Comments on: MINI USA Prices the ’09 R57 MINI Convertible http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/11/29/mini-usa-prices-the-2009-r57-mini-convertible/ MotoringFile | MINI news, reviews and opinion. MINI Cooper, Cooper S, Clubman, Countryman Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:14:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Ron http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/11/29/mini-usa-prices-the-2009-r57-mini-convertible/comment-page-1/#comment-246530 Ron Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:49:15 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/?p=7709#comment-246530 <p>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!</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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)</p> <p>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.</p> 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.

]]> By: ProxoticMINI http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/11/29/mini-usa-prices-the-2009-r57-mini-convertible/comment-page-1/#comment-246382 ProxoticMINI Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:36:36 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/?p=7709#comment-246382 <p>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.</p> <p>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!</p> 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!

]]> By: eager2own http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/11/29/mini-usa-prices-the-2009-r57-mini-convertible/comment-page-1/#comment-246301 eager2own Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:53:31 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/?p=7709#comment-246301 <p>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.</p> <p>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?</p> 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?

]]> By: mike http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/11/29/mini-usa-prices-the-2009-r57-mini-convertible/comment-page-1/#comment-246279 mike Tue, 02 Dec 2008 04:26:06 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/?p=7709#comment-246279 <p>With this price increase I see a lot more negotiating coming that we haven’t seen in the past.</p> With this price increase I see a lot more negotiating coming that we haven’t seen in the past.

]]> By: C4 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/11/29/mini-usa-prices-the-2009-r57-mini-convertible/comment-page-1/#comment-246272 C4 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 03:54:51 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/?p=7709#comment-246272 <p>I want to spec out a new R57 when the configurator becomes available to make a better comparison vs the 1er.</p> I want to spec out a new R57 when the configurator becomes available to make a better comparison vs the 1er.

]]> By: lavardera http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/11/29/mini-usa-prices-the-2009-r57-mini-convertible/comment-page-1/#comment-246267 lavardera Tue, 02 Dec 2008 02:28:28 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/?p=7709#comment-246267 <p>So can we just put to bed the idea that the pricing makes the R57 comparable to the 1 series. It clearly is not.</p> So can we just put to bed the idea that the pricing makes the R57 comparable to the 1 series. It clearly is not.

]]> By: GregW http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/11/29/mini-usa-prices-the-2009-r57-mini-convertible/comment-page-1/#comment-246257 GregW Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:36:48 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/?p=7709#comment-246257 <p>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</p> <p>Serve your country and get a BMW tax free!</p> 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!

]]> By: Rastven http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/11/29/mini-usa-prices-the-2009-r57-mini-convertible/comment-page-1/#comment-246251 Rastven Mon, 01 Dec 2008 21:20:42 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/?p=7709#comment-246251 <p>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</p> 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

]]> By: Craig http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/11/29/mini-usa-prices-the-2009-r57-mini-convertible/comment-page-1/#comment-246248 Craig Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:24:06 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/?p=7709#comment-246248 <p>Let's see... 128 Conv vs. Cooper S Conv.</p> <p>Standard equipment is not significantly different.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Some may also say that the standard dash trim is not equivalent.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> 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.

]]> By: C4 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/11/29/mini-usa-prices-the-2009-r57-mini-convertible/comment-page-1/#comment-246246 C4 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:06:16 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/?p=7709#comment-246246 <p>http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/Experience/Events/EuropeanDelivery/PlanYourTrip.aspx</p> <p>Current promotion.... One pays full airfare, second companion flies free on Lufthansa.</p> http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/Experience/Events/EuropeanDelivery/PlanYourTrip.aspx

Current promotion…. One pays full airfare, second companion flies free on Lufthansa.

]]> By: Mark Smith http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/11/29/mini-usa-prices-the-2009-r57-mini-convertible/comment-page-1/#comment-246245 Mark Smith Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:58:13 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/?p=7709#comment-246245 <p>Since when has BMW done Euro Delivery and given the Flight tickets in with the purchase???</p> Since when has BMW done Euro Delivery and given the Flight tickets in with the purchase???

]]> By: eager2own http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/11/29/mini-usa-prices-the-2009-r57-mini-convertible/comment-page-1/#comment-246238 eager2own Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:28:06 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/?p=7709#comment-246238 <p>^ by the way, bimmerfile.com has a great series of stories on European Delivery if you wish to learn more.</p> ^ by the way, bimmerfile.com has a great series of stories on European Delivery if you wish to learn more.

]]> By: eager2own http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/11/29/mini-usa-prices-the-2009-r57-mini-convertible/comment-page-1/#comment-246237 eager2own Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:22:36 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/?p=7709#comment-246237 <p>^ 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.</p> ^ 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.

]]> By: Aaron http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/11/29/mini-usa-prices-the-2009-r57-mini-convertible/comment-page-1/#comment-246236 Aaron Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:04:22 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/?p=7709#comment-246236 <p>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.</p> 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.

]]> By: eager2own http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/11/29/mini-usa-prices-the-2009-r57-mini-convertible/comment-page-1/#comment-246232 eager2own Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:06:06 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/?p=7709#comment-246232 <p>^ 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.</p> ^ 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.

]]> By: C4 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/11/29/mini-usa-prices-the-2009-r57-mini-convertible/comment-page-1/#comment-246226 C4 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:19:56 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/?p=7709#comment-246226 <p>Prices went up 10% over the previous model...</p> Prices went up 10% over the previous model…

]]> By: eager2own http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/11/29/mini-usa-prices-the-2009-r57-mini-convertible/comment-page-1/#comment-246220 eager2own Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:37:27 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/?p=7709#comment-246220 <p>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?</p> 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?

]]> By: C4 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/11/29/mini-usa-prices-the-2009-r57-mini-convertible/comment-page-1/#comment-246218 C4 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:13:43 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/?p=7709#comment-246218 <p>It appears my post above got cut halway..</p> It appears my post above got cut halway..

]]> By: C4 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/11/29/mini-usa-prices-the-2009-r57-mini-convertible/comment-page-1/#comment-246217 C4 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:13:14 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/?p=7709#comment-246217 <p>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</p> <p>• Electronic throttle control</p> <p>• 6-speed manual transmission</p> <p>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)</p> <p>• Extensive aluminum componentry, including front suspension components (forged-aluminum lower arms); subframe; steering rack; and brake components</p> <p>• Aluminum double-pivot spring and strut-type suspension</p> <p>• Five-link fully independent rear suspension in lightweight steel</p> <p>• Front and rear anti-roll (stabilizer) bars</p> <p>• Twin-tube gas-pressure shock absorbers</p> <p>• 4-wheel ventilated anti-lock disc brakes with Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)</p> <p>Exterior and aerodynamics • 16 x 7.0 V Spoke (Style 255) light alloy wheels and 205/55 run-flat1 all-season tires</p> <p>• Halogen free-form front foglights</p> <p>• Heated dual power mirrors and heated windshield washer jets</p> <p>• Chrome-plated exhaust tips</p> <p>• Gray-band windshield</p> <p>• Fully lined power-folding automatic softtop with heated glass rear window and electric rear defroster</p> <p>• Black softtop</p> <p>• Chrome-line exterior trim</p> <p>Interior seating and trim • 8-way adjustable front seats, including 2-way headrests</p> <p>• Manual height adjustment for front passenger seat</p> <p>• Leatherette upholstery</p> <p>• High-Gloss Black trim</p> <p>• 3-spoke leather-wrapped multi-function sport steering wheel with audio and hands-free phone2 controls</p> <p>Comfort and convenience • Engine Start/Stop button</p> <p>• 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</p> <p>• Front-door storage compartments</p> <p>• Front-seat center armrest</p> <p>• Front-seat cupholders</p> <p>• Tilt/telescopic steering-wheel column</p> <p>• Power front windows with "one-touch" up/down operation</p> <p>• Rain-sensing windshield wipers and Automatic headlight control</p> <p>• Cruise Control</p> <p>Instrumentation and controls • Service Interval Indicator with miles-to-service readout</p> <p>• Check Control vehicle monitor system with pictogram display, oil status display, and Condition Based Service indicator</p> <p>• Tire Pressure Monitor</p> <p>• 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</p> <p>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</p> <p>• Auxiliary audio input for portable music players located in the center armrest</p> <p>Safety and security • Anti-lock braking system (ABS)</p> <p>• Adaptive Brake Lights</p> <p>• BMW's Advanced Safety System for integrated deployment of passive and active safety systems</p> <p>• Rollover Protection System</p> <p>• 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</p> <p>• Front passenger seat-occupation recognition with Passenger's Airbag Off indicator</p> <p>• Automatic safety-belt pretensioners at front seating positions</p> <p>• Front-seat-mounted side-impact airbags</p> <p>• Interlocking door anchoring system to help protect against door intrusion in side impacts</p> <p>• Central locking system with center console switch (leaves gas filler door unlocked), double-lock feature and 2-step unlocking</p> <p>• Coded Driveaway Protection</p> <p>• Automatic-locking retractors (ALR) on all passenger-seat safety belts for installation of child-restraint seat</p> <p>• LATCH attachments for child-restraint safety installation in rear seats</p> <p>• Crash sensor that automatically turns on hazard lights and interior lights, and unlocks doors</p> <p>• Programmable Daytime Running Lights</p> <p>BMW Services • BMW Ultimate Service™</p> <p>1 Run-flat tires do not come equipped with spare tire and wheel.</p> <p>2 If equipped with optional Premium Package or BMW Assist™ Safety Services with Bluetooth® wireless technology. Requires BMW-approved Bluetooth enabled mobile phone.</p> 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.

]]> By: C4 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/11/29/mini-usa-prices-the-2009-r57-mini-convertible/comment-page-1/#comment-246216 C4 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:11:34 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/?p=7709#comment-246216 <p>Lav, I am the same way. I like to purchase my cars with as little options as possible. Less is more.</p> <p>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:</p> <p>2009 BMW 128i Convertible</p> <p>3.0 Liter-DOHC (230HP) Rear wheel drive</p> <p>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</p> <p>Total MSRP as built $35,900</p> <p>4 years/50K mile warranty = Included 4 years/50K mile Maintenance program = Included 4 years/Unlimited mileage roadside assistance = Included.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>2009 128i Convertible Standard Features</p> <p>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</p> <p>• Electronic throttle control</p> <p>• 6-speed manual transmission</p> <p>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)</p> <p>• Extensive aluminum componentry, including front suspension components (forged-aluminum lower arms); subframe; steering rack; and brake components</p> <p>• Aluminum double-pivot spring and strut-type suspension</p> <p>• Five-link fully independent rear suspension in lightweight steel</p> <p>• Front and rear anti-roll (stabilizer) bars</p> <p>• Twin-tube gas-pressure shock absorbers</p> <p>• 4-wheel ventilated anti-lock disc brakes with Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)</p> <p>Exterior and aerodynamics • 16 x 7.0 V Spoke (Style 255) light alloy wheels and 205/55 run-flat1 all-season tires</p> <p>• Halogen free-form front foglights</p> <p>• Heated dual power mirrors and heated windshield washer jets</p> <p>• Chrome-plated exhaust tips</p> <p>• Gray-band windshield</p> <p>• Fully lined power-folding automatic softtop with heated glass rear window and electric rear defroster</p> <p>• Black softtop</p> 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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