MINI OF MANHATTAN
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Section: Reviews

BimmerFile Review: BMW 335 Diesel

MotoringFile Sections: Diesel, Reviews May 16th, 2009 12 Comments

Since diesel is all the range on MotoringFile these days, we thought it appropriate to point our readers to our first diesel related review on our sister site BimmerFile. The 335d is the first BMW diesel in the in recent memory to be sold in the US and proves that efficient powerful diesels can actually come to market in the US. Something MINI Cooper D fans certainly love to hear.

+ BF Review: 2009 BMW 335d / BimmerFile

MF Review: 2004 BMW 3 Series ZHP

MotoringFile Sections: Reviews May 11th, 2009 21 Comments

Normally we keep out BMW related content on our sister site BimmerFile however this is a special case. Considering the reader interest in my accounts of selling my MINI and buying something else, I thought some of you might enjoy a full review of my new car.

It’s early Saturday morning. Spring in Chicago. The kind of hour that an auto enthusiast looks at as the golden hour. The roads are clear and the weather is back from the brink of a wretched Chicago winter.

And I have a red BMW parked in my garage. Yes the MINI is gone and I’m back to rear wheel drive with a propeller on the hood. I wouldn’t call the car “just” a BMW, yet it doesn’t quite justify a real M badge (despite the peppering of that letter throughout the car by the company). It’s not single purpose driven like the Z4 M that I’ve lusted after for years, or the perfect urban runabout like a stock manual transmission Cooper would be. Instead it might just be the best all around automobile I’ve ever owned. continued →

Minspeed.net

MF Review: 2009 MINI Convertible Cooper S

MotoringFile Sections: R57 (Conv.), Reviews Mar 16th, 2009 11 Comments

Okay so this should be pretty easy right? The R57 is the convertible version of the R56. So I can copy and paste any one of our many review of the R56, do a find and replace here and there and I’m done.

Wow that was easy. Now I can go back out and drive the thing. I’ve got one day left with the new 2009 version of the MINI Cooper S Convertible and I’m dying to get outside and put the top down. The sun is out, the temps are hovering near 60F, it’s Chicago in March and the lakefront beckons.

Yes the 2009 MCS Convertible (MCSc or R57 for short) is a chop top R56. But the culmination of this is much more than simply a roofless coupe. This new convertible truly has its own identity. For one the R56 platform just feel so much more right for this car than the previous iteration. The power delivery, the exhaust note and the more supple ride all just feel right in this car. Forget arguments about hard edge handling and raw edge performance. The R57 feels like a bigger leap over the previous drop-top than the R56 over the R50/R53 Cooper and Cooper S hardtops built from 2001-2006. continued →

MF Review: JCW Stage I vs Stage II

MotoringFile Sections: JCW, R56 (Coupe), Reviews Nov 17th, 2008 40 Comments

JCW MCS JCW

Unlike the previous Cooper S, MINI has taken a two prong approach to developing a faster MINI or the R56 MCS. First out of the gates was the JCW “Engine Kit” which debuted in July of 2007. The kit developed 192 bhp and had 201 ft lbs of torque for an MSRP price of $2100 (plus installation). But unlike the previous JCW dealer installed kit, this new kit was easily installed in an hour and relied mostly on software to achieve its performance gains. You could think of it as a kit that unlocks the hidden potential in any stock R56 MCS.

We coined the term “Stage 1″ JCW for this engine kit when it became clear through sources that MINI was creating something even faster and more powerful. In July of 2008 MINI released the “Stage 2″ or factory JCW car to the public. This car was a little closer to the original R53 kit in it’s design. Not only did it feature revised software but also upgraded mechanicals. We won’t go into details here (you can read that in our full review) but needless to say it’s fast. continued →

M7 Tuning

MF Review: Factory JCW Coupe

MotoringFile Sections: JCW, R56 (Coupe), Reviews Nov 12th, 2008 62 Comments

The factory JCW MINI is a dichotomy of character. On one hand (in stock form) it’s as comfortable over bumps and on the highway as any MINI that’s ever been produced. Yet on the other hand it’s the fastest and most raucous MINI ever. ClearlyBMW tried to create this car to be almost everything to all people. But does that make the new JCW less of a performance car?

If you only look at sheer speed, the new JCW handily takes the crown. It feels every bit as fast as the 2006 JCW GP was with an enormous amount of torque (206 ft lbs of it) available almost instantly in the rev range. Its also got the power too – 211bhp of it. While the GP may have had similar numbers, it’s the new JCW’s power delivery that really sets it apart. And weight is less of an issue as well. With the new R56 chassis weighing around 20lbs less in similar spec, the GP doesn’t quite have the same advantage it used to have. continued →

MotoringFile JCW Review Coming Soon

MotoringFile Sections: JCW, Reviews Oct 28th, 2008 29 Comments

cabriospy2.jpg

We’ve heard you. You want to read our review of the 2009 JCW MINI. In fact there hasn’t been a week that has gone by since spring that we haven’t gotten emails asking when we were going to drive the car. The wait is over. Our 2009 JCW press car will arrive tomorrow we’ll be putting it through its paces for an entire week. continued →

MINI Magnetic Badges

MF First Drive: Factory JCW Clubman

MotoringFile Sections: JCW, R55 (Clubman), Reviews Sep 2nd, 2008 25 Comments

BMW and MINI have worked hard on the new JCW MINIs in setting them apart from the other models. They’ve given them their own names (you won’t find “Cooper S” anywhere on them) and they’ve given the powerplant an entirely updated character let along performance boost. But is it enough?

From an enthusiasts point of view the problem with the existing MINI Clubman is it’s extra weight and subsequently a slightly lazier turn-in as compared to the MINI coupe. While the new factory JCW Clubman doesn’t solve the weight issue, it does solve everything else related to straight-line performance.

Walking up to the back JCW Clubman you can help but notice the fat twin pipes on the corners. It’s clear that MINI meant for this car to look the part. The large red calipers peaking out of the front wheels and the discrete JCW badges are the only other signs that this isn’t your ordinary Clubman. Could MINI have done more to make this car look the part though? I’m inclined to believe so. However with the JCW aerokit unavailable until March of 2009 for the Clubman (internally called the R55), I’ll give MINI USA the benefit of the doubt for now. Of course the same can’t be said for the JCW coupe which does have a JCW aerokit potentially available yet doesn’t get it as standard. continued →

Upcoming MotoringFile Reviews

MotoringFile Sections: MINI Competitors, R55 (Clubman), R56 (Coupe), Reviews Aug 25th, 2008 28 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. continued →

Out Motoring

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

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

MF Full Review: MINI Clubman Cooper S

MotoringFile Sections: R55 (Clubman), 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. continued →

Upcoming MotoringFile/BimmerFile Reviews

MotoringFile Sections: R55 (Clubman), 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. continued →

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. continued →

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. continued →

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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
» 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 Targa 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
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MotoringFile Reviews

Auto Reviews:
'09 Cooper S Convertible
'09 JCW Coupe
'09 JCW Clubman
JCW Stage I vs JCW Stage II
'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 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