My one week report on my new MINI and it’s delivery process will be going live on the site very soon with photos and feedback on the car and the buying experience. However we’ve had quite a few requests for photos of new car so I thought I’d release a few early for those interested.
As always you can click on each to see larger versions of each photo. Once you click an image you can also use the “n” and “p” keys on your keyboard to go to the next and previous (respectively).
Congratulations!! Wow it’s amazing, Gabe!! Your interior is beautiful! I don’t think those seats are available here in Canada. I’ve never seen them before. Also, where did you get those nice floor mats from?
I admit I was a little on the fence about the interior with the piano black and the lounge leather. Totally sold on this look, just goes to prove you have a better aesthetic eye than I. Are you going to tint the windows, think a very light 40 or 50 Huper Optik would be a very nice look on the car.
Congrats Gabe … never thought I’d say this, but those are the first interior shots that have me sold.
Great job by the photographer … he should be working for MINI!
As far as I know those mats look like the OEM “urban” floor mats. They are available in Dark Grey which Gabe has and Cream white. You can probably get them from your dealer.
Here are the part numbers:
Front White: 51 47 0 417 756
Rear White: 51 47 0 420 547
Gabe, I am surprised that after all the promotion work and all other things you do for the MINI brand, that MINI USA does not supply you a “company car” for use.
I would think that you do more for the brand in the USA than a lot of dealer and MINI NA staff.
Hey guys! the pics look good. But believe me, Gabe’s R56 looks even better in person. Oh yeah, I’ve seen, touched, sat in it today. Definitely as good as advertised here. What impressed me most was the interior. It just looks great. The white/creme accents really make a difference.
I liked the previous MCS, but you’ve outdone yourself this time. Good job Gabe!
>Great job by the photographer … he should be working for MINI!
Sweet – that’s yours truly 🙂
>Gabe, I am surprised that after all the promotion work and all other things you do for the MINI brand, that MINI USA does not supply you a “company car” for use.
While it’s a nice thought, I prefer to pay for my own car than get a free one. I’ll gladly take a press car for a time for testing but I like my car to be truly mine 🙂
>As far as I know those mats look like the OEM “urban” floor mats. They are available in Dark Grey which Gabe has and Cream white. You can probably get them from your dealer.
Correct. However I have the cream white version – not the grey.
>I love the piano black / (pepper?) white theme inside 🙂
The car looks great in the dark.. Can’t wait to see it in daylight.
The interior is really incredible.. The seats, the dash, the shifter knob, the blue shadow lighting in the doors and other locations, and the NAV unit really make it special.
Gabe, how do you drive your new R56 during breaking period. How many miles is breaking period? I just got my pepper white mcs and the only different is the interior roof color and the cream color line. To be honest, I like yours better and I will try to change my dark grey color line to cream too. Hope they have parts for that.
OK, after taking a closer look at the pics, I gotta say… it’s the floormats that really tie the interior together. The “pinstripes” work really well with the cream white color line and seat piping. Too cool. So they make those mats in a darker gray colored stripe? Might have to see how those would work in the Redwood Red and charcoal grey interior (mine – that is).
Great Pic’s. Anxious to see more!!!!! Nothing like new car buying…EH!!! Well…looks like another test drive is in the works. Congrats are in order in, Gabe. As always the trip has been worth wait!!!
I’ve been waiting for the interior shots showing the white. I have an 06 AB/AB with added white stripe and mirror caps and have thought about moving the white inside to join in with the English leather and Piano dash. After seeing these picks I may just do it now that I see it works well together. 🙂
Overall, the new interior details are the best thing the new iteration – excellent taste, Gabe! Great shots, and oh, yeah, don’t sit on the sunglasses.
>BTW, 1cm is less than 0.5″. I think you will want to go lower. The R56 wheel gap is massive.
My car is bottoming out now. I’m not going lower than 1cm because I can’t. To help bridge the gap so to speak I’ll also be moving from a 215/<strong>35</strong>/18 to a 215/<strong>40</strong>/18
>My vote – lose those mirror caps. Black would be ideal, but even chrome would be an improvement.
My plan is to keep them on there for now but eventually will switch back to the astro black that came with the car. It was always my plan to only have them on for MINI events etc.
Gabe… we have the same exact car on the interior. I am loving it as well as I am sure you are. It is so beautiful. I ALMOST bought those floor mats but wasn’t sure because I had not seen them in person but they sure look sweet. I think I might need to add those : )
Had you mentioned getting after market leather accents with the creme white trim? Just wondering where you may be getting them from?
Currently driving an 03 MCS dark silver. I will be changing to an 08 MCS as soon as I can order one. Not sure I like the dark silver on the r56. Looking at your car, I am seriously considering duplicating it for myself. Very very nice. Also considering pepper white, black bonnet stripes.
Congrats Gabe, that is one sweet ride you’ve got rollin’ there. The interior difference the Nav makes is HUGE. I think I could actually tolerate that center stack in that configuration. Ha ha! Awesome choices – very elegant.
<b>Gabe</b> – you say you are “bottoming out” now. That does not sound good. Do you mean hitting the bump stops on the suspension, or actually dragging the underbody. I’m assuming the former – the R56s I’ve seen have SUV-like clearance.
Do you attribute this to a much softer suspension set up than the R53?
>you say you are “bottoming out” now. That does not sound good. Do you mean hitting the bump stops on the suspension, or actually dragging the underbody. I’m assuming the former – the R56s I’ve seen have SUV-like clearance.
The bottom of the car is hitting the road. This is the same thing my R53 was doing in spots however with less frequency.
>Do you attribute this to a much softer suspension set up than the R53?
There are two reasons for this. First off- the R56 (despite popular belief) isn’t appreciably higher than the R53. The wheel-wells are larger allowing for great suspension. This makes the car appear like it’s sitting higher than it actually is. Secondly the stock suspension (not the optional sport suspension) is slightly softer than the R53’s SS+ and compresses easier.
Thanks, Gabe. The only part of my car that makes contact with the road is the skirt hanging off the bottom of the front bumper, and then only on speed bumps and driveway entrances. The bumpers on the R56 seem to sit MUCH higher to me, so I assumed this wouldn’t be an issue. Sounds like you have some very nasty roads where you drive. A 40-series tire sounds like a good call.
Yeah I thought the same thing until doing a back to back with two cars within inches of each other. However I do agree it needs some kind of drop to look really aggressive.
Unless of course you put some 225/60s on there and some rally lights 😉
Gabe
Is the JCW wheel noticeably more comfortable than the stock one? I am not so please with how hard it is. Also did you get that from Knauz? Installed yourself? And what was the cost? Thanks!
>Is the JCW wheel noticeably more comfortable than the stock one? I am not so please with how hard it is. Also did you get that from Knauz? Installed yourself? And what was the cost? Thanks!
It is for me. It is also more firm than the previous version – a bit more like the newer M wheels on BMWs. I personally prefer that.
I got it from MINI United actually. However Knauz will certainly deal. Just call and ask for Glen and mention MotoringFile pricing 🙂
The US seating is different due to the US only mandated airbag weight sensor in the passenger seat cushion. We can thank our wonderful government for that.
I’m curious Gabe why you didn’t get the JCW spoiler? Reason I ask is because I’m not sure if I want it or not. My 07 La/B MCS comes in tomorrow & I have the opportunity to put it on altho I only have JCW side skirts and am not sure if it clashes with the sleekness of the car. Thanks Guido
Congratulations!! Wow it’s amazing, Gabe!! Your interior is beautiful! I don’t think those seats are available here in Canada. I’ve never seen them before. Also, where did you get those nice floor mats from?
The most desirable R56 I’v seen.
Could just be some photographic trick, though.
I love the piano black / (pepper?) white theme inside 🙂
Waiting (im)patiently for a nav & iPod report!
Very nice Gabe!
I admit I was a little on the fence about the interior with the piano black and the lounge leather. Totally sold on this look, just goes to prove you have a better aesthetic eye than I. Are you going to tint the windows, think a very light 40 or 50 Huper Optik would be a very nice look on the car.
It’s so beautiful. Congrats!
I’d like to see what it looks like when you’re done with it.
Cheers.
Looks pretty sweet. Probably one of the hottest R56 specs I’ve seen. Do I spy some special Motoringfile mirror covers?
Gabe,
Where are the floor mats from?
Congrats Gabe… Looks awesome!
sean – those are mini united caps:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bridger/867157910/" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.flickr.com/photos/bridger/867157910/</a>
Congrats Gabe … never thought I’d say this, but those are the first interior shots that have me sold.
Great job by the photographer … he should be working for MINI!
The color combo is awesome.
As far as I know those mats look like the OEM “urban” floor mats. They are available in Dark Grey which Gabe has and Cream white. You can probably get them from your dealer.
Here are the part numbers:
Front White: 51 47 0 417 756
Rear White: 51 47 0 420 547
Front Grey: 51 47 0 421 689
Rear Grey: 51 47 0 421 691
very nice mate, very nice 🙂
Gabe, I am surprised that after all the promotion work and all other things you do for the MINI brand, that MINI USA does not supply you a “company car” for use.
I would think that you do more for the brand in the USA than a lot of dealer and MINI NA staff.
Hey guys! the pics look good. But believe me, Gabe’s R56 looks even better in person. Oh yeah, I’ve seen, touched, sat in it today. Definitely as good as advertised here. What impressed me most was the interior. It just looks great. The white/creme accents really make a difference.
I liked the previous MCS, but you’ve outdone yourself this time. Good job Gabe!
Great looking car Gabe , love the alloys
>Great job by the photographer … he should be working for MINI!
Sweet – that’s yours truly 🙂
>Gabe, I am surprised that after all the promotion work and all other things you do for the MINI brand, that MINI USA does not supply you a “company car” for use.
While it’s a nice thought, I prefer to pay for my own car than get a free one. I’ll gladly take a press car for a time for testing but I like my car to be truly mine 🙂
>As far as I know those mats look like the OEM “urban” floor mats. They are available in Dark Grey which Gabe has and Cream white. You can probably get them from your dealer.
Correct. However I have the cream white version – not the grey.
>I love the piano black / (pepper?) white theme inside 🙂
Thanks!
Congratulations Gabe, very classy !!!
Wow, the car looks amazing! It’s amazing how huge you made the interior look in the 2nd to last pic! Oh I want my car so bad!
you interior looks like a fine european suit. Love it.
The car looks great in the dark.. Can’t wait to see it in daylight.
The interior is really incredible.. The seats, the dash, the shifter knob, the blue shadow lighting in the doors and other locations, and the NAV unit really make it special.
Beautifull car Gabe!
I’m living vicariously through you since mine is still two weeks out on the Isolde. Congrats again!
Gabe, how do you drive your new R56 during breaking period. How many miles is breaking period? I just got my pepper white mcs and the only different is the interior roof color and the cream color line. To be honest, I like yours better and I will try to change my dark grey color line to cream too. Hope they have parts for that.
Can’t wait to see if the JCW suspension lowers the car any… plus a handling review once installed.
>Can’t wait to see if the JCW suspension lowers the car any… plus a handling review once installed.
It will lower the car 1cm.
OK, after taking a closer look at the pics, I gotta say… it’s the floormats that really tie the interior together. The “pinstripes” work really well with the cream white color line and seat piping. Too cool. So they make those mats in a darker gray colored stripe? Might have to see how those would work in the Redwood Red and charcoal grey interior (mine – that is).
Great Pic’s. Anxious to see more!!!!! Nothing like new car buying…EH!!! Well…looks like another test drive is in the works. Congrats are in order in, Gabe. As always the trip has been worth wait!!!
I’ve been waiting for the interior shots showing the white. I have an 06 AB/AB with added white stripe and mirror caps and have thought about moving the white inside to join in with the English leather and Piano dash. After seeing these picks I may just do it now that I see it works well together. 🙂
Overall, the new interior details are the best thing the new iteration – excellent taste, Gabe! Great shots, and oh, yeah, don’t sit on the sunglasses.
Absolutely stunning interior. I can smell all the leather from here!
Very pretty car. Looks remarkably similar to your last one. 🙂
BTW, 1cm is
Oops. I think I included some offending characters in that last post… Sorry.
To continue…
BTW, 1cm is less than 0.5″. I think you will want to go lower. The R56 wheel gap is massive.
My vote – lose those mirror caps. Black would be ideal, but even chrome would be an improvement.
>BTW, 1cm is less than 0.5″. I think you will want to go lower. The R56 wheel gap is massive.
My car is bottoming out now. I’m not going lower than 1cm because I can’t. To help bridge the gap so to speak I’ll also be moving from a 215/<strong>35</strong>/18 to a 215/<strong>40</strong>/18
>My vote – lose those mirror caps. Black would be ideal, but even chrome would be an improvement.
My plan is to keep them on there for now but eventually will switch back to the astro black that came with the car. It was always my plan to only have them on for MINI events etc.
Gabe… we have the same exact car on the interior. I am loving it as well as I am sure you are. It is so beautiful. I ALMOST bought those floor mats but wasn’t sure because I had not seen them in person but they sure look sweet. I think I might need to add those : )
Had you mentioned getting after market leather accents with the creme white trim? Just wondering where you may be getting them from?
CONGRATS !!!
Looks Awsome !!!
Nice work Gabe. Aero kit looks great 2/3 but don’t care for the rear. Can that be left off? Would that reduce the price by 1/3?
>Had you mentioned getting after market leather accents with the creme white trim? Just wondering where you may be getting them from?
I had talked about getting aftermarket shift/ebrake boots but decided against as it’s always difficult t accurately match BMW/MINI colors.
The seats look fantastic – how are they with comfort and support?
How is the iDrive like joystick?
Congrats – gorgeous MINI. Truly is stunning.
G.
Currently driving an 03 MCS dark silver. I will be changing to an 08 MCS as soon as I can order one. Not sure I like the dark silver on the r56. Looking at your car, I am seriously considering duplicating it for myself. Very very nice. Also considering pepper white, black bonnet stripes.
Man, that car looks great inside. I agree, these may be the most eye pleasing interior shots I have seen.
Congrats Gabe, that is one sweet ride you’ve got rollin’ there. The interior difference the Nav makes is HUGE. I think I could actually tolerate that center stack in that configuration. Ha ha! Awesome choices – very elegant.
have you swapped in your new wheel from MU yet?
>have you swapped in your new wheel from MU yet?
Yes – that’s the JCW steering wheel in the pics.
Big congrats…..and very jealous! Love your interior.
<b>Gabe</b> – you say you are “bottoming out” now. That does not sound good. Do you mean hitting the bump stops on the suspension, or actually dragging the underbody. I’m assuming the former – the R56s I’ve seen have SUV-like clearance.
Do you attribute this to a much softer suspension set up than the R53?
>you say you are “bottoming out” now. That does not sound good. Do you mean hitting the bump stops on the suspension, or actually dragging the underbody. I’m assuming the former – the R56s I’ve seen have SUV-like clearance.
The bottom of the car is hitting the road. This is the same thing my R53 was doing in spots however with less frequency.
>Do you attribute this to a much softer suspension set up than the R53?
There are two reasons for this. First off- the R56 (despite popular belief) isn’t appreciably higher than the R53. The wheel-wells are larger allowing for great suspension. This makes the car appear like it’s sitting higher than it actually is. Secondly the stock suspension (not the optional sport suspension) is slightly softer than the R53’s SS+ and compresses easier.
Thanks, Gabe. The only part of my car that makes contact with the road is the skirt hanging off the bottom of the front bumper, and then only on speed bumps and driveway entrances. The bumpers on the R56 seem to sit MUCH higher to me, so I assumed this wouldn’t be an issue. Sounds like you have some very nasty roads where you drive. A 40-series tire sounds like a good call.
Yeah I thought the same thing until doing a back to back with two cars within inches of each other. However I do agree it needs some kind of drop to look really aggressive.
Unless of course you put some 225/60s on there and some rally lights 😉
Where did you get the Nurburgring sticker at?
NIce touch, by the way.
>Where did you get the Nurburgring sticker at?
At the Nürburgring 😉
Well Gabe,
I have to say that the options you choose and the colour combo with aero pack has me thinking that you hit it SPOT ON!
NICE, RB
Gabe
Is the JCW wheel noticeably more comfortable than the stock one? I am not so please with how hard it is. Also did you get that from Knauz? Installed yourself? And what was the cost? Thanks!
>Is the JCW wheel noticeably more comfortable than the stock one? I am not so please with how hard it is. Also did you get that from Knauz? Installed yourself? And what was the cost? Thanks!
It is for me. It is also more firm than the previous version – a bit more like the newer M wheels on BMWs. I personally prefer that.
I got it from MINI United actually. However Knauz will certainly deal. Just call and ask for Glen and mention MotoringFile pricing 🙂
i speak under correction here, but those Leather Lounge seats look different from the ones we get in South Africa…
your seat have a flat bottom cushion, while ours mimic the same pattern find on your seat backs.
am i smoking my socks?
hey, what’s that bmw key doing on your fob? 😛
The US seating is different due to the US only mandated airbag weight sensor in the passenger seat cushion. We can thank our wonderful government for that.
I’m curious Gabe why you didn’t get the JCW spoiler? Reason I ask is because I’m not sure if I want it or not. My 07 La/B MCS comes in tomorrow & I have the opportunity to put it on altho I only have JCW side skirts and am not sure if it clashes with the sleekness of the car. Thanks Guido