold their value for quite some time because owners like myself will purchase them used when the time comes to buy another. Thank You Frank for giving me the opportunity to become a very proud owner of an R52.

By: GregW

GregW — Wed, 21 May 2008 08:52:48 +0000

I have to say that Frank’s design is my favorite. I just wish he would have stayed on at MINI. The changes made in the R56 are like R53 on steriods. Frank – if you are reading this – a question. What do you think of the R56 and the changes made to your design?

By: Eelke

Eelke — Wed, 21 May 2008 06:48:45 +0000

(last of the R5x architecture)

?? I understand what you are trying to say, but what about R56, R55, R57, R58? I'd try and find a different wording, because this just doesn't make sense :)

Maybe "last of the R50-based cars"?

By: lavardera

lavardera — Wed, 21 May 2008 01:47:26 +0000

Whew. You know, I loved that story till the sappy ending…

By: gmini

gmini — Wed, 21 May 2008 01:44:03 +0000

and me!

By: Ian C.

Ian C. — Wed, 21 May 2008 01:13:41 +0000

I wasn't ;)

It's VERY cool to know that the actual MINI designer visits this website - somehow it makes everything that much more personal, which I suppose is what the MINI is about :)

Once again, I expect the "new new" MINI convertible will be successful, like the R56 is ... but too different for some of the "old timers" (like me!)

By: gmini

gmini — Tue, 20 May 2008 22:53:37 +0000

And if youâ€™re wondering, yes that was the webmaster, Gabe Bridger. ;P