MINI Officially Updates Line-up for 2008
Official MINI Press Rlease: As of August 2007, all MINI hatchback models with reduced fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels as standard – maximum efficiency in the new MINI Cooper D: 3.9 litres per 100 kilometres, 104 grams CO2 per kilometre.
Munich. The new MINI is even surpassing itself. With a range of measures to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels, the world’s only premium small car is extending its lead in the area of efficiency in the model year 2008 even further. As of August 2007, all model variations (except Convertible) of the new MINI will have high-tech engine periphery components as standard which allow more economical fuel consumption and at the same time increase driving pleasure. Consisting of Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start-Stop Function and Gear Shift Indicator, this package of measures will ensure that the MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper as well as the MINI One and MINI Cooper D achieve a relationship between driving fun and fuel consumption which is unsurpassed in their relevant output categories. The absolute leader in terms of efficiency is the MINI Cooper D: with its 80 kW/110 bhp 4-cylinder diesel engine it has a fuel consumption level of just 3.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the EU test cycle and achieves a CO2 emission level of just 104 grams per kilometre – an outstandingly low level in this output category.
Accelerating is pure fun – while braking generates power for the vehicle
electric system.
A perfect example of the clever combination of additional driving pleasure and reduced fuel consumption is Brake Energy Regeneration, which will be a standard feature of all model variations of the new MINI. An intelligent energy management system ensures that engine power is primarily converted into forward thrust and that electricity for the vehicle power supply is only generated when the vehicle rolls or is braked. In order to achieve this, the generator is automatically disconnected during pulling phases. The power which would be diverted in a conventional vehicle is thus available for even more powerful acceleration. The vehicle electric power supply is still fully maintained, however: as soon as the MINI changes to a pushing or braking phase, the generator is reactivated.
The charge level of the battery is constantly monitored by an intelligent energy management system. Specific regeneration phases, a defined minimum load capacity and the use of the new AGM battery technology (Absorbent Glass Mat) guarantee maximum battery lifetime. The Brake Energy Regeneration system leads to a reduction of fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels in the new MINI regardless of driving style.
Auto Start-Stop Function: no more idling.
In all manual-transmission models of the new MINI, idling phases will be eliminated virtually entirely in future. The new Auto Start-Stop Function ensures that the engine switches off automatically when the vehicle stops at a junction, for example, as soon as the gear lever is moved into neutral position and the driver removes his foot from the clutch. To restart the engine, the driver simply activates the clutch. The engine is then automatically restarted without any delay.
The Auto Start-Stop Function enables a significantly more efficient use of fuel, especially in urban traffic. At every interim stop, energy consumption and exhaust emissions can very simply be reduced to zero. Unnecessary fuel consumption in idling phases is thus a thing of the past. The Auto Start-Stop Function is on standby every time the engine is started. The system is activated as soon as the engine oil has reached the required operating temperature. Under certain conditions for reasons of safety and comfort, the engine is not switched off. By means of permanent monitoring of the operating condition of the vehicle and weather conditions, the intelligent control system is able to identify situations in which it is advantageous to leave the engine running. This applies when the battery is at a very low charge level and also at outside temperatures which are very high (over 30 degrees Celsius) or very low (less than 3 degrees Celsius). What is more, the engine remains running at short interim stops if the interior temperature has not yet reached the level selected in the air conditioning system or when heat is required to remove ice or condensation from the windscreen. The system is also able to distinguish between short-term stops and the end of a journey: there is no automatic restart if the seat belt buckle, driver’s door or engine compartment lid are opened when the engine is switched off. What is more the Auto Start-Stop Function can be deactivated at any time by the driver at the press of a button.
Always in the right gear: Gear Shift Indicator.
Thanks to Gear Shift Indicator – another standard feature – the driver of a MINI with manual transmission can always maintain an economical driving style. The engine management system permanently analyses the engine speed, road situation and accelerator pedal position and based on this data calculates the optimum gear for economical driving. As soon as a gear shift would be appropriate from this point of view, the relevant arrow symbol appears in the cockpit display underneath the tachometer. The ideal gear is also displayed as a number.
Gear Shift Indicator can be activated and deactivated via the menu of the on-board computer. The system also takes the current driving style into account, for example intensive acceleration manoeuvres.
MINI Cooper S: top performance with even greater efficiency.
The increased efficiency of its engines raises the profile of the new MINI in a way which is particularly appropriate to the times. The MINI symbolises self-confidence with a design which is as fascinating as it is likeable. It embodies an awareness of quality at absolute premium level and combines all-round appeal with a level of environmental awareness which has now been further increased. MINI’s combination of driving fun and economy is exemplary – not just in the small car segment – and applies to all engine variations. Top level efficiency is achieved by the new MINI Cooper S. It is powered by a 1.6 litre 4-cylinder engine with Twin Scroll turbocharger and petrol direct injection. This engine delivers 128 kW/175 bhp and mobilises its maximum torque of 240 Nm in the engine speed range between 1 600 and 5 000 rpm – an overboost function even allows this to be increased to 260 Nm. Its maximum speed is 225 km/h and it accelerates from stationary to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds. The average fuel consumption of the MINI Cooper S as per EU test cycle is 6.2 litres per 100 kilometres (previously: 6.9 litres/100 kilometres) and its CO2 level is just 149 grams per kilometre (previously: 164 g/km) – these figures clearly demonstrate how state-of-the-art engine technology can combine efficiency with top performance.
MINI Cooper: more driving fun, less fuel consumption
The 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engine of the new MINI Cooper has a capacity of 1.6 litres and delivers 88 kW/120 bhp. Its maximum torque of 160 Nm is available from 4 250 rpm. The control of the intake valves, inspired by the unique VALVETRONIC technology of the BMW Group, is fully variable. The valve stroke and opening times are controlled electronically and at continuously variable levels so as to adapt to output requirements. This innovative valve control system not only makes for a highly spontaneous response and excellent running smoothness, it also ensures a low level of fuel consumption and optimised exhaust gas response. The MINI Cooper accelerates from 0 to 100 km/ in 9.1 seconds, its maximum speed is 203 km/h. With an average fuel consumption level of just 5.4 litres per 100 kilometres (previously: 5.8 litre/ 100 kilometres) in the EU test cycle and a CO2 level which has been reduced to 129 grams per kilometre (previously: 139 g/km), the MINI Cooper sets an even higher benchmark for efficient driving fun in the model year 2008.
MINI One: the basis for sustainable driving fun.
The new MINI One enables an attractive entry to the world of MINI. It embodies the fascination of the unique premium small car in a particularly economical way. Its 1.4 litre 4-cylinder engine has the same high-tech components which give the MINI Cooper its impressive power delivery and efficiency. With an output of 70 kW/95 bhp and a maximum torque of 140 Nm at 4 000 rpm, the MINI One achieves sporty performance figures. It requires just 10.9 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h and its maximum speed is 185 km/h. The average fuel consumption according to the EU test cycle and the exhaust emission levels have been further optimised. The MINI One of the model year 2008 makes do with 5.3 litres per 100 kilometres (previously: 5.7 litre/100 kilometres) and a CO2 level of 128 grams per kilometre (previously 138 g/km).
MINI Cooper D: economical, clean and with higher torque than ever before.
The new MINI Cooper D demonstrates the great potential of modern diesel engines more impressively than ever before. Its 1.6 litre 4-cylinder power unit has direct injection based on the common rail principle and a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry which ensures a perfectly adapted level of power delivery at all engine speeds. The output of the newly developed and – due to its aluminium construction – lightweight diesel engine is 80 kW/110 bhp, and it has a maximum torque of 240 Nm available between 1 750 and 2 000 rpm. An overboost function allows the torque level to be increased to 260 Nm at short notice.
The MINI Cooper D offers impressive pulling power and sporty performance figures: 9.9 seconds is all it requires for the spurt to 100 km/h, and the maximum speed is 195 km/h. In the light of this, the fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels of the new MINI Cooper D are especially impressive. Average fuel consumption based on the EU test cycle is 3.9 litres per 100 kilometres (previously: 4.4 litres/ 100 kilometres) and the CO2 level is 104 grams per kilometre (previously: 118 g/km) – both of which set new standards. Never before has a MINI been so economical and low on emissions – and never before has so much driving fun been available with such low fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels. With a maximum range of 1,025 kilometres, the MINI Cooper D also shows remarkable long-distance qualities.
New equipment details for even greater driving comfort and charisma.
One feature offering increased ride comfort in the new MINI of the model year 2008 is the modified Cruise Control, that shows the selected speed digitally in the cockpit. It enables the driver to select a desired speed which is then automatically maintained, regardless of the route profile. And after the MINI Cooper S, the MINI Cooper and the MINI One, the MINI Cooper D will now also be available with a 6-speed automatic transmission in the 2008 model year. For even simpler extension of on-board entertainment facilities in the new MINI, a USB connection including Bluetooth function is optionally available from August 2007 for the integration of external audio sources. This enables USB-compatible storage media and MP3 players such as the Apple iPod to be integrated in the MINI entertainment system via the USB port. Music selection can then be accessed via the audio system controls where the menu offers to choose between interpreter, album etc. Also mobiles can then be connected wirelessly via Bluetooth. An additional visual highlight within the varied equipment program is provided by the exclusive paint finish in White Silver metallic available for the MINI Convertible Sidewalk.
This is really beginning to wet my appetite for the 2008 model year. Better power, better fuel consumption and reduced emissions over the ’07s!
And the USB port is really something that MINI should have been offering a long time ago.
Gabe, if I were you, I would wait and order a 2008 MCS instead. This bit of news makes the ’07s automatically obsolete. Seems well worth the wait from here.
>Gabe, if I were you, I would wait and order a 2008 MCS instead. This bit of news makes the ’07s automatically obsolete. Seems well worth the wait from here.
Why would I do that? There’s nothing here that’s new or too interesting in terms of my specific needs. You just get the opportunity to order a USB plug. What’s the point when all I need is iPod functionality via the iPod adapter? Bluetooth is still optional – like it is now.
And I certianly don’t need to wait for these new emissions controls – especially considering that there’s a good chance they won’t be in the US market initially. And keep in mind that lower emissions and better fuel economy don’t totally go hand in hand. We don’t have taxes based on carbon output in the US as they do elsewhere.
I guess if I were in your shoes now, I would wait another 4-5 months and get an ’08, which I think will be an even better built car and by then, hopefully, some of the clutch/flywheel issues would have been already put to bed.
Gas already has gone over the $4 barrier in many parts of the country and every little additional gallon MINI can squeeze out of these engines, seems well worth the wait in my opinion.
Now the question becomes… ’08 R56 or R55???
>I guess if I were in your shoes now.
I just don’t see the point in waiting for this. If 4-5 months meant more power, that would be a different story. At the end of the day I don’t drive my car enough to worry about gas. Actually I’d prefer to see it hit $5 a gallon and have some natural selection in terms of large SUVs.
how much of this do you guys think will be ‘upgradable’ on the ’07 cars, via an ecu flash?
If the alternator decouples itself under acceleration then it will mean more power.
I hear you. I just tend to have more of a “wait and see” attitude with my major purchases. Seeing that MINIs receive constant improvements at the assembly line, the more time you wait, the better the car is. A good analogy to this is the substantial build quality gap between ’02-’03 MINIs and ’05 and ’06s. Not suggesting here for you to cancel your order and wait 3-4 years. But in the big scheme of things, 4-6 months is nothing when it comes to wait for an even better product.
But if I should decide to go down the R55 route I have no choice but to wait until Feb/March next year.
It’s like anything – you could wait forever for things to slowly get better. But in the meantime you’re missing out on the very experience you’re waiting for. To me it’s all about being happy. There will always be something better and faster coming so matter what and when you buy. My advice – buy when you’re ready and enjoy it.
And I have no personal interest in an R55.
We’re paying almost $8 a gallon in the UK for premium gas. I paid £1.06 a litre yesterday. When you convert litres to gallons, then GBP to USD, it’s a bit scary.
I think these improvements are great for the UK, and the MINI.
Exactly and for me is looking more like March ’08 and the R55 but I may get lured the other way and jump on a 56 S.
Gabe,
I thought the R56 test times the magazines were getting for 0-60 was in the low to mid 6’s, if I remember right. Now the ‘official’ MINI time is 0-62 in 7.1. Isn’t that exactly where the original MCS came in from MINI too? I know BMW/MINI likes to understate their performance numbers but I believe they were close on the R53 with some magazines actually getting slower times due to launch difficulties with traction.
>Now the ‘official’ MINI time is 0-62 in 7.1. Isn’t that exactly where the original MCS came in from MINI too?
Yes BMW is nortorious for slow 0-60 times. And remember that the 0-100kph and 0-60mph are very different measurements. Why the dif? Well I can verify the R56 is definitely easier to drive fast. The R53 took a little more finesse at launch. Otherwise I’m not sure.
when an r56 variation is released that has better performance than my ’06 JCW w/ JCW suspension, i will become more compelled.
that and little mini revisions here & there, plus more aftermarket part choices in the future is why i’m waiting, for now…
the current r56 does have some nice changes, though. (minus the exterior, of course).
Zack, but I read here and elsewhere that he ’07 R56 S is faster than even the JCW GP……
from what i’ve read (and, from buddies’ cars–i can still pull away from their r56’s) the r56 is def up there, and the first r56 jcw upgrade will match, if not exceed, the r53 jcw. but, i’m waiting for that several tenths performance gain to justify a switch. prob will happen with the r56 jcw #2 upgrade.
the brakes are the same, minus the pads.
namely, i’m waiting for the r56 jcw suspension. haven’t heard much about what’s in the pipeline on that front.
i like the 56’s stock suspension design changes, but still waiting to hear about the jcw stuff. my r53 jcw suspension felt sportier than the r56 sport suspension.
>namely, i’m waiting for the r56 jcw suspension. haven’t heard much about what’s in the pipeline on that front.
Stay tuned to MF – we’ll have news very shortly on that.
10-4. thanks for keeping us up-to-date, gabe.
Most of this sounds great, but what is this silly gear shift indicator? There is no point to this thing. MINI/BMW is avoiding what they really need to do with the transmission, what they have needed to do with the MINI since day one – make an SMG or DSG-like transmission available for the MINI.
yes–an r56 dsg jcw…
Is DSG the holygrail for the MINI?
dsg should be the holy grail for any car, imo.
I would love an SMG-like transmission in the R56 CooperS’. That would be awesome.
Good to learn that White Silver is a real color after all. They want it to help sales of the R52 in its final year, so I am optimistic that it will turn out to be a \good color, and may get transferred to the R56 the following year.
<blockquote>Is DSG the holygrail for the MINI?</blockquote>You wouldn’t see it on MINI until after it appears on BMW.
To the extent that these “features” show up in US cars, I wonder how much they will recover of the “lost” mileage rating given the new EPA regs which start with the ’08 models. While the actual mileage won’t be affected by the new testing procedures, the numbers on the window sticker could be 10-15% lower than 2007. A lot of people are going to be shocked, especially hybrid buyers (hybrids will take a much bigger hit), when they see lower ratings on the 2008s compared with the same car in 2007.
Given the timing, I wonder if some of this new (to MINI) technology is intended to diminish the effect of the new EPA regs. To me, I just see a lot more things to go wrong.
If the USB audio interface is that of the BMW 3 series, the maximum bit rate supported is 256 kbps, maybe not a big deal to some – but for those keen on higher bit rates, Apple Lossless, AIFF, etc. this is a disappointment.
When I found this out re the 3 series I was no longer miffed that my in transit 323i was too late to include the 6FL USB interface. (virtually all my songs are lossless)
Hmm…the “auto-start-stop function…was wondering about that function having any effect on the engine longevity or lifespan…
Although not the same…isnt there a saying that when a car is in a stop-go traffic….esp in the daily traffic jams…the lifespan of the engine shortens…the engine runs at a higher temperature…and the engine oil breaksdown faster…causing more forbidden “gum” build-up??
So…would a auto-start-stop engine prolong or shorten the engine lifespan….interesting indeed….
too much technology is not necessarily a good thing.
if mini technology is as good as bmw technology…oh boy..service costs to diagnose, repair, replace all these brains, sensors, switches, relays, etc will be brutal after warranty expiration at 50,00 miles.
My 2002 Prius had the auto start-stop function. I sold it to my brother-in-law, who has over 80,000 miles on it and has had zero problems with the engine. Of course, the Prius’s gasoline engine has significantly less horsepower than the current crop of MINIs, but I imagine that BMW has got the engineering well sorted out by now.
I have to say without a doubt that I’m happy I bought an ’07. I don’t think I’d want all of this extra fuel saving gadgetry. It seems that it would add some weight to the car, and potentially interfere with the driving experience.
When do they generally announce colors for a new model year? How much longer will the U.S. have to wait for the 2008?
Eric,
I’ve been told by an MA that 2008’s can be ordered in October for a December delivery here in the US.
So it looks like no factory JCW in 08, very sad.
Totally agree with Gabe though, why wait for the 08, sure its likely to be a little more refined but still with that mindset why not wait till 09 or 10 …….
Brake Energy Regeneration – so it will basicly not spin the alternator except under braking and have a higher tech battery? I would be suprised if that actually tranlates to a measurable HP gain. Fuel efficiency? Maybe. But not by much.
Auto Stop Start Function – Sounds strange and annoying to me. But hey, it’ll cut down on people complaining about the DFI ticking! 😉
Gear Shift Indicator – I drive a manual transmission car. Isn’t it kind of obvios what gear your in, either by feel or just looking and the shifter? I can do without.
So far I don’t see any of this making the ’07 obsolete just yet… two of the three changes I would NOT WANT, while the third is debatable.
I say don’t wait for tomorrow, play now, Gabe!
(…and post your final specs, too! I dying to know some of the last minute “changes” you were talking about)
its quite obvious that bmw are marketing to a new segment. they will score a heap of sales from this new idea. for a car like the cooper.. i think its great. for a cooper s turbo with the intention of adding a jcw… hmmm.. i’m happy that mine won’t have this technology.
usb and cruise system would be a bonus, but oh well, you can’t have everything can you now : )
I really don’t care for any of these except the standard Bluetooth. My question is:
Will the Bluetooth option be retrofittable to the ’07 models? A plug-and-play add on, or will it be a new head unit/speedo?
This technology is pretty incredible. I commend BMW for putting brake regeneration in the 1 series and the MINI, which seems to be a first for non-hybrids. There’s also this myth that this technology has been around for more than a decade(90’s ish) but was delayed entry into normal cars by the same forces that killed the GM ev1 and and the early electric cars; oil companies. Its great to see the Green Revolution getting some momentum.
Other than that piece of tech and may be more refinement I don’t see any reason for waiting for the 08 model.
As for the engine off at idle feature… That’is pretty much just as significant as wiper blades that turn themselves on. Just turn off the engine yourelf! Man, how do we remember to brush our teeth in the morning? lol. But still cool.
The Canadian Office of Energy Efficiency <a href="http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/transportation/personal/idling.cfm?attr=8" rel="nofollow">has a few articles on clearing up the myths about idling, which completely changed my attitude towards my car. They state cars of today need NO MORE THEN 30 SECONDS of warm up in snowy weather and if you know you’ll be idling for MORE THEN 10 SECONDS then you should turn your engine off! And that the wear to the starter and other components would only amount to $10 per yr, far less than what it would be to keep your engine on in terms of fuel. They also go on to say that it damages your engine since incomplete combustion occurs at very low engine rpms and leads to residue build up on your pistons, etc. leading to reduced performance etc.
The 2005 Mini Manual also alludes to this no idle/warm up thing on p. 51.
This was a complete eye opener for me since I was one of those people who idle their prized possessions for a WHOLE MINUTE.
I also read elsewhere you’re required by law in some Scandinavian country turning your engine off at a redlight is the law!!!!
Sorry Gabe. Didn’t mean for this to be so long.</a>
overnight all the early r56 are obsolete thanks mini
I wouldn’t say these are monumental changes that make the r56 obsolete. First it appears only the manual trans models get some of the benefits. As far as gear shift indicator, I had that on a Ford Contour in 93. I thought it was more of an annoyance than anything. Most experienced manual tranny drivers know what gear they need to be in for the conditions they are driving in and the type driving they are doing be it conservative or agressive. The other energy management systems will help, but not by monumental amounts, and I’d worry about reliability of these new systems early on, particularly the electrical energy management. I think Gabe is right, if you wanted one, I wouldn’t wait for 08 just because of these, the increases in effieciency of the R56 over the R50/R53 are significant, these new mods, although welcome, are not in the same order of magnitude in terms of efficiency and power gain.
this has probably been asked before but…is there no chance for the mini cooper d to come over to the u.s.?
The idea of a device to tell me what gear my car is in would tell me one thing, I don’t belong behind the wheel of a manual transmission. Is there even on driver here that can’t tell what gear their car is in by touch and if its while your on the move if you cant tell the gear by the sound/rpm to the mph once again I don’t believe you belong behind the wheel.
Does a USB port mean that a dedicated iPod adapter is no longer needed? In fact, wouldn’t it make the iPod adapter obsolete?
A USB port by itself is not useful without firmware to support each type of device. There is a lot of potential especially for integration with the Nav screen. However, BMW’s history so far on iPod/Nav firmware does not inspire confidence.
Thanks Tom,
I was hoping to have mine by December.
There seems to be a bit of confusion about the gear shift indicator. It doesn’t tell you what gear you’re currently in…instead it indicates when a gear change is needed and tells you what gear you should be in for optimum fuel efficiency. Of course you can always just turn it off for spirited driving when your focus isn’t on saving gas.
My memory (from years back) of the gear shift indicator “insisting” on the correct gear for best efficiency is that it is an annoying feature. The same sort of thing can be done by monitoring the fuel consumption while driving and to see which RPM gives the best efficiency. The indicator is just a reminder. When I checked the fuel efficiency in my 06 MCS is was surprised at how low an RPM it was for best efficiency. Upon reflection that makes sense because the supercharger is doing the least at low RPM. Basically, the best efficiency is at an RPM that allows mild acceleration without the engine “bogging”. Not very fun though 😉
My grip is that in 6th gear above 60 MPH the RPM is way to high to get decent gas mileage and the engine is noisy also. Good reason to take the twisties instead of the highway.
The main issue with the engine on/off routine is keeping the catalytic converter hot for low emissions. I assume there is a temperature sensor on it…
Couple Q’s.
1) Are these changes very likely coming to US cars? I could seem them not changing anything. This likely to add more cost to the car, and with the poor exchange rate could make the base price jump a bit. Plus, our fuel isn’t really all that expensive, not to the point where it would really save us much.
2) I find the engine upgrades and shift indicator silly. I would probably disable the start/stop feature, as well as the gear indicator. I believe this indicator is one that is supposed to give you a “recommended” gear, presumably the one that gets you the best fuel economy. Gee, thanks BMW. I’d prefer to decide myself. The extra wee bit of savings you’ve gotten me is not worth the car telling me when and where to shift. My 87 626 had this feature and it SUCKS. And I couldn’t turn it off.
Really the only nice thing I see here is the USB connection. However, if the base price of the car jumps because of the engine stuff (assuming they are even changing the cars for the US Market..), and/or the USB/Bluetooth is also an expensive option, I’m not so sure I’d wait. Could be awfully expensive to get a bunch of stuff I don’t care about just to pay a lot of money for a USB connection.
Guess I’m just viewing this as a likely expensive technology likely to increase the cost of the car, just to get 1 option I”m interested in (USB).
Tempting to wait (you always assume newer is better), but if October is first build month of 2008 (I heard August), you’d be waiting a long time for not much improvement.
What’s the difference between this new Bluetooth USB connection and the current Bluetooth preparation on the R56? Any details would be appreciated.
1 US Gallon = 3.785 Litres
Here in the UK we are paying around 0.95 pence per litre. So 0.95p x 3.785L = £3.60
Exchange rate currently = 1.983£ per dollar
£3.60 x 1.983 = $7.14 per gallon (and that is supermarket prices). I wish we could have petrol (gasoline) at $4 a gallon even at a US gallon.
I think that’s right anyhow. Also the gap between diesel and petrol is narrowing so the diesel is looking a great option for us is the UK too!
Gabe. Go for it man. Purchase the vehicle enjoy it for how many years and by then what ever is new will have made the 08,09 and 10’s obsolete. Trade in for another.
I just purchased my 07. I has all that I need. That fuel consumption is fine with me. And I’ve been waiting for a few year now to get one.
Safe motoring
Im a bit confused everyone is saying they have to wait to 2008 but cant you buy a mini with changes from August 2007!
Does anyone have an estimate as to how much fuel efficiency will be gained by brake energy regeneration? I am wondering if it is worth waiting for this feature to make its appearance. Also, is the start-up date still August, 2007?
Rob
I found the answer myself. According to this article, brake energy regeneration will increase fuel efficiency by about 4%.
<a href="http://www.greencarcongress.com/2006/09/bmw_introduces_.html" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.greencarcongress.com/2006/09/bmw_introduces_.html</a>
Rob
I like the new features, and I really like fact that they can be disabled if you want. The auto-stop feature may hurt the engine a little but not as much as it would on others. The R56 engines have electric water pumps (and I believe electric oil pumps). These will keep the juices going. There may be some added fuel dilution but we won’t know for sure until they come out.
this article states ‘all MINI’s manufactured as of August 2007’ several times. Then also mentions in the second paragraph, to the contrary, ‘2008 model year’.
Do you know which is the correct statement?
The semantics only matter because mine’s scheduled for August assembly =)
Robgo2…
The Fuel consumption will decrease with 4% according to the article ! (not increase…)
However, I’m wondering how it will work when you’re constantly in traffic jams…. (we have this huge problem in the Netherlands…) Will the engine constantly start/stop ?! driving 10m and then stop again… and again and again…
So will it be possible to shut off this system ?!
If it constantly has to stop… this will not be efficient…
To any body that own’s a Mini,
I’m thinking of buying a new Mini,
Can any body give me their honest opinion of the Mini?
I’ll be looking at this site for your reply.
Thank You, Bill
Bill,
I have 3000miles on my 07 MCS. It is a very fun car but for aggressive drivers, the suspension could be firmer. The car has enough power for me. The build quality is good and I have not had any problems with the car. When you test drive a MINI make sure you turn the sport button on and leave it on.
Does any one know if or when the US models will get Brake Energy Regeneration and Auto Start-Stop Function?
Any word if the MINI Cooper D will be available in the US in 08?
I Love my 2008 and gas mileage is amazing so much better then my 2003
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