With BMW introducing the new MINI late this year, there have been lots of questions from MotoringFile readers about future availability of both the new and current car. With some recently received information we are now able to give a more accurate view of 2006 and early 2007 production.
As we’ve mentioned in the past, the next generation MINI hardtop will begin production in September of 2006. However our sources are indicating that this initial production will be meant mainly for Europe. In fact we’re hearing that the the US market won’t see the new 2007 MINI until as late as January with an official launch in early February.
What cars will be on US dealer lots this fall you ask? Well for one the current convertible will continue in production for at least another year before being replaced (more below). So that means that it will be in stock and available throughout the model change over this fall. Furthermore the MINI plant will be producing the current hardtop car (the R50/R53) in good numbers throughout September and October and even a few in November. These cars will make it across the pond and to US dealers by October and November. The hope is that this will close the gap between the end of the current MINI and the start of sales for the 2007 MINI. The current hardtop MINI’s production should cease altogether in November of 2006. It’s worth noting that these last R50s and R53s will be pre-specced.
So what does that mean for the folks in the US who want in on the last model year of the current hardtop? Read this article for all the details.
Here’s a break-down of availability for each of the three body styles:
The R50/R53 hardtop (2001-2006)
Production continues until November with the last couple of months mainly meant for the North American market. Production ends completely in November 2006. The last month or so of production meant for the North American market will be pre-specced
The R52 convertible (2004-2007)
Production continues unchanged until 2008 when an R56 based convertible should arrive.
R56 hardtop (2006-?)
Production starts in September for Europe and late 2006 for North American markets.
Do you think that the R56 will be available for sitting in at any upcoming car shows? Us taller motoring types would love to see how we fit in the new ride versus the current models. Could you inquire to the powers that be if anything with the interior has changed that would affect rider fit?
I’ve been told there will be slightly more room inside the new car.
Do you know if the new turbo Cooper S will be available to us in the USA right away in January? I’ve seen an internal (admittedly outdated) BMW document on a post from last year that indicated the Cooper would be produced right away, but the new Cooper S would not start production until later (i.e. Spring of 2007). Thanks for the info, by the way. This is my favorite site on the web and I look forward to checking it every day!
Slightly more is better than nothing at all for us tall motorers. Thanks for the insight and I look forward to an auto show appearance if one should happen.
May, you say? Thanks, just what I needed to hear.
desperately figures out how to finance new car
<blockquote>May, you say? Thanks, just what I needed to hear.
desperately figures out how to finance new car</blockquote>
You and me both!
If production of the current hardtop wont cease till November of 2006, why is it necessary to get your order in by May 2006?
Thanks a ton Gabe! Must order before May! Woohoo!
That sucks! Much later than I had anticipated! I guess I’ll go find me a 05 and twin charge it… hummm or maybe a new mkv gti…hummm…
What about other non Europe / USA markets? Will they have to wait even longer?
I wonder what the reason is – maybe using the English market as “guinea pigs” for the initial new production, to minimize bad publicity in USA if something bad happens …
I sat in the prototype at a marketing study in NYC. Definitely a bit bigger in the back, though a lot was due to the deeply scalloped front seatbacks. Personally, I hated the new dash. Love my ’05 S.
Even though production doesn’t end until fall the numbers being produced is going to level off until the very last one is produced. MINI wants to meet demand but doesn’t want to muck up the launch of the new car.
I will not be one of those “Guinea pigs”. Let the first kids on the block rush out the door with their R56s and they’ll do the quality control and testing for us. By the time we are ready for a R56 MINI, most of the first year Beta testing should be done.
Do people genuinely believe that initial quality on the R56 hardtop is going to be that bad? I’ll be in the market for a car just when this comes out.
<blockquote>Do people genuinely believe that initial quality on the R56 hardtop is going to be that bad? I’ll be in the market for a car just when this comes out.</blockquote>
I don’t. While I don’t think it’s a bad idea to wait until year two of a new model, I can’t see first year issues coming close to what ’01/’02 owners had to deal with.
Is there any information regarding the U.S. SALES timeline?
How late will U.S. dealers accept spec orders for 2006 hardtops?
How soon will U.S. dealers be able to SUBMIT spec orders for 2007 hardtops?
(regardless of how soon they begin to pocket deposits…)
Perhaps MotoringFile can summarize SALES, PRODUCTION, and DELIVERY timelines in a chart here.
Thanks!
I am leasing (4yr term) my 05 to give the R56 time to work out the (potential) bugs. I am a big fan of turbocharged engines and will look at this one closer to the end of my lease term.
To Help you Peter. Firstly the R50/R53’s last production month will be August/ September so July will most likely be the last month you can order one. We won’t be able to accept orders for 2007’s until allocation is allotted. that most likely will happen November or so based on when they say it will debut. January is supposed to be the first month of deliveries according to MINI. This is my best educated guess. At th rate we’re selling these things I’ll tell you we will be out of cars for a part of next fall/winter so don’t wait too long if you really want to order specifically what you want. And do please enjoy whichever generation you buy! Motoring is the best!
<blockquote>While I don’t think it’s a bad idea to wait until year two of a new model, I can’t see first year issues coming close to what ‘01/’02 owners had to deal with.</blockquote>
To understand this, you really should read a book I have at home on my bookshelve. I think it’s simply called “New Mini” and it has a blue car on the cover, photographed from the front from a fairly low angle. Don’t have more details at the moment.
It describes the development of the current car in quite a lot of detail, from the first ideas to the finished product, including all the hassle with BMW selling off Rover (which was a lot). Considering the development of the R56 wil have been in much calmer waters, I’m with Gabe in anticipating a lot less problems.
Yes… the new MINI is a great book and should be considered required reading around these parts. In fact the author of the book, Graham Robson is kind enough to post on MotoringFile so and then.
Why the change from a supercharger to a turbo?
And with (apparently) such a small increase in HP.
I understand that turbos have a lag time, but the supercharger on my mini seems to have one also.
Will the HP from the Turbo be at lower RPMs?
And what kind of aftermarket mods can one expect for Turbos? The smaller pulleys make a big difference on a MCS will Turbos have something similar?
<a href="mailto:Max_Sorb@hotmail.com">Max_Sorb@hotmail.com</a>
Oh My, What am I getting involved with? I put a deposit down for a 2007 Mini S in February 2006 and now I read I may not get delivery until May 2007? I guess I will have to be more patient than I expected. I am excited about the new engine and the proposed improvements to the interior and new fabric options. Each of your comments make me more anxious. thanks SteveV
I placed an order for my MINI S, about a month ago and the dealer did not have any information about the new 2007 Model.
Awaiting delivery, I am concerned about the reasoning behind the switch from Super Charger to Turbo Charger.
This will be my first MINI and now I am having second thoughts ~ is the new model going to improved enough to justify waiting? Having never owned one I have no basis for comparison…
R Brennan