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Section: Reviews

Upcoming MotoringFile Reviews

MotoringFile Sections: MINI Competitors, R55, R56, Reviews Aug 25th, 2008 26 Comments

MINI Cooper Diesel

We’ve had an enormous number of requests for a couple reviews over the past few months. First up are of course the two new JCW MINIs. And then there is continued interest (yes from MINI owners) of the 135i - specifically the manual which we haven’t tested yet. So we’ve been busy working with BMW and MINI to get these cars and in turn get our reviews out to our loyal readers.

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BimmerFile Review: BMW M3 Convertible

MotoringFile Sections: Reviews Aug 13th, 2008 15 Comments

Okay, a $75,000 BMW isn’t exactly MINI competition. But it is a review that some of you may find interesting from a auto enthusiast’s point of view. Oh and it’s from our sister publication BimmerFile. Go check it out.

+ BimmerFile Review: M3 Convertible

Knauz MINI

BimmerFile Review: BMW M3 Sedan

MotoringFile Sections: Reviews Jul 3rd, 2008 20 Comments

It doesn’t get much further removed from the MINI than a $60k BMW M3 sedan, but think of them as kindred spirits. And the M3 is one of those “it” cars for 2008 that simply makes for a fun review and a good comparison to the small car we all love. As you may have guessed it, our sister site BimmerFile was able to get their hands on an M3 sedan for a full week’s test. A highly recommended read if you’re at all interested in one of the ultimate sports sedans out there.

+ BimmerFile Review: BMW M3 Sedan

BimmerFile Review: BMW 135i Auto

MotoringFile Sections: MINI Competitors, Reviews Jun 26th, 2008 7 Comments

The 135i may not be a MINI, but it’s one of the most talked about cars of the moment on MotoringFile and our sister publication BimmerFile just wrapped up a full week’s worth of driving it. A highly recommended read if you’re at all interested in the smallest of BMWs and (dare we say it) the most MINI like.

+ BF Review: BMW 135i Auto

MINI of Manhattan

MF Full Review: MINI Clubman Cooper S

MotoringFile Sections: R55, Reviews May 30th, 2008 33 Comments

The idea of bigger MINI can seem like an anomaly. For those not familiar with the car, the entire concept seems at odds with the brand. Why would anyone want a slightly larger MINI. At what point does a larger MINI become just another car? And if a larger MINI doesn’t reflect the character of the brand, how does BMW expect this car to be successful?

Luckily BMW had all this in mind (along with some good instincts) when designing and engineering the car. In my week with the Clubman I found that it does the unthinkable by offering more space but retaining 90% of what auto enthusiasts love about the MINI. The handling and feel that have always made the MINI feel so special is almost all there. And to anyone but the enthusiast, the difference is probably barely noticeable.

In return the Clubman offers up both extra space and a unique character that the MINI coupe doesn’t have. There’s a whimsical feel to the Clubman from the rear wipers to the hidden handle on the 3rd door. It’s the kind of car that you feel connected to on a level that belies what it really does - get you from point A to point B.

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Upcoming MotoringFile/BimmerFile Reviews

MotoringFile Sections: R55, Reviews, Site News May 6th, 2008 8 Comments

If you haven’t noticed we tend to review new MINIs and BMWs in two phases. The first is at the press launch where we’re invited to drive the cars on predetermined roads and in some cases tracks. While this opportunity is a great way to allow a first drive in the cars before their release, it’s often not enough time to thoroughly review it. Hence the second phase where we get a car for a week for a full test. That means we commute in it, head for the twisties in it and about anything else you can imagine to give us the best information possible for a review.

Last year’s test of the then new r56 on the Dragon was an ideal way to get to know the car and to form some long lasting opinions on it. This year we’ll be testing the Clubman MCS in slightly different circumstances. It’ll be a road trip around the midwest with two to three people with luggage and open road.

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M7 Tuning

MotoringFile Review: Pooch Style Car Mats

MotoringFile Sections: Accessories, Reviews Apr 10th, 2008 21 Comments

If you own a dog and a MINI, it’s likely the two come in contact from time to time. And when they do there’s usually a cringe-worth moment the first time those little paws hit the seats. Pooch Style’s car mats are intended to eliminate that moment.

We tested a black seat mat to see if it not only stood up to our tests but our dog’s as well.

When I opened the kit I could not help noticing the care that went into packaging the cover and the included information, instructions and even a biscuit for the pooch. There’s no question Pooch Style makes an effort to thank you for your purchase. It’s obvious that they are a small company who aren’t afraid to show that personal touch - something I appreciated.

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MF Review: Smart Fourtwo

MotoringFile Sections: MINI Competitors, Reviews Mar 10th, 2008 43 Comments

The following review coincides with the Smart’s launch in the US and therefore will be reviewed in relation to that specific market.

On paper the Smart micro-car is as revolutionary an ideas as the original MINI. The Smart is mid-engined, small and efficient in both space and economy. The Smart Fourtwo (the only Smart made these days) comfortably seats two while offering a boot not too different from the MINI’s own. However the big difference in terms of space is that lack of rear seats that the MINI offers.

The other big difference? Where the MINI is one of the most entertaining new cars I’ve ever driven, the Smart is easily the worst. And I’m not talking about just mediocre. The Smart’s driving experience is truly appalling. In fact, as much as I’m aware of the 10-12 month waiting lists, I honestly can’t imagine anyone buying this car after a test drive.

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MINI Magnetic Badges

Wheels.ca Reviews the Clubman

MotoringFile Sections: R55, Reviews Mar 4th, 2008 24 Comments

Well, maybe not so much about the Clubman as it is an open letter from Jim Kenzie to Jeremy Clarkson and his earlier review at the London Times. Here’s an excerpt:

Jeremy Clarkson, you can be such a Nigel. You rubbished the Mini Clubman a few fortnights ago. “One of the worst cars in the world”?

Bollocks.

You surely have driven Russian-built Ladas and Romanian-built Dacias.

Your initial whinge was that the Clubman’s single rear door is on the right side of the vehicle, which dumps the sprogs out into the traffic in England.

Well, boo-hoo. The single rear door is on that side because most of Clubman’s customers drive on the right side of the road – the “right” side, Jeremy old bean.

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Cnet Reviews the MINI Cooper Clubman

MotoringFile Sections: R55, Reviews Mar 2nd, 2008 9 Comments

Cnet has their chance with the Clubman and Clubman S. Overall they liked it, as well the R56, but they had some reservations.

There’s no doubt that the Mini Cooper Clubman will have its loyal followers. Its signature Mini styling cues, along with some model-specific features, definitely attract attention. But unless you’re willing to spring for the more powerful engine, be prepared to curse those steep city streets. And for $25k, there are plenty of other cars that could make it up the hill. Although the alternatives might not look as hip.

[ First drive: MINI Cooper Clubman ] Cnet.com

More Clubman Impressions

MotoringFile Sections: MF Feature, R55, Reviews Feb 26th, 2008 7 Comments

clubman

Some of our Canadian neighbours attended the BMW Press Launch last week and got some seat time in the Clubman and Clubman S. Here is what they thought.

My wife and I fell in love with the Cooper, but like many, we found the rear passenger compartment too limited and hard to access. The new Clubman is the answer we were looking for — an interesting, legitimate alternative for those wanting to own a second car. That being said, it could just as easily serve as a primary vehicle, considering its newly-acquired qualities.

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BimmerFile Review: BMW M3

MotoringFile Sections: MINI Competitors, Reviews Feb 19th, 2008 17 Comments

Here’s another BimmerFile review more than a few MINI owners may enjoy. While the new BMW M3 won’t be cross-shopped to often with the MINI (even that upcoming factory JCW) we figure most people here like fast cars. And well, the M3 is a bloody fast car.

+ BimmerFile Review: BMW M3

Motortrend Reviews the ‘08 Clubman

MotoringFile Sections: R55, Reviews Feb 19th, 2008 22 Comments

clubmanIn what will be another long stream of reviews now that the Clubman is officially in the US, Motortrend gives us their take, starting with some love for the automatic transmission.

Laugh if you want, but I’m also raving about the six-speed automatic transmission. I didn’t ask for it, but turns out it’s probably the only thing keeping me shiny side up, rubber side down.

Oh, wait. Maybe not.

The automatic transmission is good, but not without flaw. On some of the steeper uphill switchbacks, there is delay before it kicks down to first. The wheelspin I can deal with, but what I can’t stand is the drop in momentum — the Empire must be defeated, Middle Earth must be saved.

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MF 1st Drive: MINI Clubman Cooper S

MotoringFile Sections: R55, Reviews Feb 18th, 2008 44 Comments

The MINI Clubman is not the MINI reinvented. It’s not Americanized, supersized, or dumbed in any way. Instead what we have in the Clubman is the largest, most spacious MINI possible that still looks and performs like a MINI.

Yes the Clubman has more rear legroom and cargo space. 3.1 inches of extra legroom and 6.3 inches of extra storage space in the boot. That, along with various space saving nooks and crannies give the Clubman decidedly more versatility than the hardtop R56 MINI. But MINI was serious about creating something special inside the Clubman as well. The rear interior of the car (from the B-pillar forward it’s identical to the R56) was designed by the same interior designer who created the current interiors for Rolls Royce. While the quality of components may not be the same (no surprises there) the attention to detail and craftsmanship is obvious.

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BimmerFile Review: BMW 135i

MotoringFile Sections: MINI Competitors, Reviews Feb 17th, 2008 6 Comments

Over the years we’ve reviewed a handful of MINI competitors in an effort to bring you the best of the automotive world through the eyes of a MINI owner. Today we have another. However now that we have BimmerFile as our BMW outlet, we’re going to move all of our BMW related content (even cars we would call MINI competitors) over to the new sister site. And that starts with this review.

So with that said, we bring you our first review of the new BMW 135i - a car more than a few MINI owners have an eye on. You can check it out at BimmerFile.

+ BimmerFile Review: BMW 135i

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Previous Select MF Features

2008
» MF's MINI United Video (part 1)
»
MF Exclusive: Ask Stracco Part 2
» R57: Seriously Always Open
» Factory JCW MINI in Detail
» Exclusive MINI Takes the State Info
2007
» MINI Officially Updates Line-up for 2008
» New Models & Production Locations Confirmed
» MotoringFile's MINI United Coverage
» 2007 JCW Kit Officially Announced
» MINI's Top Secret Colorado Project
» 2009 Factory JCW MCS (Stage II)
» More MINI Variants Officially Confirmed
» MINI Clubman Official Photos and Specs
» R56 Pedestrian Crash Analysis
» Future JCW Vehicles Revealed
» MINI USA's Motorby Pilot Program
» MINI Clubman Update & Sketch
» BMW To Re-Brand JCW
» 2007 MINI MotoringFile Q&A
» MINI One and MINI Cooper D Now Official
» 2007 MINI Reader Reviews
» 2007 MINI USA Pricing and Options
» MINI Unveils the Sidewalk

2006
» MF Design Analysis: 2007 MINI
» 2007 JCW Accessories Revealed
» MINI Names the R55: The Clubman » 2007 MINI In Detail (Part 2 / Part 3)
» 2007 MINI Official Photos (Part 2 / Part 3)
» 2007 MINI Drops Weight
» Official 2007 MINI UK PDFs
» 2007 Nav Includes iDrive-Like Controller
» 2007 US Market Options Packages
» Hey Stracco: The Interview
» Let's Plan: MINI Clubs & MTTS
» MINI's Official R56 Preview Photos
» MINI's Official R56 Preview
» Next Generation MINI Revealed (#2)
» '07 MC & MCS Spotted in Death Valley
» 2007 MINI Color List (US Market)
» '07 MINI Gets More Power/Less Weight
» MF Review: MINIs on the Dragon
» MINI USA Releases JCW GP Pricing
» JCW Cooper S Long Term Review
» Seven New Colors for 2007
» MINI Release Info on Next Gen Engines
» Chicago Autoshow Gallery
» JCW GP at Geneva (final release info)
» 2006 JCW Product Info
» MINI Concept Detroit - In Detail
» MINI Sourced Triump Still Years Away
» US Connection for MINI's new Roadster
» First MINI Now Triumph?
» More News on the MINI Triumph Concept

2005
» Behind the Wheel of the 2007 MINI
» MINI Concept Tokyo - In Detail
» MINI Concept Frankfurt - In Detail
» Driven: The Nürburgring Nordschleife
» MINI Wins at Targe Newfoundland
» 2006 JCW Accessories
» US Market Color Changes for 2006
» Getrag's All Wheel Drive MINI In Depth
» BMW/MINI to Buy JCW?
» Official 2006 MINIUSA Pricing
» Special Editions/Package for 2006
» Checkmate Options Package (USA)
» JCW Direct From to the Factory in '06
» Tips on How to Sell Your MINI
» 2006 Model Year Timeline
» MINI's 2006 Color Changes
» Next Generation MINI Revealed
» Official MINI Armrest Revealed
» MotoringFile Review: MCS Auto

2004
» Details on the MCS Limited Slip Dif
» MotoringFile 2004 Holiday Gift Guide
» Getrag Tests All-Wheel Drive MINI
» Q&A on the OutMotoring ARC Armrest
» 2005 Chicago Auto Show / Gallery
» MINI USA's JCW GP Delivery Program
» 2005 MINI Changes
» The Cabrio In Depth / Gallery
» Special Edition MC40 / Gallery
» MINI Plant Tour Review
» Hood Rub Service Bulletin
» 2004 Chicago Auto Show / Gallery

2003
» MINI Accessory Additions for 2004
» CVT Paddles Retrofit
» 2005 MINI Spotted
» Rear Fogs Almost Here
» New Prince Engine Caught Testing
» MINI Releases Hood Rub Bulletin
» MINI_Motion Launched
» MINI Conquers Snow and Ice
» MINI One D Announced
» MINI Named North American Car of the Year
Otto's MINI
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MotoringFile Buyers Guides

R50 ('02-'06 MC) Buyers Guide
R53 ('02-'06 MCS) Buyers Guide

MotoringFile Reviews

Auto Reviews:
'08 Clubman S (Auto)
1st Drive: '08 MINI Clubman
Comparison: '08 BMW 135i
'06 R53 MCS vs '07 R56 MCS
'07 R56 JCW (Stage 1)
'07 MINI Cooper S Long Term
'07 BMW Z4 M Coupe
'07 MINI Cooper & Cooper S
Audio: '07 MC/MCS at the Track
'06 JCW GP Long term
Reader Review: JCW GP
'06 JCW Cooper S Long Term
Comparison: '06 Lotus Elise
Comparison: '06 Mazda MX5
Comparison: '06 UK Focus ST
Comparison: '06 Civic Si
Comparison: '04 TVR T350
Comparison: '06 Nissan 350z
Comparison: '06 VW GTI w/DSG
Podcast: Cooper S Auto
Podcast: BMW 325i
Podcast: JCW MC Soundkit
'04 JCW MINI Cooper Tuning Kit
'05 MCS: One Month Review
'05 MCS Auto
'05 JCW S 1st Drive
'05 MINI Cooper
'05 MCS Conv. Long Term
'05 MINI Cooper S
'05 MCS Cabrio 1st Drive
'04 JCW MCS First Drive
'04 MC w/JCW Tuning Kit
BMW M3 SMG Vs. MCS
'04 MINI Cooper CVT
'02 MCS 3 year Review
Autocrossing the MINI Range

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Performance Accessories:
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