MINI OF MANHATTAN
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M7 Tuning

Section: R55 (Clubman)

MINI Officially Retires The Color Mellow Yellow

MotoringFile Sections: R55 (Clubman), R56 (Coupe), R57 (Conv.) Jun 27th, 2009 42 Comments

MINI will be replacing Mellow Yellow for the 2010 model year with White Silver. Mellow Yellow was an R56 launch color and has been around sine September 2006 when the new car launched. Like Mellow Yellow, White Silver will be available across the MINI range. Additionally MINI will be introducing cloth/leather combo in Tech White and Leather Lounge in Toffy. Both are being introduced to coincide with the MINI Camden and Mayfair limited edition models. Apparently MINI will be spreading the costs of developing some of the new trim by making them available across the range in specific markets. Included in this will be a Toffee and White Tech interior color-line option as well. You can see both after the jump.

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MF Exclusive: MINI’s Mid Life-Cycle Refresh Coming in 2010

MotoringFile Sections: R55 (Clubman), R56 (Coupe), R57 (Conv.) Jun 25th, 2009 58 Comments

The R56 has been a commercial and critical success for MINI. Despite the loss of some steering feel and some of the brashful character of the R50 and R53, MINI clearly hit the mark with the car overall when it came to market in 2007. And in some ways it’s surprising how well the car has done. From a design standpoint it was evolution on the outside but revolution on the inside. The form and function of everything was rethought from the R50 to the R56 and along the way MINI seemed to have lost the plot in a couple of areas. Now they intend to fix it.

In the spring of 2010 MINI will be introducing the refreshed (or LCI – Life Cycle Impulse as it’s known in BMW speak) R56 and all its variants (ie the Clubman and Convertible). While the number of changes (major and minor) will be huge, there will be several key changes.

First and foremost, MINI intends to fix the interior. Yes, the radio controls and the heating and cooling interface will be refined and in some cases rethought. Additionally MINI will introduce some upgraded materials and subtle design changes meant to eliminate many of the complaints owners have had over the years. Or to put it another way, if you look at the top five complaints most MINI owners have, then you have an idea of what will be worked over in this refresh. continued →

MINI Magnetic Badges

New H/K Sound System to Debut on 2010 MINIs

MotoringFile Sections: 50th Anniversary, Accessories, R55 (Clubman), R56 (Coupe), R57 (Conv.) Jun 22nd, 2009 23 Comments

Logo-HarmanKardon

We’ve held off reporting about the new system at the request of our sources for awhile but MINI hinted at the new system in its recent Camden press release so all bets are off. Here’s what we know. There were quite a few at MINI who weren’t overly happy with the current optional hifi audio system that replaced the venerable H/K that was found in the previous generation MINIs. Both were made by Harmon (parent company to Harman) but some cost was taken out an the sound suffered for it. Make no mistake it was a nice upgrade to the stock system, but it just wasn’t as impressive as had been hoped.

So MINI went back to Harmon and asked them to design a system in the same vein as the (now almost mythical) DPSM system available on the R50 generation. However with one big change, this new version would be available from the factory as an option rather than a very expensive dealer installed accessory. continued →

MINI JCW Clubman Debuts in the UK

MotoringFile Sections: JCW, Official News, R55 (Clubman) Jun 8th, 2009 6 Comments

JCW Clubman (UK Spec)

MINI UK has finally launched the JCW Clubman almost a year after it was launched in most of the world. The reason for the delay? The MINI UK refused to release the car without the JCW aero-kit (which was just released for the longer Clubman). The JCW aero-kit is of course standard on the MINI JCW Hatch in the UK as well. Here’s the full release:

We are delighted to announce the addition of the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman to the MINI Range. Production of the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman will be from Production Week 21 (week commencing 1 June 2009) with customer deliveries starting from Production Week 25 (week commencing 1 July 2009). continued →

Out Motoring

Details Behind the Cold Start Fix

MotoringFile Sections: R55 (Clubman), R56 (Coupe), Recalls/Campaigns May 18th, 2009 19 Comments

Since our story last week on the 2007-2009 Cooper S cold start issues we’ve had loads of emails asking some basic questions on the issue and the fix. So in an effort to clear up some of the confusion, here’s the inside info into getting this fix applied to your 2007+ MCS.

First up the PuMA reference we used earlier is simply BMW speak or a file created to track the problems on one specific vehicle. The actual reference number for the timing chain rattle problem is SIM-11-02-07. This file provides information to the service advisor and repair tech for diagnosis, parts required, repair procedures, and warranty reporting requirements.

The first section of the SIM-11-02-07 document deals with verifying the timing chain rattle is occurring and not due to other potential issues. continued →

MINI Solves the R56 Cold Start Issue

MotoringFile Sections: R55 (Clubman), R56 (Coupe), Recalls/Campaigns May 12th, 2009 49 Comments

death rattle

The Death rattle. It’s a story we’ve been following closely on MF since 2007 and a topic many of you have been extremely concerned about. Last year we posted a lengthy expose on the topic that you can read here. But for owners affected, this news will bring a huge sigh of relief.

For a bit of background on the issue, here’s a description of the issue we posted last year:

The cold start issue has been a common theme popping up in the Faults and Fixes threads on various MINI forums. Specifically, MCS owners complaining about a peculiarly loud engine rattle on start-up. Now the R56 is an “interesting” sounding engine to begin with. The direct fuel injection solenoids give the car a very diesel-esque sound at idle. But this is a very different sound altogether.

BMW has determined that the cold start rattle was/is being caused by the timing chain tensioner (which is in turn powered by an oil-pressurized piston). More specifically the sound is caused when the tensioner piston doesn’t extend all the way (or at all) which then allows the timing chain to come in contact with the guides on the engine cover. continued →

Minspeed.net

MINI Clubman Meets Airstream Trailer

MotoringFile Sections: Official News, R55 (Clubman) Apr 21st, 2009 13 Comments

After the successful unveiling of the new MINI Convertible this spring, MINI dips its toe into the stylistic future of travel. Teaming up with renowned brands Airstream and Republic of Fritz Hansen™, the carmaker has embraced the theme of “mobile living” in developing an innovative design study with a down-by-the beach feel. The collaboration has spawned a unique combination of a 6.80-metre-long Airstream trailer and a modified MINI Cooper S Clubman, one whose appeal extends beyond the reaches of the watersports scene. Danish furniture design brand Republic of Fritz Hansen™ has kitted the iconic American travel trailer out with new interpretations of design classics and given both the trailer and the MINI a revamped look from the wheels up. Details include the use of surfer-dude “wetsuit” neoprene, fresh colours and flower prints, and the option of opening up the trailer on one side and making yourself comfortable on a built-in sun-bathing bed. This mobile “home from home” feeds that mythical dream of surfing and watersports enthusiasts: always hunting for the perfect wave, at home anywhere around the world. It must be the ultimate fusion of design and function. continued →

MINI Spacebox Mistimed?

MotoringFile Sections: 50th Anniversary, Design, Marketing, R55 (Clubman) Mar 28th, 2009 8 Comments

At least that’s what Helen Walters at BusinessWeek.com wonders.

Still, I can’t help but wonder about initiatives like this. Given the economic environment and the grim news coming from the auto industry writ such large, one-off projects seem ripe to be filed under “nice but unnecessary.” BMW recently laid off 850 Mini workers from its Cowley plant in the UK, and Mini sales were down 35% in January compared to the year before, according to the AP.

An interesting point. continued →

M7 Tuning

Is This The R56/R55 Facelift?

MotoringFile Sections: R55 (Clubman), R56 (Coupe) Mar 26th, 2009 33 Comments

We’ve had these photos sent to us several times over the last few days and are still trying to figure out what they actually show. We know that MINI will be introducing the refreshed R56 and R55 either late this year or early next. And as we reported well over a year ago there will be some subtle changes to the front and rear facia, lighting and interior design. However we’re not entirely convinced that these photos show any of that. In fact after looking at them extensively it would appear that they both simply have the factor aero-kit (the one most MINI fans love to hate) and nothing that indicates a refresh.

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MF Exclusive: JCW Releases Gauge Kit

MotoringFile Sections: Accessories, R55 (Clubman), R56 (Coupe), R57 (Conv.) Mar 12th, 2009 34 Comments

In the next few weeks JCW will be releasing a retrofit kit for all R55, R56 and R57 models that allows owners to install one or two of the following gauges:

  • Coolant temperature gauge
  • Torque reserve gauge (relative torque as MINI calls it)
  • Lateral G gauge

These gauges will sit on the side of the tachometer exactly like the current MINI convertible’s always open gauge does. The retrofit kits will be available at MINI service centers around the world starting this spring.

But you know we couldn’t just end at that. We did some digging and managed to find the official retro-fit PDF manual. This document gives us a clear look at the work needed and the parts included in the kits. However a word of warning, this might be a little bit more than most of us can handle when it comes to DIY. It may be best left to your dealer or favorite independent MINI shop.

+ Retrofit Instrument Kit / Official MINI PDF

First Look: New Clubman Rear Spoiler

MotoringFile Sections: Accessories, R55 (Clubman) Feb 25th, 2009 14 Comments

For all you R55 owners and fans out there MINI has a notable new accessory available this spring. MINI has added a new spoiler to the accessory line-up that was designed from the start to work with the Clubman. Unlike the previous accessory spoiler, this new design is much closer in spirit to the R53 and R56 look.

The new spoiler should be available at MINI dealers this spring.

MF Exclusive: Evolution of the R55 Clubman

MotoringFile Sections: R55 (Clubman) Feb 24th, 2009 26 Comments

Awhile back we had a chance to sit in on a presentation by Clubman designer (and head of MINI exterior design) Marcus Syring. Mr. Syring shared with us a brief history of the R55 and crucially some photos and renderings of the design process that brought about the modern Clubman.

The original concept of a reborn Traveller (eventually to be known as the Clubman) started way back in the late 1990’s. In fact the first time the sketches surfaced was at the Paris Motor Show along with a speedster and small truck concept. But it was the extended MINI “EXT” (as it was known internally) that seemed to hold the most promise for eventual production.

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Ask MF: R53, R56, R60 – What Does it Mean?

MotoringFile Sections: Ask MotoringFile, R50 (Coupe), R52 (Conv.), R53 (Coupe), R55 (Clubman), R56 (Coupe), R57 (Conv.), R60 (Crossover) Feb 23rd, 2009 34 Comments

We’re reposting this Ask MF originally from last year due to a number of similar questions we’ve gotten over the last few weeks.

This week’s “Ask MotoringFile” comes from Dave M and is quickly becoming a very common question:

I have a 2008 MCS on order and am relatively new to the MINI world. I couldn’t help but notice everyone using these code names for different models of MINIs. What does it all mean?

MINI models follow a similar system to the (seemingly ancient) BMW model internal naming convention. Since we often talk about different models (sometimes in the same story, paragraph or even sentence), using the internal model code-names is often the easiest way to quickly identify what model of MINI we’re referring to.

The first generation of BMW MINI’s started with the R50 which was meant to be the coupe version of the car. However once that model number was established BMW decided to produced a higher power version called the Cooper S. Because the development work was started later it was given a different code-name – the R53. The R52 was actually conceived before the Cooper S and thus has the code-name R52. And for those wondering, the R51 was a concept that never made it past the conception stages.

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DIY Friday: Official JCW Brake Duct Retrofit

MotoringFile Sections: Accessories, DIY, JCW, R55 (Clubman), R56 (Coupe), R57 (Conv.) Feb 20th, 2009 8 Comments

One of the most sought after features by many of us who take our MINIs to the track are working brake cooling ducts. As most trackday junkies know, one of the first things that starts to fail on a MINI on the track are the brakes. And one of the biggest reasons for that is a lack of cooling the pads and rotors. BMW’s own cars have dealt with this issue for years with working brake ducts designed into the front bumper. In fact BMW has been doing this for decades for pretty much every model. continued →

White Roof Radio #287

MotoringFile Sections: Podcast, R55 (Clubman), R56 (Coupe) Feb 17th, 2009 No Comments

miniFor those of you that thought we were going to be live, all apologies. We had a bit of a scheduling conflict. Before that, I choked on the intro and Todd and I both realize that we are getting old after realizing that our good friend The Future Queen of Nebraska (Happy Birthday Tori!) was born the year we graduated highschool.

Gabe was at the Chicago Auto Show so not able to be with us, but we carried on without him with news of the week from Motoringfile.

Then some auto industry talk and bit more on the throttle body freezing issue. Todd dug into this a little deeper and has a very good explanation as to what is happening. From what we understand, this is only affecting the MCS and Clubman S (and some Volkswagens). We explain what is happening and what they are trying to possibly fix it. If this is a problem that you are having with your MINI, be sure to get it into the dealer to have it looked at.

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Previous Select MF Features

2008
» MINI Challenge Race Car in the US
» MF's MINI United Video (part 1)
»
MF Exclusive: Ask Stracco Part 2
» R57: Seriously Always Open
» Factory JCW MINI in Detail
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2007
» MINI Officially Updates Line-up for 2008
» New Models & Production Locations Confirmed
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» 2007 JCW Kit Officially Announced
» MINI's Top Secret Colorado Project
» 2009 Factory JCW MCS (Stage II)
» More MINI Variants Officially Confirmed
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» MINI Clubman Update & Sketch
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» 2007 MINI MotoringFile Q&A
» MINI One and MINI Cooper D Now Official
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2006
» MF Design Analysis: 2007 MINI
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» 2007 MINI Official Photos (Part 2 / Part 3)
» 2007 MINI Drops Weight
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2005
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» Official 2006 MINIUSA Pricing
» Special Editions/Package for 2006
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2004
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2003
» MINI Accessory Additions for 2004
» CVT Paddles Retrofit
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Comparison: '08 BMW 135i
'06 R53 MCS vs '07 R56 MCS
'07 R56 JCW (Stage 1)
'07 MINI Cooper S Long Term
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Audio: '07 MC/MCS at the Track
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Reader Review: JCW GP
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Performance Accessories:
R56 JCW Engine Kit
R56 JCW Suspension (Long-Term)
R56 JCW Suspension (Track)
R56 JCW Suspension (Street)
R53 Craven Speed Short Shifter
R53 M7 Understrut System
Kumho Ecsta SPT Tires
R53 M7 Strut Tower Plates
R53 JCW Alcantara Wheel
R53 JCW Brake Kit
R53 Webb 15% Pulley
R53 Helix MCSa 15% Pulley
R53 H-Sport 19mm Sway Bar
R53 MCS Supersprint Exhaust
Podcast: R53 MCS SS Exhaust
R53 JCW Cold Air Intake
Reader Rev.: R53 JCW Brakes
R50 Supersprint Exhaust
R50 Remus Exhaust
R50 Promini Intake
R50 Remus Dual Exhaust
Schroth Harness System
R50 CVT Steering Wheel Paddles

Exterior Accessories:
Miniature's Receiver Hitch
OEM White Tail Lights

Lifestyle Accessories:
MINI_Motion Watch
MINI_Motion Driving Shoe

Audio:
MINI Digital SoundModul
ICE-Link Plus iPod Adapter
Official BMW/iPod adapter
ICE-Link iPod Adapter
Kenwood iPod Interface
Alpine iPod Interface
Harman Kardon Stereo

Interior Accessories:
JCW Alcantara Steering Wheel JCW Leather Dash
MCAW Auto Up Circuit
MINI Rear Camera
MINI Rear Saddle (official)
MINI Rear Cargo Storage Case
Official MINI Rear Saddle Bag
2004 MINI Armrest Reviewed
Mymini Knee Pad
MINI Bluetooth Kit
MINI Video Input
Aftermarket Bluetooth Integration
Ian Cull Auto-up Circuit
Universal Mobile Phone Holder

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MINI Model Number Cheat Sheet:

1st Gen MINI
R50: One & MC Coupe
R52: All 1st Gen MINI Convt.
R53: MCS Coupe
2nd Gen MINI
R55: Clubman
R56: One/MC/MCS Coupe
R57: One/MC/MCS Convt.
R60: MINI SUV