MINI USA Releases 2008 Pricing
2008 model year prices are finally here for the US market and as you would expect, we’ve got all your bases covered. First off the 2008 model year officially starts for the US with December builds. This is primarily a by-product of the Clubman coming online this fall so don’t expect a similar timeline for the 2009 model year. But we’ll talk more about that later. Right, so let’s get to it:
2008 R56 (coupe)
| 2008 MINI R56 Pricing | Old price | Price increase | New price | D&H Charge | New total price |
| ’08 R56 Cooper (Coupe) | $18,050 | $0 | $18,050 | $650 | $18,700 |
| ’08 R56 Cooper S (Coupe) | $21,200 | $0 | $21,200 | $650 | $21,850 |
Yes you read right – no price base increase for 2008. However there are some subtle price increases elsewhere. Like MINI USA did with the 2008 convertibles, Coupes will have the same price increasing affecting options and packages.
2008 R55 Clubman
Okay here’s a new one. We’re going to hold-off on reporting pricing until after LA. Why? Because we like those guys over at MINI USA and we don’t want to ruin their surprise. Oh and because we don’t know it yet. We’ve heard a very strong (and probable) rumor of what it will be but we’re only reporting facts here and also want to allow MINI USA a chance to get all the publicity they can get with their official announcement at the LA Autoshow. An unofficial number probably wouldn’t do anyone any good. However, the second we see the number elsewhere on the web, you can be sure our post will go live with all the info.
Of course MF readers probably already have a pretty good idea what to expect based on our previous reporting on the topic (hint: somewhere in between the coupe and convertible).
That said we can share one little nugget: all pre-specced US Clubman (not Clubmen!) will come with the Cold Weather package at no extra charge. Think of it as a launch edition special.
2008 Packages
As we mentioned, MINI USA has raised the prices of a couple of options and altered and/or eliminated packages (with the main three packages getting $100 price increases). Let’s take a look at what has changed (this applies to both the R55 and R56):
Sport Package
The $1500 Sport Package (as mentioned above – up $100) now includes the Sport Suspension and EXCLUDES Xenon headlights for all models of the R56. On the R55 however, both will be part of the package along with all the extra normal options.
Premium Package
The $1500 Premium Package has also changed slightly. Gone are the Multi-Function steering wheels (leather or wood). You can now either get them with the Convience Package or as an a la carte option. In its place will be the MINI Hi-Fi stereo. This applies to both the R55 and R56. All other options remain the same.
Convenience Package
The Convenience Package (also now $1500) has been improved somewhat by the addition of the leather MFSW. Otherwise things are pretty much the same with one exception – the addition of the USB port that comes with the normal Bluetooth prep. The USB port will interface with “approved” mobile devices. I’m told that includes the iPhone. However you’ll want to be sure to check wireless4mini.com for all the details on support devices.
And yes, you can still get Bluetooth prep and USB port separate (option code 6ND) for $500. This replaces the old Bluetooth prep option (option code 644) and doesn’t come with the armrest.
Hyper Sport Package
The Hyper Sport package is dead (moment of silence for that hideous body kit). But both options live on. The body-kit and Sport suspension can still be ordered individually – the sport suspension now being part of the “Sport Package”. The “factory” or “MINI” aero-kit (not the JCW aero-kit) still sells for $1250. The JCW aero-kit is still a dealer or VPC only accessory.
Audio Package
Also gone is the “Audio Package”. Like the Hyper Sport, all of the Audio Package contents (Sirius, HD Radio, and the MINI Hi-Fi) are available a la carte.
Cold Weather Package
The Cold Weather package has gone to $500 and now INCLUDES Power Folding mirrors along with heated seats, mirrors and washer jets. This is a nice savings over ordering these options in 2007.
Other changes:
– Cloth Leather stays at $1000
– Gravity and Punch Leather goes up to $1500
– The premium “Lounge” leather is now an even $2000 (up $100)
– Premium dashes are no charge if you order leather
– Driver-side auto-up window is still planned but will be delayed slightly
That’s it for now. We’ll have the official MINI USA Clubman pricing right around the official introduction at the L.A. Autoshow.
2008 R52 Convertible:
In its final year of production, MINI USA is staying the course and will not being raising MINI Convertible prices for 2008. Here’s the full pricing run-down for the R52 in its last year of production:
– 2008 Cooper Convertible = $21,950+ $650 D&H= $22,600
– 2008 Cooper S Convertible = $25,400+ $650 D&H=$26,050
Option and packages pretty much mirror what is reported above for the Coupe and Clubman. For more info, check out our previous post on the R52 US market pricing below.
As always, when it comes to pricing and options availability, please check with your local MINI dealer on the last word.
Related:
[ MINI USA Releases 2008 Convertible Pricing ] MotoringFile
[ MINI Clubman UK & (Estimated) US Pricing ] MotoringFile
That’s pretty remarkable given the appreciation of the U.K. pound against the U.S. dollar. Right now the pound is worth $2.04. A year ago it was about $1.87.
Granted, BMW/MINI probably have currency hedges in place. Even so, I applaud their holding the line. Competitively it’s the right move.
RE: Audio Package Gone
What happens to Sirius, HD Radio & HiFi? Are they all separate prices?
That’s good news on the base prices for each model. Cloth and leatherette seats are looking more and more attractive given the price of the various leather options.
Im glad MINI said in their email that they didnt want to see this on Motoringfile in the morning! Someone is in trouble!
You also get a colorline AND a dash choice with the Leather now included.
Why are the Zenon headlights excluded from the sport package for the R56, but not the R55? Doesn’t make sense to me. Are they available as an individual option? How much? If the sport suspension is now part of the sport package it will now be more difficult to consider upgrading to the JCW suspension (since you have now already made the investment in the sport suspension that in effect would be thrown away with a JCW suspension upgrade). Just when I thought I had my MCS order figured out ……
Any information / speculation on when the MiniUSA site and it’s configurator will reflect the MY08 information?
>What happens to Sirius, HD Radio & HiFi? Are they all separate prices?
As mentioned above they’re all still available separately.
>Any information / speculation on when the MiniUSA site and it’s configurator will reflect the MY08 information?
I’m told “soon”. I’m guessing around the LA Show.
>Im glad MINI said in their email that they didnt want to see this on Motoringfile in the morning! Someone is in trouble!
Yes it’s true, MotoringFile was mentioned in the official bulletin. But it seemed to be referencing the Clubman pricing. Why they wouldn’t want MotoringFile to inform MINI enthusiasts and the MINI buying public about updated pricing would be misguided at best.
lovely of you to let MINI USA have their moment, (every once in a while). it sometimes makes the party when you’re not sure who will be there.
<em>say, anyone see where the pre-spec’d Clubman builds are?</em>
Glad the sport suspension replaces the xenon headlamps in the sport package. Seemed out of place there. Overall, this might end up being cheaper since I can now get the HD Radio separately, and I the dash options will be included with the leather.
When were Xenon’s ever part of the “sport package?”
Sorry, not for the Cooper, but for the Cooper S.
Hi Gabe,
You list the sport package at $1,500 with “no price change”. That’s not correct as the current 07 sport package is only $1,400 and so there is indeed a $100 price increase there (unless you’re figuring in the cost of the sport suspension minus the xenons that is???).
Also, you state that the Bluetooth prep can be had separately (with the USB) for $500. It’s currently $600. Is it really going down in price by $100?
Thanks for the scoop on the 08 pricing info.
Thanks for the quick updates! Makes more sense now. 🙂
Any insight on pricing for the xenon headlamps? This is seems a somewhat hefty price increase if you add what were in the past somewhat typical options.
>Any insight on pricing for the xenon headlamps? This is seems a somewhat hefty price increase if you add what were in the past somewhat typical options.
No change – still $500
>When were Xenon’s ever part of the “sport package?”
Every year until now as far as I know. Update: as pointed out, this was only on the “S”. The Cooper never got them as part of the package.
Xenon’s are actually a decrease to $500.00 from $550.00.
Do I understand this correctly, that the cooper sports package will include the ss, for only $100 more? That’s a huge bargain, because the package never included xenons to begin with. It’s just added value.
<blockquote>That’s a huge bargain, because the package never included xenons to begin with.</blockquote>
Actually, the Sport Package <em>always</em> included xenons on the S, not on the Cooper.
“Actually” Hunter, you may notice I was referencing the Cooper, not the S.
while you were all talking about pricing the Audi A1 concept broke cover.
<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/18/tokyo-2007-preview-audi-unveils-a1-concept-before-debut/" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/18/tokyo-2007-preview-audi-unveils-a1-concept-before-debut/</a>
verdict – mini has nothing to worry about
I think there are some healthy increases is acessories i.e. JCW R105 wheels $2699 to $2950! Plus several others. Those coupled with the $100 increase here and there made about a $1000 difference from ’07 which is part of the reason I ordered one in September vs. springtime. Mostly, I just couldn’t wait. Glad I didn’t.
Any rumors or facts regarding special US introductory colors for the R55 Clubman?
>Premium dashes are no charge if you order leather
Does “premium dashes” refer to Color Lines or Interior Surfaces?
>Any rumors or facts regarding special US introductory colors for the R55 Clubman?
None I’ve heard.
What happened to the pre-owned MINI buyers’ guide that was here yesterday? Was it pulled in favor of MINI’s efforts to sell remaining MY07 inventory?
>What happened to the pre-owned MINI buyers’ guide that was here yesterday? Was it pulled in favor of MINI’s efforts to sell remaining MY07 inventory?
LOL! As cool as I think the used MINI buying guide will be, I don’t think it’ll have that kind of impact 🙂
It wasn’t suppose to go live until <em>next</em> Wednesday. There are still some small tweaks to be made.
>Does “premium dashes” refer to Color Lines or Interior Surfaces?
I believe so yes.
I thought it (the buying guide) was really well thought out and presented, and was quite disappointed when it disappeared!! Glad that it’s making its way back on Wednesday…thanks!
Gabe, any input on the comment made by Jon E (5th comment from top)?
It seems that most JCW suspension customers would also be interested in the sports package — this pricing/packaging does seem to heavily penalize (and discourage) JCW susp. customers.
I guess I’ll keep pushing till MF covers it then.
Here’s the thing – its just dripping Audiness, and if anybody really wanted a car that had this Audi look they would already have an Audi. What Mini does so well is appeal to both the performance market and the “cute” market. An A1 may take away some performance buyers, but more likely more of their own than Mini’s, but any effort they make to endow this car with cute will only turn off the hardcore Audi fans and undermine them.
![A1 concept](<a href="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2007/10/audi_a1_metroproject_quattro_014-copy.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2007/10/audi_a1_metroproject_quattro_014-copy.jpg</a>)
Being Canadian, and with the Canadian dollar now at par, looking at the US pricing, we are definitely getting hosed here – our pricing for the Cooper S starts at CDN$30,600, adding the most popular options here (normally the Sport Package and the Premium Package) brings that up to CDN$33,400 – which is pretty much US$33,400 – and that’s just a ‘basic’ configuration, no leather, updated stereo, bluetooth prep,etc.
In comparison, looking at MINI USA pricing – start with $21,850, add the Sport, Premium, Convenience and Cold weather packages, $500 for the Xenons, heck throw in the Lounge Leather seats for $2000, and the total is US$29,350 – way cheaper that what we pay up here! Speccing a Canadian model the same would be around CDN$36,420 – that’s over $7,000 more than the US model. We are getting hosed here!
Gabe:
When is the LA Show? Also, any idea what “pre-specced” Clubmans will be/include?
Jim
>When is the LA Show? Also, any idea what “pre-specced” Clubmans will be/include?
Hey Jim -You’re in luck, we’ve already posted the official PDF. Check it out <a href="https://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/19/mini-clubman-us-pre-specs/" rel="nofollow">here</a>.
One interesting thing that struck me about that A1 was the two-tone paint. Not sure I want this to be a new trend but it seems a bit more successful than what was done with the Clubman.
I wonder how much Clubman sales uncertainty figures in 2008 model pricing? It would be very interesting to sit in on the meetings.
<blockquote>You also get a colorline AND a dash choice with the Leather now included.</blockquote>
This is great! I was previously going to get a colorline with the brushed aluminum dash. Now I can get both with the cloth leather interior. Since the Premium package has changed, I’ll now be going a la carte with the multi-function steering wheel and sunroof, and the money saved by dropping the auto-ac will cover the difference in the cloth-leather. Very nice!
Eager to own–Why is the sport package necessarily attractive to someone who wants the JCW suspension?
Besides the 17″ wheels in the sport package, I don’t see the package being something that a JCW owner would want. And the 17″ wheels are even questionable because they come with run-flats.