MotoringFile’s Guide to MINI USA’s 2012 Model Year Changes

Sections: MINI Yours | Official News | R55 (Clubman) | R56 (Hatch) | R57 (Conv.) | R58 (Coupe) | R60 (Countryman) Jul 14th, 2011 80 Comments

The model year 2012 is here and MINI USA has a number of changes and refinements that are well worth noting for anyone looking at buying a MINI. Ok it’s actually more exciting than that. Let me start over. The 2012 MINI is simply the best R55 R56 or R57 produced to date. Why? The changes have either been years in the making (JCW additions) or carefully crafted additions based on your feedback. Let’s take a look at the details including options, packages, MINI Yours and JCW (after the break).

Some of the biggest changes are several color combination restrictions being liftedallowing you to order some pretty interesting combos. Want a Spice Orange car with the Classic Green Lounge Leather and Hot Chocolate Color Line? Easy. Just order it and wait for mouths to drop (and foreheads to be slapped).

New or Changes 2012 Options

R56 and R57 Hatch and Convertible

Horizon Blue (A93) has been discontinued and will be replaced with Lightning Blue (A63.)

R57 Convertible

New option 4C9, Interior Surface Pepper White, replaces 318, Interior Surfaces Body Color.

R55 Clubman

You can now get the lower C-pillars in body color with option 321 for Laser Blue, White Silver, BRG II, Eclipse Gray and Pepper White. The Upper C pillars will always be black with option 321.

R55 and R56 Clubman and Hatch

New standard wheel for Cooper models is the 15â€ 7-Hole wheel, replacing the 5-Star Spooler (yes the holey is back!)

R55, R56, R57 and R60

New option 4NA, is an interior mirror with a digital compass. It requires 319, UGDO.

R55, R56 and R57 Clubman, Hatch and Convertible

FTGW Cross Check Cloth/Leather in Polar Beige will be now available on all body styles. T9GK Satellite Gray Lounge Leather has been released for all models. FKE1 Carbon Black Cloth/Leather is now released.

MINI USA Package Changes

The big news in packages is that the Convenience Package and Value Package are gone. The Premium Package will now combine the best of what used to be in 2011â€™s ZPP and ZCV.

Premium Package / Retail

Anti-theft alarm system / $500
Comfort Access / $500
Chrome line interior / $250
Auto-dimming rearview mirror / $250
Rain Sensor and Daylight Function / $250
Automatic Air Conditioning / $500
Itemized Value / $2,250
Package Price / $1750
Discount / 22%

The big change here is that there is no longer a sunroof offered in the package. Instead it will be available as a stand-alone option and will remain at $1,000. In addition, the harman/kardon stereo upgrade is now a part of MINI USA’s newly- created Technology Package. Auto A/C remains and the rest of the items are new to Premium.

According to MINI USA the reason for this new content is to prepare for the upcoming Coupe and Roadster. Within a year MINI will have three products in the lineup that would have required their own dedicated Premium Packages. The idea was to precent confusion and simply the offering to one Premium Pack that would work on all MINI models.

The other new package is Technology Package. The package follows a similar pattern BMW has used for years by packaging up many of the more interesting technology related options in one mammoth kit. With one big addition, it’s all discounted. The package can also be upgraded to option 7L5 for only $750 more, furthering the value.

Technology Package / Retail

Center armrest / $250
Park Distance Control (rear) / $500
Harman-Kardon sound system / $750
MINI Connected / $1,000
Itemized Value / $2,000
Package Price / $1750
Discount / 22%

Or you could go with option 7L5 MINI Connected with Navigation +$750 / $2,500

MINI JCW for 2012

The JCW Pack that was introduced with 03/2011 builds isn’t changing. However there are some small 2012 details worth mentioning. When you order the JCW Package for a Cooper or Cooper S with manual trans, you get red stitching on the steering wheel, shift lever boot and the parking brake handle boot. When you combine this package with Automatic transmission, you keep the red-stitched steering wheel but cannot get shift paddles. The shift boot and parking brake boot then lose the red stitching.

The big news for the 2012 model year is that John Cooper Works Hardtop and Convertible will comes standard with the JCW aero kit at the factory. However, it will take a bit more time than MINI expected to ensure a perfect integration at Plant Oxford, so the kit will not arrive until November 2011 production. This means that the 2012 John Cooper Works Hardtop and Convertible will not be available for ordering until the November allocation opens.

On the other hand, the John Cooper Works Clubman will not have the JCW Aero kit, so there is no delay in production or ordering the R55 JCW.

MINI Yours

For 2012 MINI Yours is debuting throughout the world. But what does that mean for the US?

It means MINI taking customization to the next level. WIth Yours MINI will be introducing a more premium and very exclusive series of options from upholstery, interior surfaces and an exterior color that can had together in a MINI Yours exterior package, or a la carte. Either way, youâ€™ll need option code 3BY, the MINI Yours side scuttle, before you order anything else. Sounds odd but apparently it’s the one requirement for any MINI Yours options.

MINI Yours interior options include an Instrument panel covered in a smooth two-tone soft-touch leather that has exposed stitching. Then there’s option 4L5 gives you sumptuous Black and Satellite Gray while 4L6 gives you luxurious Black and Polar Beige.

But don’t forget the 2XB; a two-tone leather steering wheel that is probably the best MINI’s ever offered. Unfortunately (or fortunately for you manual snobs) it’s not available with shift paddles.

Then there’s â€œSodaâ€. A line of MINI Yours patterns that will be part of the new options. On the outside, the new 17â€ wheel, 2GE, MINI Yours 17â€ alloy wheel, can be had on all Cooper and Cooper S models. The MINI Yours Soda mirror caps (3A6) have a three-dimensional effect done solely via printing. On the MINI Yours Soda Lounge Leather (T2GK) the unique Soda pattern appears on the sides of the backrests and headrests. A contrasting black leather stripes runs down the middle of the seats as well and these are offset with a premium piping. Expect pricing to be slightly more than that of the â€œregularâ€ Lounge Leather.

2012 Pricing

MINI Coupe	MY2011	MY2012

Cooper	NA	$22,000
Cooper S	NA	$25,300
John Cooper Works	NA	$31,900 (aerokit included)

MINI Hatch

Cooper	$20,100	$20,200
Cooper S	$23,700	$23,800
John Cooper Works	$29,800	$30,600 (aerokit included)

MINI Clubman

Cooper	$21,800	$21,900
Cooper S	$25,500	$25,600
John Cooper Works	$32,000	$32,100

MINI Countryman

Cooper	$22,350	$22,450
Cooper S	$25,950	$26,050
Cooper S ALL4	$27,650	$27,750

MINI Countryman Changes for 2012? Look for that info shortly…

Written By: Gabe

Cinimin

Nothing in the “new” stuff of interest here. I’ll be lookling at other makes – probably Audi or Fiat AbarthÂ -Â Â when I decide to replace my ’06 S.
- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=508418323 Jon Merkel
  
  I’m here to add nothing productive or worthwhile to the conversation
- Sirfritts
  
  Good luck with the Fiat or Audi change. My two cents- stick with the Mini- if love driving or if have the money get a Bimmer.
- Ramon Sosa
  
  If there was a dislike thumbs down button I would do it all day long on thisÂ reply that wasted spaceÂ because I have nothing productive or worthwhile to do.
- Ramon Sosa
  
  If there was a dislike thumbs down button I would do it all day long on thisÂ reply that wasted spaceÂ because I have nothing productive or worthwhile to do.
- Anonymous
  
  I am waiting to see how the gen3 car turns out, but the 500 Abarth is very much on my short list. Went from an 03 MCS to a 1-series but I went in the wrong direction size-wise. I am a little spoiled with NVH in the BMW.
  - Winston Smith
    
    The Fiat 500 Abarth will be awesome!Â
Anonymous

Disappointing that the 2012 JCW Hatch will not start production until Nov2011.
Ruben

Thank you for this information, Gabe!Â As an aside, some of the numbers seem to be slightly off:Â Shouldn’t the technology package retail value be $2,500 (excluding the NAV option), which would correspond to a 30% discount?Â Also, isn’t the NAV option an extra $750 in any event, so adding it — whether as a stand-alone “upgrade” on MINI Connected or an “upgrade” of the tech package –Â is an extra $750 no matter what?Â Â Not sure I’m such a fan of the new packages.Â The tech package is only a really great value if you were already planning on getting the park distance control…Â Otherwise, you really “only” get the center armrest for “free” (ok, ok, so it’s an extra $250 in your pocket) and a park distance control that you would have never spent money on in the first place.Â Do really that many people get the park distance control as an option currently?Â

I always thought the current premium package was a great deal that included the options I was always most likelly to get.Â Now those items are split up among two packages and I still have to order the sunroof as a $1,000 stand-alone item.Â Perhaps I do not repesent the typical MINI buyer, but my “dream” MINI just got more expensive, it seems.Â Sigh.
- minipuma
  
  I’m glad to see the sunroof separated out from the packages, because I don’t want the sunroof. Â (In part because I find the perforated sunshade insufficient, in part because of recurring flooding issues I had with my VW’s sunroof which soured me in general on the things). Â I wonder if there were enough people passing on the premium package to avoid the sunroof that word got back to MINI that its inclusion was sabotaging sales.
  
  I think you’re correct that few would choose park distance control, and I think that is why it is in the package: they aren’t selling enough of them to reduce inventory, so they include it in a package as a giveaway of sorts. Â Most packages (from most manufacturers) have some element of this. Â I think MINI did something similar when they put a package together with that awful factory aero package a year or two ago. Â It was pretty obviously an effort to get the things out the door by any means necessary. Â
  
  The rear park distance control seems like a pretty ideal thing to throw into a package, because while it is cool, sounds fun, etc., it’s the kind of thing that I bet very few MINI drivers would actually order a la carte. Â (It’s close to the last option I’d add, really). Â Unlike the sunroof, though, there probably aren’t too many people who would actually object to having rear park control on the car (assuming it can be disabled/silenced), which again makes it a good candidate to be included in the package.
  
  It does suck if the changes coincidentally make a significant price difference for the way you’d build yours anyway.
  - Ruben
    
    Ha. I didn’t think of it that way, but you may well be right about MINI’s motives for including the park distance control in the package.Â Â Coincidentally, it just occured to me that MINI will have to keep track of ‘modified’ tech packages for the Coupe and Roadster because (based on what has been reported on motoringfile) the park distance control will come standard on those cars…
    
    Sorry you had such a bad experience with sunroofs.Â Most days, for me, it’s a no-brainer to get one because I owned a MINI with a sunroof before and absolutely loved it.Â (That said, I have also owned one without a sunroof and loved the car just as much, if not more, though that had to do with that car being an R53.)
  - Isthar
    
    Funny, if you ask me the alarm sounds like the item thrown in for inventory cleaning purposes… I love the rear parking sensor I have and would always order it again! oh and the chrome line interior… I personally wouldn’t like it, and I’m surprised something cosmetic found its way into a package like this.
  - Isthar
    
    Funny, if you ask me the alarm sounds like the item thrown in for inventory cleaning purposes… I love the rear parking sensor I have and would always order it again! oh and the chrome line interior… I personally wouldn’t like it, and I’m surprised something cosmetic found its way into a package like this.
  - Isthar
    
    Funny, if you ask me the alarm sounds like the item thrown in for inventory cleaning purposes… I love the rear parking sensor I have and would always order it again! oh and the chrome line interior… I personally wouldn’t like it, and I’m surprised something cosmetic found its way into a package like this.
  - Isthar
    
    Funny, if you ask me the alarm sounds like the item thrown in for inventory cleaning purposes… I love the rear parking sensor I have and would always order it again! oh and the chrome line interior… I personally wouldn’t like it, and I’m surprised something cosmetic found its way into a package like this.
  - Sirfritts
    
    Sunroofs are fun, but remember- they add about 100lbs to your roof. Glass is heavy. Wish they offered a ragtop roof or a steel panel roof instead, especially in the hot climates.
    - Anonymous
      
      This info is for the R53 but I doubt it’s very different from the r56:
      
      The sunroof adds 61 lbs and it’s weight is distributed with 22lbs on the front axle and 39lbs on the rear axle. Â
Nick Dawson

I am envious of the low pricesÂ US customersÂ pay for MINIs. Based on the current $/Â£ exchange rate, this is the equivalent in $ what we pay in the UK,Â taking the 3 door Hatch as an example.

US CooperÂ $20,200 – UK $23,650 US Cooper SÂ $23,800 – UK $28,800 US Cooper JCW $30,600 – UK $35,700

In the first six months of 2011, MINI was the tenth best selling car in the UK at 18,619 units, comparedÂ with the best selling Ford Fiesta at 51,653 units over the same period. I am a self confessed MINI enthusiast, but if truth be known, the Fiesta is probably a better car in the real world. So why do I keep buying MINIs? Well there are lots of reasons of course, but the overwhelming one is that the MINI holds on to its value better than any other car in the UK, which means I can afford to buy a new one every year. If I bought a new Ford every year I would be broke.

Â
- guest
  
  UK pricing includes VAT, US does not. Remove the VAT and the price is less.
- Sotto
  
  Nick, and across the ocean in Argentina:
  
  US Cooper $20,200 – UK $23,650 – ARG $29,200US Cooper S $23,800 – UK $28,800 – ARG $38,000
  
  That’s 38K to the base S, the most loaded version is about 43K
  
  Sadly JCW is not offered here anymore.
  - Nick Dawson
    
    Sotto, thanks for that. I lived in Malaysia for eight years and still keep in touch with friends there.Â Below are the on the road prices for the R56 and R60 in Malaysia converted to US$ at the current exchange rate. They are enough to make your eyes water!
    
    R56 Cooper $65,300 – Cooper S $80,000 – JCW $92,000. R60 Cooper $83,000 – Cooper S $95,300
    
    The Malaysian Government imposes heavy duties on imported cars to protect its own national motor industry.
- Sirfritts
  
  I noticed that, but I’m envious you guys have many more engine and car options!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=512043034 Vibez InTheCity

What ever happened to the rear bench for the countryman?Â
- http://BimmerFile.com Gabriel Bridger
  
  As we’ve reported, it’s coming for 2012. And as we mention here, we’ll be talking about 2012 Countryman changes soon.
- Anonymous
  
  available starting November builds.
Rhawth99

I think the new packages are lousy. Every MINI that I have purchased has had the sunroof. I liked the old premium package that included the auto AC, sunroof and HK radio. The technology package has absolutely nothing that interests me – the NAV is seriously overpriced and can’t compete with a Garmin or smart phone using Google maps. MINI connected doesn’t do anything for me either. Glad I got my ’11 MCSa in March.
Anonymous

I agree with Cinimin. Â Nothing in the new “stuff” of significant interest except the stand alone sunroof option that I think will be appreciated by those of us that prefer a solid roof. Â As the article states, the re-packaging is predicated on Coupe and Roadster integration more than anything else. Again, why not go the “extra stitch” and offer Recaro seats instead of fancy upholstery patterns. How about some engine-turned interior accents, and lastly (or should I say alas) — a functional hood scoop.
- Versus
  
  Can’t argue with a man asking for Recaro’s.
  - http://BimmerFile.com Gabriel Bridger
    
    Sounds like a Tshirt to me.
Bmwsofla

Once upon a time when cruise control was available in way to many ways including the Premium Package the decision was made to make it standard equipment. It then opened the Premium Package to include the HK sound system which was brought back to replace the nothing special MINI Hi Fi Sound system. Whereas the base price of the 2012 has only gone up by $100 to get the equivialent of the “old” PP will costt an additional $500. The take rate on the new PP will be far less that the current one and makes it even more difficult to arrive at your local MINI dealer and find an in-stock MINI that you can fall in love with and to drive home w/out ordering. There can be no doubt that for some one of the attractions to MINI is the “have it your way” factorÂ but there are way to many choices and ordering does not work for those that are into immediate gratification.
Anonymous

I’ll never get over how much better the interior looks after they made everything black. Very Classy. Also, I do like the Tech package.
http://www.facebook.com/gbmini Ian Cull

(GP color) Thunder Blue is A64; here now Lightning Blue is A63 – almost sounds like there’s some planning behind the range of colors! Crazy that a JCW auto does not include paddle shifters (and no need to get in to the JCW-not-allowed-with-auto arguments)
- http://BimmerFile.com Gabriel Bridger
  
  Just to be clear there is no JCW automatic and there won’t ever be on the R56. What we talk about above is the JCW Package which just adds the JCW aerokit, wheels and some interior trim. Not a full JCW product.
  - Ruben
    
    And I sincerely hope there won’t ever be a JCW automatic on any future platform, including the F56…
    - http://BimmerFile.com Gabriel Bridger
      
      Don’t be surprised if you see something other than a manual in a future JCW.
    - Hoover
      
      Reading between the lines, my guess is that the JCW Countryman will be offered with “something other than a manual.”
    - Ruben
      
      Arrrrhghghg… Somewhere, John Coper is turning in his grave.Â Ok, so all joking aside, I hope that this means only that MINI will make some type of dual-clutch design (similar to that found in GTI’s, for example) available as an option on the JCW.Â (My personal preference would be not to go with a dual-clutch auto, butÂ it would be a respectable choice.) Â But I SERIOUSLY hope that those of us who prefer a traditional manual over the dual-clutch design will still be able to spec a manual.Â By means of example of what I hope MINI will NOT do: The VW R32 was available only with the DSG — in US markets at least.Â And unless I am mistaken, the upcoming GTI-version of the Golf Cabrio will reportedly also only be available with the DSG.Â Makes me sad when they take away the manual as an option altogether.Â Â Any reason for me to fear this as a realistic possiblity on the MINI S or MINI JCW?
    - http://BimmerFile.com Gabriel Bridger
      
      There is no reason the fear e death of the manual if you’re a MINI owner. Trust me :)
    - Nick Dawson
      
      Gabe, I’m sorry to be the bringer of bad news but manual gearboxes, you know the sort that you need to press a funny little pedal on the floor with your left foot before you can change gear will, according to the chief engineer of Ford, have been completely phased outÂ of the auto industry by 2020. This is essential if car makers are to make the quantum leap necessary to meet future legislation on fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
      
      Dual-clutch transmissions are constantly improving and Mercedes-Benz will soon be launching a new seven-speed DSC gearbox in the newÂ A & B-class which, they claim, completely eliminates the low-speed ‘shunting’ that can hobble VW’s DSG gearbox. A MINI fitted with a sophisticated dual-clutch gearbox would be a phenomenal little machine to drive and the good news is that BMW is developing such a gearbox with the leading systems supplier Getrag.
    - http://BimmerFile.com Gabriel Bridger
      
      Basically what in saying is that the next two generations of MINIs are safe if you’re a manual fan.
GeoffreyM

So Connected $1000 + Mandatory Armrest $250 + $220 Non-Existent cradle for the Armrest= RIPOFF!! Â Nothing new on the tech front.
http://about.me/bentyyc Ben Tsui

Sucks that the JCW Clubman does not get the Aero Kit included from the factory… :(
CharlieVictor

I’m curious why the JCW Clubman does not get the aerokit. Also wonder why the JCW engine hasn’t received the improvements that came to the S engine last year.

I like the new packages. I think part of the reason that PDC was included in the Tech Package was because it has a nifty “radar” display on the Connected/Nav screen. I also concur with the stand-alone sunroof; I would have ordered the Premium Package on my 2011 if it had not included the sunroof.
- http://BimmerFile.com Gabriel Bridger
  
  Assembly complexities at the Oxford Plant don’t allow for it for 2012.
Anonymous

Interesting stuff. Â I’ll have to digest it later but n the mean time it looks like there’s a typo on the Countryman S price: “$25,95″. Â (While I’m being pedantic — I also saw a “taht” typo in there somewhere.)
jbkONE

LOVE those seats!Â Though I’d opt for black rather than white (or satellite grey).

Any idea when the configurator will be updated?
Aurel

any photos of those 15″ new wheels? or are they the old Holeys?
- http://BimmerFile.com Gabriel Bridger
  
  Yes
- http://BimmerFile.com Gabriel Bridger
  
  Yes
- http://BimmerFile.com Gabriel Bridger
  
  Yes
  - Aurel
    
    best news yet!
- http://BimmerFile.com Gabriel Bridger
  
  Yes
JP

“When you combine [the JCW]Â package with Automatic transmission, you keep the red-stitched steering wheel but cannot get shift paddles.”

What this means is that getting the JCW package (which is supposed to be sporty) will make yourÂ MCSa even less sporty?!?!Â I’d much rather have shift paddles than a red-stiched steering wheel…
Zola

Gabe, the prices for the tech package is supposed to be $2,000 excluding the Nav. If you include the Nav it would cost $2,750 with the Tech Package.
Bob Lavoie

Just to reiterateÂ the calculation error in the technology package that was brought up by Ruben (ie total price $2500…not $2000), which would be a 30% discount to get down to $1750. Another thing…it was noted in the initial text by GabeÂ that the JCW Hatchback & Convertible would not be available until Nov due to the aero kit delay.Â Gabe, does this also include the JCW Coupe??? If so that’s a bummer as I’ve already put in my tentative order for one expecting delivery closer to Oct 1. Haven’t check the MINIUSA site yet. Wonder when they’ll have the 2012 ordering info re the Coupe???Â
DoubleNick

I am glad I ordered my ’11 JCW Hatch in May. Received 5 weeks later! I debated on waiting for the ’12 JCW. Being a little inpatient, I would not have been happy waiting for a November build date.Â Also, I was not/am not a fan of the Aero Kit which I would have been forced to get on a ’12. One of the few times my impatience has worked for me.
- Hoover
  
  I wonder if you can do an Aero Kit delete. Â I was not a fan, but I will admit, it has grown on me–so much so that if I were to order a JCW I would have to think long and hard about whether I would opt for that. Â I’m a Pepper White fan, and I just recently saw a JCW in Pepper White with the Aero Kit. Â I was surprised by how much I REALLY liked it.
Scottkeels

I’m glad it’s finally possible to get a Clubman with body-colored lower C-pillars in most colors.
- Chirs Undewrood
  
  I was a little miffed when I heard they were doing this after forking over for a “White Silver Edition” 2011 specifically because I hated the off-color lower C-pillars on the Clubman…Â White Silver wouldn’t otherwise have been my first choice for color (I don’t DISlike it, it’s just not my favorite).Â I’ve gotta say, though, knowing that it’s limited to those colors for now makes it bother me less, since White Silver is the only one on the list I’d consider anyhow.
  
  Glad they’re not offering it on…Â Say…Â Red.Â :-)
  
  Oh, and: “On the other hand, the John Cooper Works Clubman will not have the JCW Aero kit, so there is no delay in production or ordering the R55 JCW”
  
  WTF, MINI…?Â WTF…
Scottkeels

I’m glad it’s finally possible to get a Clubman with body-colored lower C-pillars in most colors.
Bob Lavoie

Hey Gabe….I’ve seen in an earlier posting that the Park Distance Control was to be ‘standard’ on the Coupe. If so, that would mean a somewhat different Technology PackageÂ for that car compared to the other MINIS. Do you have any info on that? Â Re the JCW aero kit as standard on theÂ JCW hatch, convertible, & Coupe, you said it wouldn’t be available on the JCW hatch & convertible until Nov. Does that ALSO include the JCW Coupe? I was told that the JCW Coupe will have a somewhat different aero kit than theÂ Hatch & convertible & thatÂ build schedule wouldn’tÂ be delayed for theÂ JCW coupe. Is that true?Â Â Â
- http://BimmerFile.com Gabriel Bridger
  
  I believe that it should be standard on the Coupe darting earlier. Not sure about the PDC question… But it is standard on the R58 and R59.
- http://BimmerFile.com Gabriel Bridger
  
  I believe that it should be standard on the Coupe darting earlier. Not sure about the PDC question… But it is standard on the R58 and R59.
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_MJZNKX3CGGWQMFJQDNSYRZIEEQ steve

Gabe, one item of interest thatÂ you missed – rear bike rack carrier is a no cost option on the convertible. 3AR is the option code and you can’t get it with chrome exterior or aerokit.

Best…. Steve
Anonymous

“The Premium Package will now combine the best of what used to be in 2011â€™s ZPP and ZCV. “

really?Â you consider the auto aircon to be the best part of the old zpp?Â over the sunroof or HK?
- Chris Underwood
  
  Dealer’s given me loaners without the auto aircon before…Â I’d not argue with the assessment that it’s the best part of the old package.Â I’m not sure why, as I assume the underhood bits are the same, but the non-auto cars didn’t cool down as fast or do as good a job as the auto aircon does.Â In a hot climate that’s pretty darned important – I wouldn’t want a MINI without it.
  
  HK would come in second, since it’s miles better than the standard system, but I’d be hard pressed to care about audio quality while uncomfortably warm.
  - Anonymous
    
    Â the only thing different is the interface.Â One is not better than the other for pushing cold air out the vents.Â I’m not sure why you felt that way.
    - jbkONE
      
      It’s possible that the auto AC provides a tad more voltage to the fan I guess.Â you know, the high speed on the auto AC may be a bit “higher” than the high on the manual… but I wouldn’t know.Â FAn speed is the onlyÂ thing that could really be different as I’m sure they bothÂ have the same compressor, condenser, evaporator and tubing and hold the same amount of freon.Â Maybe theÂ air duct doors are more streamlined in the auto, thus providing better airflow?Â Is it also possible that the int/ext colors/fabrics made a difference or lack of tinted windows?
http://www.usbdrivedatarecovery.com flash recovery

I really like cover of seats in white color.Â MINI Yours is something that i am looking forward to..
Spaner

What about JCW kits?

I have beenÂ waitingÂ (not patiently) for the release of both JCW engine and suspension kits for theÂ countrymanÂ - Any updates on that as I thoughÂ theyÂ were due in the summer of 11?
KPH

These articles are always great for those who have yet to buy their first MINI (me) or the other fortunate souls who want to move on to their next one. 2012 could be the next ’06, the last of the best of that Generation.Â
- Anonymous
  
  Agreed – That’s why I just put my order in for a 2012 JCW Hatch (expected Dec2011 delivery), which IMO will probably be the best version of the R56 before the re-design. I really don’t want to futz around with a brand new MINI model in the first year of manufacturing.
Bob Lavoie

Gabe…..Now that you’ve revealedÂ latest package etc pricing infoÂ 2012 hatch, convertible, & clubman, will you also be coming out with Coupe specific options offerings (different mix within the technology packages, per the ‘standard’ Park Distance ControlÂ on the R58, R59Â etc)?Â Added note, it seems strange that among those actual technology items in the technology package, they somehow decided to include a very NON technology item…the center armrest! It’sÂ so small with little usuable storage space one would think MINI would just go ahead & include it as standard for all MINIS…or give us a more substantial armrest with lots more storage space as an option!!Â
Bob Lavoie

Gabe…..Now that you’ve revealedÂ latest package etc pricing infoÂ 2012 hatch, convertible, & clubman, will you also be coming out with Coupe specific options offerings (different mix within the technology packages, per the ‘standard’ Park Distance ControlÂ on the R58, R59Â etc)?Â Added note, it seems strange that among those actual technology items in the technology package, they somehow decided to include a very NON technology item…the center armrest! It’sÂ so small with little usuable storage space one would think MINI would just go ahead & include it as standard for all MINIS…or give us a more substantial armrest with lots more storage space as an option!!Â
Bob Lavoie

Gabe…..Now that you’ve revealedÂ latest package etc pricing infoÂ 2012 hatch, convertible, & clubman, will you also be coming out with Coupe specific options offerings (different mix within the technology packages, per the ‘standard’ Park Distance ControlÂ on the R58, R59Â etc)?Â Added note, it seems strange that among those actual technology items in the technology package, they somehow decided to include a very NON technology item…the center armrest! It’sÂ so small with little usuable storage space one would think MINI would just go ahead & include it as standard for all MINIS…or give us a more substantial armrest with lots more storage space as an option!!Â
- CV
  
  The center armrest is included because it’s required with Connected or Nav.Â
Anonymous

On second glance, the faux designer-looking upholstery treatment pictured is unmistakably a Louis Vuitton knock off. Careful MINI, the counterfeit cops may be patrolling the internet. On the flip side, I don’t think the Le femme MINI contingent will have any problem gushing over it. As for me, and I trust, many other male enthusiasts, it fails to register 1.0 on our Richter scale and leaves us unmoved.
Anonymous

Since MINI appears hellbent on expanding its model lineup it may wish to up the ante by offering what I suggest calling the MINIMOG. In essence, it would be a dramatically scaled down UNIMOG inspired on and off-road titan. Diesel powered, of course, perhaps 8 -10 speed gearbox, mine hauler wheel gearing, auxiliary equipment drives, crew cab, etc. MSRP — approximately $70 – $80k. Why not? Outrageously priced vehicles are selling at the speed of unprecedented cash flow and nothing appears to be unobtainable among the high net worth captains of industry. Heck, on second thought, let’s pump that price up to a tidy $100,000.

Arguably an outrageous proposition, but not necessarily absurd given the contemporary predilections of the well-healed in dire need of exclusivity. MINI — it’s time to take it up a notch and perform a socially redeeming act of entrepreneurial exuberance. Steyr-Daimler-Puch is at the ready to lend a helping hand.
CM

What happened to the Countryman Changes for 2012?
CM

And yes I know it states “Look for that info shortly…” Just wondering what “shortly” meant. Thanks.

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MINI Model Cheat Sheet

1st Gen MINI
R50: One & MC Hatch
R52: All 1st Gen MINI Convt.
R53: MCS Hatch
2nd Gen MINI
R55: Clubman
R56: Hatch
R57: Convertible
R58: Coupe
R59: Roadster
R60: MINI Crossover
R61: MINI Crossover Coupe
3rd Gen MINI
F55: Clubman
F56: Hatch
F57: Convertible
F60: MINI Crossover
F62: Traveller

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