Sections: R57 (Conv.) Nov 29th, 2008 46 Comments 
Among the many bit of official information released yesterday with the introduction of the R57 MINI Convertible was final US pricing. Likely due to increased content on the cars (the MCc now comes standard with 16″ wheels for instance) the general weakness of the dollar and other conditions of the world economy prices have risen slightly. The MINI Cooper Convertible has gone from $22,600 to $24,550, a $1950 increase. For the Cooper S Convertible prices have risen from $26,050 to $27,450, a $1400 increase. All these prices include destination charges.
These prices reflect a substantially higher increase than the R56 saw over the R50 and R53. However given the current economic climate and the weakness of the dollar it isn’t entirely unexpected.
Cars are scheduled to be at US dealers March 28th with similar dates are scheduled for other world markets. Prototype production has already begun at the Oxford plant with final spec cars scheduled to go down the line early next year once the plant re-opens from it’s extended December holiday.
Bill Nov 29th, 2008 Link
Weak dollar? It was weak, but not as much today. MCc = major profit for MINI. I guess since it was developed during a time period of a weak dollar it should be priced accordingly? Hmmm.
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Demon Nov 29th, 2008 Link
Hmmmm – Interesting how you guys have this information, yet dealers do not….
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C4 Nov 29th, 2008 Link
Jalopnik.com had already posted the new R57 USA prices as of yesterday morning.
ReplyJalopnik.com had already posted the new R57 USA prices as of yesterday morning.
They were posted yesterday morning here too in our large r57 article. We just wanted to pull them out for a separate story today so we could elaborate on it a bit.
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dave Nov 29th, 2008 Link
that is quite a price hike. at that kind of price, i’d look elsewhere for a drop top. makes the hardtop looks like a bargain…maybe that’s the plan
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C4 Nov 29th, 2008 Link
I would love to have a drop top someday. But with a 10% price hike over the previous R52, this car is hard to swallow financially. Here I am thinking that a BMW 1 series convertible is a much better deal under the “European Delivery Program” as you pay 20% less than picking it up at your local dealer, get to drive in Europe (BMW even throws plane tickets for two in Lufthansa and 30 day road insurance) and quite frankly, you’ll get a car that is heads and shoulders above the MINI. I love the MINI but when these cars start to intrude in BMW 1 series price territory, one begins to wonder.
Oh and no rear airbag head protection for back seat passengers in the R57 is a deal braker for me.
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C4 Nov 29th, 2008 Link
Correction… Euro delivery option with BMW saves you an average of 7%-8% off sticker price over purchasing and picking up the car at your local dealer. Still, it is hard to argue with a BMW 128i ragtop that be be purchased for $31K and change under the Euro delivery program.
Seems to me MINI is pricing themselves ot of the market with every product launch.
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JonPD Nov 29th, 2008 Link
Not to suprised to see this sale price, the economy is not doing anything to allow Mini to hold prices stable.
The price point between the 1 series and Mini brand is nothing new really. Many have already looked at this issue between the cars already. Still don’t think the price increase is going to distract many potential owners.
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greg Nov 29th, 2008 Link
Cool. Makes the value of my ‘08 cabrio even higher. Hey I don’t blame Mini for bumping the prices the way these sell. Plus, I’m glad because I don’t want to see these everywhere like a PT Cruiser.
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illegalhunter Nov 29th, 2008 Link
the £ has tanked 25% against the $ since July.The $ isnt that weak.If the private Fed would stop printing money with nothing to back it , you guys woul be ok. A $ in 1913 when the fed stared, had the buying power of $23 now. Infation is the cruelest tax of them all. End the Fed now while the $ has some value
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Timothy Nov 29th, 2008 Link
Weak dollar?!?! I’m not sure what you’re talking about. The U.S. dollar over the past couple or three months has been one of the strongest major currencies in the world, second perhaps only to the Japanese yen. The British pound is under $1.54 now, which is almost back near the low level it was when BMW first introduced the MINI to the U.S. market in March, 2002.
There’s no external reason for it: this is a big price increase in the midst of a failing economy — even bigger when translated back into British pounds — and BMW owns it all. Let’s not try to invent excuses.
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Hai Nov 29th, 2008 Link
Only time will tell how this increase will affect sales of convertibles.
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Cabrio King Nov 29th, 2008 Link
Oh my god!! Where the fu*K is the JCW Cabrio?!?! You guys promised it’d be out at the same time as the regular models!!!
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Badburro Nov 29th, 2008 Link
I agree with the above posts that the MINI cabrio has now priced itself into BMW 1 series category. If I was to purchase another convertible now, it would definitely not be a MINI and most likely a 1 series. I’ll be keeping my R52 for awhile…
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GregW Nov 30th, 2008 Link
The slight price increase is surely worth the extra goodies. Its called inflation. More for more. Lets face it, MINI is BMW, except for the FWD and shape – the engineering shares similar 1 series components. Its called rationalization.
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GregW Nov 30th, 2008 Link
Good news for those in the US Forces – BMW have a special deal for front line troops on tour of duty.
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Holly Nov 30th, 2008 Link
I guess it makes me happier to keep my 2002 BW 330Ci convertible. It doesn’t even have 6,000 miles on it and even though I wanted the Cabrio I love my Clubman too. At least I have one MINI to keep the smile on my face. And the 330 is a nice ride, just need to take her out more often.
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Mark Nov 30th, 2008 Link
Why does it matter what they are priced? They sell for what they sell for. BMW can hang a $1 million price tag on them and people will either buy them or not. Last I checked nobody is being escorted into dealers and forced to purchase them.
Overpriced? Perhaps. The free market will decide through competition.
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jkp Nov 30th, 2008 Link
x2 on the BMW 128i convertible pricing. Word on the street is that those things are going off the lot at $500 – $1,000 over invoice right now, which puts a low-option Bimmer at around $33k + tax including automatic transmission. In the USA. European Delivery would be about $31k with automatic — under $30k with manual. (Again, w/o options or tax).
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Ian Nov 30th, 2008 Link
Do those special prices for US forces also apply to our NATO allies? If so, where do I go to find them??!!
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lavardera Nov 30th, 2008 Link
I thought the 128i conv starts above 29k, and the 135i conv above 35k. How does the R57 pricing invade on that? I don’t get it. You folks are way off base.
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JonPD Nov 30th, 2008 Link
Lav but if you end up building the two cars with similar equipment the price point narrows considerably since by default BMW’s generally come with a better base package than Mini’s tend to do.
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lavardera Nov 30th, 2008 Link
Well be my guest to build away and report back.
Myself, I’m a low option consumer so its not going to ring true for me. Furthermore when you peak out on a CooperS, your next price point up is a lower performing 128i, and you need to ply on another 5-7k to get back into the performance range with a 135i.
So I just don’t see it no matter how you option them.
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C4 Dec 1st, 2008 Link
Lav, I am the same way. I like to purchase my cars with as little options as possible. Less is more.
And continuing with the discussion of the BMW 128i convertible vs the new MINI R57 S Cabrio, I built myself a very, very lightly optioned 2009 BMW 128i Convertible as follows:
2009 BMW 128i Convertible
3.0 Liter-DOHC (230HP) Rear wheel drive
Base MSRP $33,800 Crimson Red $0 Black soft top $0 Black leatherette $0 High gloss black trim $0 iPod and USB adapter $400 Premium HI-FI system $875 Destination and handling $825
Total MSRP as built $35,900
4 years/50K mile warranty = Included 4 years/50K mile Maintenance program = Included 4 years/Unlimited mileage roadside assistance = Included.
With European delivery option (Which MINI to this day continues to refuse to offer to US customers) this car will be about 7% discounted bringing the price down to: $33,387 That is a freaking smoking deal on a brand new BMW convertible with a six cylinder engine. By the time you add afew options in the MINI R57 or a few packages, you will already be at the price point of the 128i. And the Bimmer has way more standard equipment than the R57 S as you will see in a moment.
BMW throws in tickets for 2 via Lufthansa (Miami-Frankfurt non-stop 747-400 service), 30 days free road insurance in Europe, Free transporation from the airport to the BMW delivery center in Munich, free visit to the BMW museum, etc.
2009 128i Convertible Standard Features
Performance and efficiency • 3.0-liter dual overhead cam (DOHC), 24-valve inline 230-hp 6-cylinder engine with composite magnesium/ aluminum engine block, Valvetronic, and Double-VANOS steplessly variable valve timing
• Electronic throttle control
• 6-speed manual transmission
Handling, ride and braking • Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), including Brake Fade Compensation, Start-off Assistant, Brake Drying, and Brake Stand-by features, with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
• Extensive aluminum componentry, including front suspension components (forged-aluminum lower arms); subframe; steering rack; and brake components
• Aluminum double-pivot spring and strut-type suspension
• Five-link fully independent rear suspension in lightweight steel
• Front and rear anti-roll (stabilizer) bars
• Twin-tube gas-pressure shock absorbers
• 4-wheel ventilated anti-lock disc brakes with Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
Exterior and aerodynamics • 16 x 7.0 V Spoke (Style 255) light alloy wheels and 205/55 run-flat1 all-season tires
• Halogen free-form front foglights
• Heated dual power mirrors and heated windshield washer jets
• Chrome-plated exhaust tips
• Gray-band windshield
• Fully lined power-folding automatic softtop with heated glass rear window and electric rear defroster
• Black softtop
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C4 Dec 1st, 2008 Link
2009 128i Convertible Standard Features Performance and efficiency • 3.0-liter dual overhead cam (DOHC), 24-valve inline 230-hp 6-cylinder engine with composite magnesium/ aluminum engine block, Valvetronic, and Double-VANOS steplessly variable valve timing
• Electronic throttle control
• 6-speed manual transmission
Handling, ride and braking • Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), including Brake Fade Compensation, Start-off Assistant, Brake Drying, and Brake Stand-by features, with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
• Extensive aluminum componentry, including front suspension components (forged-aluminum lower arms); subframe; steering rack; and brake components
• Aluminum double-pivot spring and strut-type suspension
• Five-link fully independent rear suspension in lightweight steel
• Front and rear anti-roll (stabilizer) bars
• Twin-tube gas-pressure shock absorbers
• 4-wheel ventilated anti-lock disc brakes with Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
Exterior and aerodynamics • 16 x 7.0 V Spoke (Style 255) light alloy wheels and 205/55 run-flat1 all-season tires
• Halogen free-form front foglights
• Heated dual power mirrors and heated windshield washer jets
• Chrome-plated exhaust tips
• Gray-band windshield
• Fully lined power-folding automatic softtop with heated glass rear window and electric rear defroster
• Black softtop
• Chrome-line exterior trim
Interior seating and trim • 8-way adjustable front seats, including 2-way headrests
• Manual height adjustment for front passenger seat
• Leatherette upholstery
• High-Gloss Black trim
• 3-spoke leather-wrapped multi-function sport steering wheel with audio and hands-free phone2 controls
Comfort and convenience • Engine Start/Stop button
• Automatic climate control includes micro-filter, automatic air recirculation, left/right temperature control, “Convertible” mode, MAX A/C, heat at rest, and recall of individual user settings
• Front-door storage compartments
• Front-seat center armrest
• Front-seat cupholders
• Tilt/telescopic steering-wheel column
• Power front windows with “one-touch” up/down operation
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers and Automatic headlight control
• Cruise Control
Instrumentation and controls • Service Interval Indicator with miles-to-service readout
• Check Control vehicle monitor system with pictogram display, oil status display, and Condition Based Service indicator
• Tire Pressure Monitor
• On-board computer with Check Control provides feedback on the vehicle’s operating status: oil level indicator and distance to next service appointment/oil change, as well as other detailed information, such as spark plug and micro-filter status. It also provides travel information travel range on remaining fuel, external temperature, and more
Audio system • Anti-theft AM/FM stereo CD/MP3 player audio system with 10 speakers, Radio Data System (RDS), Auto-Store and 3-channel FM diversity antenna
• Auxiliary audio input for portable music players located in the center armrest
Safety and security • Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Adaptive Brake Lights
• BMW’s Advanced Safety System for integrated deployment of passive and active safety systems
• Rollover Protection System
• Driver’s and passenger’s front airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with advanced technology: dual-threshold, dual-stage deployment; and front-passenger seat sensors designed to prevent unnecessary airbag deployment
• Front passenger seat-occupation recognition with Passenger’s Airbag Off indicator
• Automatic safety-belt pretensioners at front seating positions
• Front-seat-mounted side-impact airbags
• Interlocking door anchoring system to help protect against door intrusion in side impacts
• Central locking system with center console switch (leaves gas filler door unlocked), double-lock feature and 2-step unlocking
• Coded Driveaway Protection
• Automatic-locking retractors (ALR) on all passenger-seat safety belts for installation of child-restraint seat
• LATCH attachments for child-restraint safety installation in rear seats
• Crash sensor that automatically turns on hazard lights and interior lights, and unlocks doors
• Programmable Daytime Running Lights
BMW Services • BMW Ultimate Service™
1 Run-flat tires do not come equipped with spare tire and wheel.
2 If equipped with optional Premium Package or BMW Assist™ Safety Services with Bluetooth® wireless technology. Requires BMW-approved Bluetooth enabled mobile phone.
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eager2own Dec 1st, 2008 Link
I’m too lazy to open up MINIusa.com — what is the price premium of the R57 MCc and the MCSc over their R56 hardtop counterparts?
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eager2own Dec 1st, 2008 Link
^ I understand the article states the price hike over the previous model of convertible (though I don’t agree with the logic behind it… or with your estimate of a 10% increase — it’s barely over 5% for the MCS). But I was wondering/asking about the price difference now between the R57 and the R56 hardtop. A direct comparison of starting price between the second and first gen. convertibles is partially justified by the new content (just like there was a difference in price between the R56 and the R53). After looking at miniusa.com, I see that’s about $5,000 to $5,500 (for the MCSc and MCc respectively)! That seems like too big a price premium for the convertible.
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Aaron Dec 1st, 2008 Link
C4 – How much of that 7% savings gets lost in paying shipping and import fees when you bring the car into the US? I’m not familiar with European delivery, and have not seen it as an economical way to purchase a new car, but rather a luxurious way to buy a car.
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eager2own Dec 1st, 2008 Link
^ The 7% savings are your bottom line savings to get the car in your driveway … except for whatever you spend in lodging, food, gas, etc while in Europe. I did it with my 325… and only wish MINI offered the same.
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eager2own Dec 1st, 2008 Link
^ by the way, bimmerfile.com has a great series of stories on European Delivery if you wish to learn more.
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Mark Smith Dec 1st, 2008 Link
Since when has BMW done Euro Delivery and given the Flight tickets in with the purchase???
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C4 Dec 1st, 2008 Link
http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/Experience/Events/EuropeanDelivery/PlanYourTrip.aspx
Current promotion…. One pays full airfare, second companion flies free on Lufthansa.
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Craig Dec 1st, 2008 Link
Let’s see… 128 Conv vs. Cooper S Conv.
Standard equipment is not significantly different.
Obviously the engine is bigger in the 1′er but the MINI is 635 lbs lighter. Standard wheel size is the same at 16″ on both. The BMW comes standard with auto climate control and heated washer jets and wing mirrors.
Some may also say that the standard dash trim is not equivalent.
So at $27,450 plus $500 for climate control, $250 for heated mirrors/jets, $250 for dash upgrade you get a total of $28,450. That is a difference of $6175. If your area does sales and or property taxes, those will be less on the MINI. Insurance will likely be less for the MINI. Resale value will be better for the MINI. Looks like a fairly significant difference in overall cost of ownership to me.
The euro delivery argument is specious. That is not a viable option for most people. If that works for you that’s great but it’s not exactly a practical option.
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Rastven Dec 1st, 2008 Link
So a Euro delivery 128i costs $33,387 and then I have to pay anywhere between 550 and 1000 bucks for a flight (RT from JFK-Munich-JFK), plus gas, food and acommodation in Europe and then have to wait the 2-4 weeks for my car to be delivered to me via ship? This is a good deal in todays climate v my spec built R57 for circa $29,000
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GregW Dec 1st, 2008 Link
IAN – yes some NATO allies get the US Military deal – I think it is on the BMW.com website… http://www.bmw-military-sales.com/militarysales/index.html
Serve your country and get a BMW tax free!
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lavardera Dec 1st, 2008 Link
So can we just put to bed the idea that the pricing makes the R57 comparable to the 1 series. It clearly is not.
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C4 Dec 1st, 2008 Link
I want to spec out a new R57 when the configurator becomes available to make a better comparison vs the 1er.
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mike Dec 1st, 2008 Link
With this price increase I see a lot more negotiating coming that we haven’t seen in the past.
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eager2own Dec 2nd, 2008 Link
The MINI will come lower than the BMW — but it will be that much closer than it was before. For someone like me who wants the 135 cabrio, but was having trouble reconciling paying the higher price of the BMW over a JCW R57 (with suspension upgrade) — that exercise just got a little easier.
Additionally, for someone who might prefer a cabrio R57 over a hardtop R56, justifying the price difference just got harder — are you willing to pay a 25-30% premium to turn your MC into an MCc?
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ProxoticMINI Dec 3rd, 2008 Link
Anyone who complains about the price and try’s to compare this car to the 1 series has obviously not done there homework. First you cant compare a Cooper S to a 128i you have to compare it to a 135. Price difference between the 2 models is about 5 to 6 thousand. Thee Cooper S comes with standard features that the 128 does not that is why you have to compare them properly.
Second if you are worried about what a BMW costs then you really shouldn’t be in a MINI in the first place. We would much rather have you drive a BMW at that point because you are not a true MINI fan. The cars will sell themselves and we will sell out of them as we do every year at all price ranges. So please stop comparing the MINI to the BMW we don’t want the image that comes with the name BMW. Thanks!
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Ron Dec 4th, 2008 Link
Some of the price increase must be because of those new pop-up roll bars. A big mistake in my opinion. More rear visibility might attract more buyers, but the higher cost will scare them away. So sales might stay the same!
My 2006 MINI cabrio was only a little shy of $40k when all was said and done. Only $5k below what my Z4 cost. Yes, you easily could get a real BMW for that price. There is a similar issue with pricing of the 1 and 3 series. A loaded 1 series gets you quickly into 3 series pricing – so why not pay a tiny bit more to get a full sized car instead of an ugly shrunken version? Although since the 1 convertible is the only soft top convertible in the BMW lineup, the price argument kinda doesn’t matter for it.
But no BMW model is anything like the MINI. Even the 1 series is a very different (and ugly) beast. People will buy the MINI and the MINI cabrio not because it’s cheaper than a BMW but because it’s the car they want. It’s not ugly as sin and doesn’t have the class stigma that BMW has. And did I mention how ugly it is? (and I was close to buying one)
And did someone complain about no rear side head air bags or something like that? Come on, the back seat of the cabrio is not for people.
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