Earlier this week MINI lifted the veil on the highly anticipated next generation MINI, the F56. While it has garnered some strong opinions (as any redesign of an iconic car should) looking at the reaction overall, the F56 has been generally well-received when compared to the R56 that came before it. Yet opinions are best formed with real hands-on time with a car, and we’ve been lucky enough to spend a fair amount of time with the F56 while in LA this week. What do we think? We’ll leave that for an upcoming article. Instead, we want to focus on answering your questions.
While we may not have answers for every question that might get asked, right now we are likely the best source of information in the world short of MINI corporate themselves. Therefore we want to open up the floor to you. Ask us your questions, big or small, in the comment section and we will do what we can to answer them throughout the coming week.
<p>When will pricing information be available in regards to the upgrades such as nav, and HUD. Also will runflats be the only stock option on the S model?</p>
<p>Chris, take a look at the mega gallery and go down to the pics of the Justa. You’ll see the pics with the seats down. I love that they’ve bumped up the boot size.</p>
<p>The increased boot size could explain why the fuel tank dropped in size. MINI website specs claim 10.6 and 11.6 gallons for the Cooper and Cooper S, respectively.</p>
<p>Do they have a driver, side window visor like the Rxx? Has anyone heard the 3 cyl in the MINI? We’ve all heard it in the 1 series. It would sound awesome with an S style exhaust.</p>
<p>Based on their past responses to this question over the past 10 years – I’m pretty sure the answer is no…
MINI has been pretty adament in the past that a UK delivery option isn’t even being considered because of the simple fact that they’re not comfortable with the risk of delivering a LHD car in an RHD country. Nor are they willing to incur the cost of building out an EU delivery location so that LHD cars could be accomodated… BMW Weldt where the BMW’s are delivered is exactly that – BMW.
As for delivery at MINIUSA’s HQ – why? Don’t mistake it for it something that it isn’t. It’s an office – not a shrine of MINIness…</p>
<p>After talking with the head honcho Jim McD this summer, fear of LHD in a RHD wasn’t the main problem at all. Sure it’s “a” worry but continental Europeans travel to the UK all the time as do Americans that rent cars while traveling. What I believe I recall being told was the issue was related to the UK taxation being exorbitantly expensive for the temporary use of the car. I believe it was something along the lines of the UK taxing the full value of the car upon pickup so that the owner would get taxed in the UK and in the US or other destination country. Also, although it may not be true for MINIs, smaller cars generally have smaller profit margins and MINI might not have been able to apply a discount as BMW and other brands do for European Delivery cars also driving the cost of the program up.</p>
<p>Gabe said in a post a day or two ago, “after the first of the year.” I’m hoping the UK site configurator is up sooner than that so at least we can get some hints.</p>
<p>Here is one you can answer now. Is there a yellow? I keep seeing what I thought was supposed to be volcanic orange but some pictures look very yellow and others look quite orange.</p>
<p>Volcanic Orange is very “egg yolk” yellow and the color of the launch Cooper S you see pictured above. The colors are actually named in the introductory brochure/materials that are being distrubuted at the auto shows. Moonrock Silver looks nice, as does Deep Blue and the new Dark Grey (forget the name). Gone is Ice Blue and White Silver and even though earlier reports suggested otherwise, Chili Red is still available!</p>
<ul>
<li>What does MF like/disklike the most about the new exterior/exterior design?</li>
<li>When will MF test-drive the Cooper S? </li>
<li>All the design questions @Nathaniel asked in one of the previous post</li>
<li>Is the level of integration with iOS the same as in the R56? If yes, will MINI pursue deeper integration in the future and in what time-frame?</li>
<li>How did the design team work around the issue of offering in-car technology that is advanced enough (i.e. how do ensure your system will remain current when technology changes are so rapid, especially in the mobile space)?</li>
<li>Are there renewed talks to bring the Rocketman to market now that F56 has gotten bigger and since BMW has improved its carbon fiber capabilities?</li>
</ul>
<p>After seeing it this week the chin on the MCS is still a little much. Otherwise I’m personally really coming around to the new look. The tail lights are huge but they only look huge because we’re so used to the previous cars.</p>
<p>We’ll drive it with the rest of the media in late January.</p>
<p>Smart phone integration is the same. Further integration is unknown but expected</p>
<p>They’ll have one revision to the hardware when MINI releases the LCI in 3 years. Software will be updated several times a year with new and revised apps.</p>
<p>If you have been keeping up with the news with the F56, this is a completely new platform for MINI and BMW. The 1.5L in the Cooper is partially shared with the BMW i3/i8 and is essentially 1/2 a BMW I6 but nonetheless is not proven on the consumer market. I believe the 2.0L in the S might share some components from the N20 in the 320i albeit re-engineered for RWD transverse orientation. The suspension uses a similar design as previous MINIs although parts and geometry are completely different. As opposed to the jump from the R53 to the R56 which had some minor changes, this is a quantum leap. Should you have any concern? Who is to say there is any more or less concern than buying the first R53 or first R56? I would personally say it sounds like there was a tremendous amount of engineering that went into this car from BMW and I would personally feel more comfortable about getting a first year model as opposed to the R53 or even R56, but there is always a risk being the coolest early-adopter on the block.</p>
<p>BMW or not just think back to launch year e90 335i, and the launch year E46 M3. There are more from where that came from. Having been burned by a first year R56 I would say definitely stay away from the first year unless you love the car and don’t mind visiting your local mini service.</p>
<p>Everything is new except the transmissions. Granted the formula for the engine and pretty much everything else is the same one that BMW has been using for awhile. Should you wait? I wouldn’t. But then again if I bought one I wouldn’t be planning on keeping it for more than 3-4 years.</p>
<p>The added length of the car made it possible to use BMW seats. If you want to get a feel for then sit in a BMW with the sport package – specifically a 1 or 3 series. The bolster can manually move fore and aft a few inches to extend the seat.</p>
<p>This is good news. I like MINI seats, they’re nice, but they just don’t compare to BMW seats, they’re a little too basic. I’m surprised they’re sticking with manual seats though, the MINI is one of the only cars for sale today that doesn’t even offer automatic seats. I know it saves weight, but considering the new car is already a big, fat, sort of ugly beast, why not at least give us automatic seats?</p>
<p>Volcanic Orange – Cooper S only
Thunder Grey – Cooper S only
Moonwalk Grey – Cooper only
Pepper White
Blazing Red
Deep Blue
White Silver
British Racing Green
Midnight Black
Iced Chocolate</p>
<p>MotoringFile will have one. I personally have my hands full with cars but I would consider it strongly if I wasn’t connected to MF. For me the Cooper would offer a great choice to fill urban commuter car needs.</p>
<p>Will there be an electric seat option?
Can you close the windows/sunroof from the keyfob like a BMW or do you have to insert the key in the door like an R56?</p>
<p>Re fuel capacity on the F56……Not really a question…..I was just on MINIUSA re the F56, & specs note that the fuel capacity for the base is only 10.6 gal & 11.6 gals for the S. That’s about 1.6 gal LESS for the S & 2.6 LESS for the base than the 13.2 gals on the R56. Even assuming much better mileage for the F56 yet to be released, the reduced fuel capacity would result in no increase in tank mileage!!! Why the fuel capacity decrease???……..</p>
<p>I’ve had this theory for a long time that, on average, most cars’ fuel tank capacity is correlated to MPG, so that you can go somewhere around 350-400 miles on a tank. Some safety study probably determined that 350-400 miles was a good ‘safe’ amount of driving one could do in a day (~8 hours or so).</p>
<p>Just a guess, but I bet there’s some merit to that line of thinking…</p>
<p>I’m guessing they shrunk the tank to give you more rear leg room and rear cargo room, and also having a smaller gas tank means a slightly lower weight when the tank is full, but I doubt they did it because of that.</p>
<p>I was lucky enough to have a poke around the 3 launch cars at the Cowley launch on Monday thanks to a UK publication. After a good poke around i was very impressed, especially the quality of the interior.
The biggest concern i have is the car doesn’t appear to have a dip stick to check the oil level, i didn’t pull off the engine cover to make sure it wasn’t hiding under there but it’s not the thing that usually get hidden away. So I’m presuming that the oil level is monitored by a sensor, so my question is what fail safes are in place to ensure that the oil level doesn’t drop too low if the sensor fails, and how this gets communicated to the driver especially on the low end 4 line display?</p>
<p>Yeah until the sensors/monitor system fails. That will mean parts and labor costs to replace system. Going from something simple to something tech that doesn’t need to, but then again most car drivers in the US never check their oil level anyway.</p>
<p>Mini dealers/service centers will be making for money on this. I can just see sensor/monitor fail and person doesn’t take car for service (or can’t get an appointment) and engine fails due to no or very low oil – Mini will state “sorry – warranty does not cover”.</p>
<p>I’ll miss the dipstick a bit, but the system of both actual measurement of oil quantity and computed estimation of oil life have been used for a number of years. Oil should be replaced once at least a year irrespective of mileage and if that bare minimum isn’t being followed, the incompetency of the owner is at fault, not the car.</p>
<p>You’re also overstating the “tech” part of this. Sure temperature sensors, gas level sensors or any sensor can fail, but manufacturers have the engineering and manufacturing of these parts down to a science. To put it into perspective, I wouldn’t expect an oil-level sensor from BMW to be any less reliable than a modern gas-level sensor and these very rarely fail. I have yet to hear of a BMW with a grenaded engine due to the owner abusing the car due to oil sensor failure and I don’t expect to hear of a MINI with a failed oil sensor any time soon.</p>
<p>Any part can fail but there isn’t a need to be fatalist and anti-dealership. Many owners nowadays never check their oil and simply replace the oil on a regular schedule and/or with the support of a computer life estimate. BMW is just following this trend.</p>
<p>some people say some cars look better in person than in pictures, do you feel this is one of those cars? when i first saw the spy shots i thought it was disgusting, but the more i look at the new pictures the more i like it. the video you guys shared earlier made me really like the car. to be clear: I LOVE everything about this new car, with the exception of that front end (and the added weight). especially with that rectangular intake on the S. My last hope was the areo package, but I think that looks a little worse. so, back to my question, in your opinion do the photos do the car justice?</p>
<p>What do you mean by “the advertising” exactly? If you look at our debut post, we say explicitly what the car weighs: right between the R53 and the R56. So slightly heaver than the most recent generation, but still lighter than the R53. That’s the info we have.</p>
<p>I meant the ad copy that MINI was using at the auto show and PR.
You guys reported it so long ago, I must have forgotten. 😮
And I certainly don’t think of Motoringfile as advertising.</p>
<p>What has BMW/ MINI done to make this car dependable/ reliable? I think that’s a concern for both prospective and returning MINI owners for this new car.</p>
<p>This is a very important question. In the latest consumer reports scoring, Mini now is dead last in brand reliability, much of that do to the countryman.</p>
<p>I’m an optomist though, so I’m hoping. I won’t jump on a first year like I did my R56 cooper. In a NA form, it turned out to be fairly reliable. Maybe in a few years I’ll bite, time will tell.</p>
<p>Consumer Reports might be one of the less reliable sources of information on actual reliability. As the fellow responder mentioned, they value initial operation and perceived reliability.</p>
<p>They see the issues and frankly want them less then you or I since they make them less profitable as a company. We’ll be hearing more about this soon.</p>
<p>Is it? It looks like it has less metal and more plastic, and with plastic, rather than metal edges, I’m betting it will pick up dents a lot easier. The larger buttons are a welcome change though. Ever tried to push a button on the key fob with gloves on or when it’s in your pocket? I end up using the comfort access button on the door handle because I can hit it easily.</p>
<p>Sucks for the R56 GP, and GP owners. Seems like they’ll need to put more cash on the hood of unsold GPs.</p>
<p>My local dealer is offering -2500 at least straight off the bat. When I drove one the dude really wanted to sell one to me.</p>
<p>Ultimately though for 40k the car should have been much better. I didn’t feel it was as great as it could have been, and not enough of an upgrade from a standard JCW.</p>
<p>The thunder grey is sure a hot color though. It will be VERY popular I’m sure.</p>
<p>Exactly and I didn’t get the GP because for 9k more I got a loaded lightly used E90 M3.</p>
<p>Still wish I had ordered the 1M. I strongly considered it at the time. Good call on your part.</p>
<p>Will you ever buy another mini? I honestly miss my R56 even though the engine gave up on me. There is just something I love about the modern minis. I kinda feel like I will get another one but who knows.</p>
<p>Yeah that’s the tough proposition in my mind. There are so many great lightly used cars on the market at that price point. Granted the GP is such an incredible car and so clearly the ultimate MINI that it’s perfect for someone who wants that experience.</p>
<p>I almost bought a used R50 recently as a winter car. If I didn’t have my connection to this site I’d likely own a JCW Clubman.</p>
<p>The concessions for European standards for pedestrian and cyclist safety are engineered into the design of the front end and crumple zone and is far more than merely a bumper. The US version will be visually the same as other markets. A separate design would be completely cost-prohibited. There’s a reason why the F56 was debuted in LA concurrently with London…</p>
<p>Also why to the front brake ducts and rear valence on the Cooper S look so “tacked on?” They look like parts added after the fact and visually hurt the continuity of the flow of the body shape.</p>
<p>how much more bootspace is there compared to the current model? I saw different configurations of the boot with the bottomplate lifted up and with the backseets more vertically without being completely flat?</p>
<p>It’s not related to cost. BMW has made the strategic decision to move information like that within the computer interface rather than in a gauge staring at you every time you drive the car.
—
Sent from Mailbox for iPad</p>
<p>it has to do with emissions and the engine temp cycles- there are periods of time when the engine runs “hot” on purpose that old school people would see on the idiot gauge and think is an issue when it is by design.</p>
<p>That was never an issue with BMWs for decades, they just designed the gauges to say say everything was “fine” until it gets bad. The point is that engine temp gauges are very useful for determining when the engine is warm enough to push it hard without damaging it. I like how they dealt with this in certain BMW M cars, with a lit up section on the tach, but with no lights and no temp gauge, I’m left guessing when my engine is warm enough to drive spiritedly.</p>
<p>The heat cycling began with the N52. The M engines are completely different story. The light still comes on when things get “bad”. A modern gas engine is warm enough to push after a few minutes. The water pump is not cycling until needed.</p>
<p>There is point to the gauge and that is why it was eliminated- an idiot light does the same thing.</p>
<p>So I don’t really like the look of the Cooper S front bumper. What are the chances we can get Cooper S trim with the front bumper of the regular Cooper.</p>
<p>What’s the story on the paddle shifters in the auto? Looks like they’ve switched to the more conventional (at least VW-ish) left/right -/+ rather than push-pull. What about the center shifter? It still looks like it’s swapped (pull +, push -) from every one else.</p>
<p>They switched the to pull/pull that BMW employs. It’s something that has been reported here previously and something we’ve complained about for years. The quality and feel are both pretty good.
—
Sent from Mailbox for iPad</p>
<p>I saw a picture of the new MINI that revealed it does have a CD player and the picture shows it to be located in the GLOVE BOX. Really? Is the CD an option now? I also don’t understand why MINI relocated the window controls on the doors like every other car. What happened to the NOT NORMAL part of MINI? Did they redesign those controls because some people found the toggles to be “to confusing”? I guess it was too hard for some people to figure out.</p>
<p>OK. I like the looks of the MINI and the new gadgets/technology inside it but frankly I am very surprised the manual version of the S is not more economical than the old one and I would like to ask why is that. The N20 BMW engine is more economical than this one and also generates more power in the 328i/125i . Also that HUD is not really a HUD , it’s more like a second screen. Paying money for a premium brand you would aspect premium stuff like the excellent BMW HUD. Anyway, I can live without the BMW HUD, but can’t without the awesome looking Laser Blue paint . Why haven’t they included a new blue colour based on the Laser Blue ? It may have been the most sold optional paint scheme for the R56 MCS.</p>
<p>By the way, any new rumours on the future JCW?</p>
<p>Just an FYI you can download a pdf brochure for the F56 on mini uk website. Not sure why the mods here are so secretive about mpg figures when the brochure clearly states what the figures are.</p>
<p>I just read in the brochure that Android support for the infotainment system is initially for the Samsung Galaxy S4 and Google Nexus 4 ONLY. What’s holding them back from supporting any Android phone running one of the last few versions of Android?</p>
<p>It seems like in all of the pictures that the headlight washers which were previously standard on R50/2/3s with Xenons and early R56xs with Xenons prior to them becoming options are not even available. I’m assuming this was as much as a design/manufacturing considering as changing regulations?</p>
<p>I think earlier spy shots showed that the halogen non-Xenon and non-LED headlights were still reflectors and not projectors? None of the official pictures seem to show the halogens so I was curious if it was announced whether the halogens went to projectors or not as I generally found previous MINIs reflector halogen headlights to be rather horrible and also belie the car’s “premium” compact description.</p>
<p>The engine bays of the F56 S and non-S are far more similar in layout than previous generations down to what appears to be the battery behind the similar-looking air boxes. Is this actually the battery? If so, has MINI announced what the weight distribution? Also, if the battery on the S is no longer in the trunk, is the exhaust a straight-back design like the R56 or a split like the R53? Any possibility of a space saver spare for the S (highly doubtful, but I thought I’d ask)?</p>
<p>As the MINI Navigation is hard drive based, does the multi-disc glovebox CD/DVD player actually play DVDs when stopped and is video playback when stopped something to expect when it comes to the US?</p>
<p>BMW was one of the first manufacturers to show support for Apple’s Siri Eyes Free feature although there has yet to be a BMW or MINI which takes advantage of this feature. Was there any mention of this at the media launch? Although it appears this feature isn’t going to be offered at launch (perhaps it might conflict with MINI Connected), has there been talk that MINI would offer this in the future?</p>
<p>When will pricing information be available in regards to the upgrades such as nav, and HUD. Also will runflats be the only stock option on the S model?</p>
<p>HUD is £375 in the UK.</p>
<p>So I’m assuming $500-$800 for the US?</p>
<p>Look for pricing to be announced around the time of the Detroit Autoshow in early January.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.bimmertoday.de/?attachment_id=75992" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.bimmertoday.de/?attachment_id=75992</a></p>
<p>now-ish…use google translate :)</p>
<p>When will a AWD model be available? Will the F55 have AWD at launch?</p>
<p>Will there ever be a race series in the US like they did in China this year? They called it the Chinese Mini Job. So much fun.</p>
<p>MINI will not be offering AWD on any of its small cars including the F55.</p>
<p>That is disappointing.</p>
<p>Is the new 2 Litre engine lighter than the previous 1.6? Isn’t it the same engine, which they put in BMW 320i, 328i and so on…?</p>
<p>No this is a new engine designed to work with front wheel drive cars.</p>
<p>Can you post some of your photos with the tailgate up, the details in the rear, and the seats down please :)</p>
<p>Chris, take a look at the mega gallery and go down to the pics of the Justa. You’ll see the pics with the seats down. I love that they’ve bumped up the boot size.</p>
<p>The increased boot size could explain why the fuel tank dropped in size. MINI website specs claim 10.6 and 11.6 gallons for the Cooper and Cooper S, respectively.</p>
<p>Do they have a driver, side window visor like the Rxx? Has anyone heard the 3 cyl in the MINI? We’ve all heard it in the 1 series. It would sound awesome with an S style exhaust.</p>
<p>Found a pic of a right hand drive taken from the passenger side and saw the visor. :)</p>
<p>Yes I believe the launch cars at LA had this.</p>
<p>Will android for connected trickle down to the R series cars?</p>
<p>Wil the new nav system automatically switch between daytime/nighttime mode?</p>
<p>When will iphone 5 armrest cradle be re-released?</p>
<p>When will configurator for F series go live on Mini USA site?</p>
<p>It’s unlikely that the RXX cars will get android support.</p>
<p>Yes there is a day and night mode.</p>
<p>No word on the iPhone 5 cradle</p>
<p>The configuration will likely go live when pricing is announced.</p>
<p>Will they ever have a UK/EU delivery option?
EDIT: I’d settle (for now) for the option to pick up at HQ MINI USA.</p>
<p>Based on their past responses to this question over the past 10 years – I’m pretty sure the answer is no…
MINI has been pretty adament in the past that a UK delivery option isn’t even being considered because of the simple fact that they’re not comfortable with the risk of delivering a LHD car in an RHD country. Nor are they willing to incur the cost of building out an EU delivery location so that LHD cars could be accomodated… BMW Weldt where the BMW’s are delivered is exactly that – BMW.
As for delivery at MINIUSA’s HQ – why? Don’t mistake it for it something that it isn’t. It’s an office – not a shrine of MINIness…</p>
<p>After talking with the head honcho Jim McD this summer, fear of LHD in a RHD wasn’t the main problem at all. Sure it’s “a” worry but continental Europeans travel to the UK all the time as do Americans that rent cars while traveling. What I believe I recall being told was the issue was related to the UK taxation being exorbitantly expensive for the temporary use of the car. I believe it was something along the lines of the UK taxing the full value of the car upon pickup so that the owner would get taxed in the UK and in the US or other destination country. Also, although it may not be true for MINIs, smaller cars generally have smaller profit margins and MINI might not have been able to apply a discount as BMW and other brands do for European Delivery cars also driving the cost of the program up.</p>
<p>There are no plans at this time.</p>
<p>Do you know when the configurator will be up and running?</p>
<p>Gabe said in a post a day or two ago, “after the first of the year.” I’m hoping the UK site configurator is up sooner than that so at least we can get some hints.</p>
<p>Around the time pricing is released in early January.</p>
<p>Is there an option available for driver memory with 2 presets for seat and exterior mirror positions?</p>
<p>Nope.</p>
<p>There are no plans for electric seats that we’re aware of.</p>
<p>Here is one you can answer now. Is there a yellow? I keep seeing what I thought was supposed to be volcanic orange but some pictures look very yellow and others look quite orange.</p>
<p>Reminds me of that ‘egg yolk’ color Ford Mustangs came in, a few years back. Possibly with metal flake.</p>
<p>Go to the miniusa site and click on “Meet the new hardtop.” Scroll most of the way down and it shows the colors – no names, just colors.</p>
<p>Volcanic Orange is very “egg yolk” yellow and the color of the launch Cooper S you see pictured above. The colors are actually named in the introductory brochure/materials that are being distrubuted at the auto shows. Moonrock Silver looks nice, as does Deep Blue and the new Dark Grey (forget the name). Gone is Ice Blue and White Silver and even though earlier reports suggested otherwise, Chili Red is still available!</p>
<p>Volcanic Orange is yellow for all intents and purposes.</p>
<ul>
<li>What does MF like/disklike the most about the new exterior/exterior design?</li>
<li>When will MF test-drive the Cooper S? </li>
<li>All the design questions @Nathaniel asked in one of the previous post</li>
<li>Is the level of integration with iOS the same as in the R56? If yes, will MINI pursue deeper integration in the future and in what time-frame?</li>
<li>How did the design team work around the issue of offering in-car technology that is advanced enough (i.e. how do ensure your system will remain current when technology changes are so rapid, especially in the mobile space)?</li>
<li>Are there renewed talks to bring the Rocketman to market now that F56 has gotten bigger and since BMW has improved its carbon fiber capabilities?</li>
</ul>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>After seeing it this week the chin on the MCS is still a little much. Otherwise I’m personally really coming around to the new look. The tail lights are huge but they only look huge because we’re so used to the previous cars.</p>
<p>We’ll drive it with the rest of the media in late January.</p>
<p>Smart phone integration is the same. Further integration is unknown but expected</p>
<p>They’ll have one revision to the hardware when MINI releases the LCI in 3 years. Software will be updated several times a year with new and revised apps.</p>
<p>The Rocketman is dead at this time.</p>
<p>How much of the car is completely new to Mini and BMW? Should we have any concerns buying the first model of a new generation?</p>
<p>If you have been keeping up with the news with the F56, this is a completely new platform for MINI and BMW. The 1.5L in the Cooper is partially shared with the BMW i3/i8 and is essentially 1/2 a BMW I6 but nonetheless is not proven on the consumer market. I believe the 2.0L in the S might share some components from the N20 in the 320i albeit re-engineered for RWD transverse orientation. The suspension uses a similar design as previous MINIs although parts and geometry are completely different. As opposed to the jump from the R53 to the R56 which had some minor changes, this is a quantum leap. Should you have any concern? Who is to say there is any more or less concern than buying the first R53 or first R56? I would personally say it sounds like there was a tremendous amount of engineering that went into this car from BMW and I would personally feel more comfortable about getting a first year model as opposed to the R53 or even R56, but there is always a risk being the coolest early-adopter on the block.</p>
<p>BMW or not just think back to launch year e90 335i, and the launch year E46 M3. There are more from where that came from. Having been burned by a first year R56 I would say definitely stay away from the first year unless you love the car and don’t mind visiting your local mini service.</p>
<p>Everything is new except the transmissions. Granted the formula for the engine and pretty much everything else is the same one that BMW has been using for awhile. Should you wait? I wouldn’t. But then again if I bought one I wouldn’t be planning on keeping it for more than 3-4 years.</p>
<p>Will the car be on display for the entire run of the la autoshow ?</p>
<p>Yes</p>
<p>Tell us more about the new thigh support…one thing that I would have loved in our R53.</p>
<p>…And R56.</p>
<p>…And R60. :)</p>
<p>same here</p>
<p>The added length of the car made it possible to use BMW seats. If you want to get a feel for then sit in a BMW with the sport package – specifically a 1 or 3 series. The bolster can manually move fore and aft a few inches to extend the seat.</p>
<p>This is good news. I like MINI seats, they’re nice, but they just don’t compare to BMW seats, they’re a little too basic. I’m surprised they’re sticking with manual seats though, the MINI is one of the only cars for sale today that doesn’t even offer automatic seats. I know it saves weight, but considering the new car is already a big, fat, sort of ugly beast, why not at least give us automatic seats?</p>
<p>The automobile is beautiful in person. Yesterday, I spent 2 1/2 hours looking at it, from every angle. It is a very attractive design.</p>
<p>What are the color options for the Cooper? All I’ve seen is a list for the Cooper S.</p>
<p>How much of what we’re seeing comes standard and which are options?</p>
<p>Volcanic Orange – Cooper S only
Thunder Grey – Cooper S only
Moonwalk Grey – Cooper only
Pepper White
Blazing Red
Deep Blue
White Silver
British Racing Green
Midnight Black
Iced Chocolate</p>
<p>Moonwalk Grey sounds intriguing (also THUNDER GREY!!!). Have we seen what it looks like yet?</p>
<p>Haven’t seen the Moonwalk Grey yet but here’s a pic of Thunder Grey…</p>
<p>I saw a Cooper in Volcanic Orange</p>
<p>Volcanic Orange Cooper: <a href="http://www.bimmertoday.de/2013/11/19/mini-cooper-2014-produktion-f56-werk-oxford-swindon-england/2014-mini-f56-produktion-werk-oxford-england-26/" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.bimmertoday.de/2013/11/19/mini-cooper-2014-produktion-f56-werk-oxford-swindon-england/2014-mini-f56-produktion-werk-oxford-england-26/</a></p>
<p>There it is, thank you! I remember it being in the factory shots but couldn’t remember which website.</p>
<p>On miniusa site the far right looks like a real white. Or is that a silver?</p>
<p>White Silver Metallic and Pepper White, no “real” white unfortunately.</p>
<p>Wow….no more Chili Red? :(</p>
<p>Or will we see it as a $4500 ‘JCW Exterior Package’ ala the Countryman…</p>
<p>Yes Chili Red is only available with the JCW Pack.</p>
<p>You forgot Chili Red!</p>
<p>Just heard from our rep that it will be part of the JCW Exterior Package like the Countryman/Paceman</p>
<p>If I win the “First Test” contest & can design a MINI, can I put the S engine & tech options in a Justa body?:</p>
<p>My guess is no.</p>
<p>Are the brakes upgraded compared to R56?</p>
<p>Cooper and Cooper S Brake Disks are the same diameter as their R56 counterparts.</p>
<p>Since the weight is basically the same MINI didn’t increase the size.</p>
<p>Will there be exhaust-pops on lifting throttle? Certainly hope so!</p>
<p>In Sport Mode yes.</p>
<p>Yes just like the current car with the sport button depressed.</p>
<p>4WD for the JCW?</p>
<p>There will be no AWD for small MINIs. JCW in 2015.</p>
<p>When will US pricing be announced?</p>
<p>What’s happening with the MINI ONE and MINI First in the UK?</p>
<p>Stay tuned….</p>
<p>My question is simple: Gabe are you buying one? Why/Why not? What’s your thought process.</p>
<p>Why buy one when he will get a press car? I am sure at some point they will have a car for a few months.</p>
<p>I don’t see Gabe dumping his M1 for a MINI.</p>
<p>Gabe might not want/need to purchase one, but I’m thinking about it pretty seriously.</p>
<p>MotoringFile will have one. I personally have my hands full with cars but I would consider it strongly if I wasn’t connected to MF. For me the Cooper would offer a great choice to fill urban commuter car needs.</p>
<p>where do you put the ignition key, or is it keyless by standard?</p>
<p>Keyless Start/Stop Ignition is standard.
You will need the key for the doors/tailgate unless you get the optional Comfort Access option.</p>
<p>What he said…</p>
<p>When will the SD (assuming that is the diesel coming to U.S.) be available?</p>
<p>Will there be an electric seat option?
Can you close the windows/sunroof from the keyfob like a BMW or do you have to insert the key in the door like an R56?</p>
<p>No electric seats that I know of.</p>
<p>Re fuel capacity on the F56……Not really a question…..I was just on MINIUSA re the F56, & specs note that the fuel capacity for the base is only 10.6 gal & 11.6 gals for the S. That’s about 1.6 gal LESS for the S & 2.6 LESS for the base than the 13.2 gals on the R56. Even assuming much better mileage for the F56 yet to be released, the reduced fuel capacity would result in no increase in tank mileage!!! Why the fuel capacity decrease???……..</p>
<p>I’ve had this theory for a long time that, on average, most cars’ fuel tank capacity is correlated to MPG, so that you can go somewhere around 350-400 miles on a tank. Some safety study probably determined that 350-400 miles was a good ‘safe’ amount of driving one could do in a day (~8 hours or so).</p>
<p>Just a guess, but I bet there’s some merit to that line of thinking…</p>
<p>I’m guessing they shrunk the tank to give you more rear leg room and rear cargo room, and also having a smaller gas tank means a slightly lower weight when the tank is full, but I doubt they did it because of that.</p>
<p>I was lucky enough to have a poke around the 3 launch cars at the Cowley launch on Monday thanks to a UK publication. After a good poke around i was very impressed, especially the quality of the interior.
The biggest concern i have is the car doesn’t appear to have a dip stick to check the oil level, i didn’t pull off the engine cover to make sure it wasn’t hiding under there but it’s not the thing that usually get hidden away. So I’m presuming that the oil level is monitored by a sensor, so my question is what fail safes are in place to ensure that the oil level doesn’t drop too low if the sensor fails, and how this gets communicated to the driver especially on the low end 4 line display?</p>
<p>Correct no dipstick. It has the same system and same fail safes BMWs have had for years.</p>
<p>Yeah until the sensors/monitor system fails. That will mean parts and labor costs to replace system. Going from something simple to something tech that doesn’t need to, but then again most car drivers in the US never check their oil level anyway.</p>
<p>Mini dealers/service centers will be making for money on this. I can just see sensor/monitor fail and person doesn’t take car for service (or can’t get an appointment) and engine fails due to no or very low oil – Mini will state “sorry – warranty does not cover”.</p>
<p>I’ll miss the dipstick a bit, but the system of both actual measurement of oil quantity and computed estimation of oil life have been used for a number of years. Oil should be replaced once at least a year irrespective of mileage and if that bare minimum isn’t being followed, the incompetency of the owner is at fault, not the car.</p>
<p>You’re also overstating the “tech” part of this. Sure temperature sensors, gas level sensors or any sensor can fail, but manufacturers have the engineering and manufacturing of these parts down to a science. To put it into perspective, I wouldn’t expect an oil-level sensor from BMW to be any less reliable than a modern gas-level sensor and these very rarely fail. I have yet to hear of a BMW with a grenaded engine due to the owner abusing the car due to oil sensor failure and I don’t expect to hear of a MINI with a failed oil sensor any time soon.</p>
<p>Any part can fail but there isn’t a need to be fatalist and anti-dealership. Many owners nowadays never check their oil and simply replace the oil on a regular schedule and/or with the support of a computer life estimate. BMW is just following this trend.</p>
<p>This would be a deal breaker for me. When the warranty is up you’re screwed.</p>
<p>some people say some cars look better in person than in pictures, do you feel this is one of those cars? when i first saw the spy shots i thought it was disgusting, but the more i look at the new pictures the more i like it. the video you guys shared earlier made me really like the car. to be clear: I LOVE everything about this new car, with the exception of that front end (and the added weight). especially with that rectangular intake on the S. My last hope was the areo package, but I think that looks a little worse. so, back to my question, in your opinion do the photos do the car justice?</p>
<p>What’s the real deal on the weight of the car? Jalopnik is saying that in spite of advertising the US version is heavier.</p>
<p>We reported previously that it would be heavier by roughly 60 lbs in US spec. We’ve know it for months.</p>
<p>Off the mini website the new S is 92lbs heavier than the current S in manual transmission. 1.5 times more than 60lbs.</p>
<p>It depends on how the car is specced. MINIUSA specifically told me that the average was a little over 60 lbs a few months back.</p>
<p>What do you mean by “the advertising” exactly? If you look at our debut post, we say explicitly what the car weighs: right between the R53 and the R56. So slightly heaver than the most recent generation, but still lighter than the R53. That’s the info we have.</p>
<p>I meant the ad copy that MINI was using at the auto show and PR.
You guys reported it so long ago, I must have forgotten. 😮
And I certainly don’t think of Motoringfile as advertising.</p>
<p>What has BMW/ MINI done to make this car dependable/ reliable? I think that’s a concern for both prospective and returning MINI owners for this new car.</p>
<p>This is a very important question. In the latest consumer reports scoring, Mini now is dead last in brand reliability, much of that do to the countryman.</p>
<p>I’m an optomist though, so I’m hoping. I won’t jump on a first year like I did my R56 cooper. In a NA form, it turned out to be fairly reliable. Maybe in a few years I’ll bite, time will tell.</p>
<p>Right but when reliability is an issue because of stereo controls and window switches it is a bunch of crap.</p>
<p>Consumer Reports might be one of the less reliable sources of information on actual reliability. As the fellow responder mentioned, they value initial operation and perceived reliability.</p>
<p>They see the issues and frankly want them less then you or I since they make them less profitable as a company. We’ll be hearing more about this soon.</p>
<p>Not exactly a question 🙂 I’d love to see more decent pictures of the Thunder Grey Metallic. Here’s some I found: <a href="http://www.bimmertoday.de/2013/11/20/mini-f56-zubehoer-schluessel-jcw-paket-union-jack-2014/" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.bimmertoday.de/2013/11/20/mini-f56-zubehoer-schluessel-jcw-paket-union-jack-2014/</a></p>
<p>Which of these are non-metallic? <a href="http://www.bimmertoday.de/wp-content/uploads/MINI-Cooper-S-D-F56-Details-Farben-Colours.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.bimmertoday.de/wp-content/uploads/MINI-Cooper-S-D-F56-Details-Farben-Colours.jpg</a></p>
<p>So it looks that the JCW, far right, will keep the Chili Red?</p>
<p>Also, that is NOT an Orange color. You can call it Orange but it is not Orange.</p>
<p>I am guessing that the ones to the left of the gap are non-metallic. If not, then what does the gap signify?</p>
<p>Strangely, in these photos the black bumper looks different (and better) than in the other photos we have seen. There is some new detail.</p>
<p>How the Light Ring works?</p>
<p>Does it still have that ridiculous circular shaped key?</p>
<p><a href="http://www.mini.co.uk/model-range/2014-hatch/?s3_New_homepagebanner=Slide_1_new_mini_product_module" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.mini.co.uk/model-range/2014-hatch/?s3_New_homepagebanner=Slide_1_new_mini_product_module</a>
on the right hand side of the page you’ll see a picture of a hand holding out the new key</p>
<p>Yes. It’s better quality at least.</p>
<p>what’s the deal with the optional keyfob you can get with an NFC chip? its shown in the brochure</p>
<p>Is it? It looks like it has less metal and more plastic, and with plastic, rather than metal edges, I’m betting it will pick up dents a lot easier. The larger buttons are a welcome change though. Ever tried to push a button on the key fob with gloves on or when it’s in your pocket? I end up using the comfort access button on the door handle because I can hit it easily.</p>
<p>Is that the same color from the GP?</p>
<p>Yes.</p>
<p>Sucks for the R56 GP, and GP owners. Seems like they’ll need to put more cash on the hood of unsold GPs.</p>
<p>My local dealer is offering -2500 at least straight off the bat. When I drove one the dude really wanted to sell one to me.</p>
<p>Ultimately though for 40k the car should have been much better. I didn’t feel it was as great as it could have been, and not enough of an upgrade from a standard JCW.</p>
<p>The thunder grey is sure a hot color though. It will be VERY popular I’m sure.</p>
<p>Tell that to the editors of EVO who placed it six amongst the best cars in the world.
—
Sent from Mailbox for iPad</p>
<p>Did you buy one? :-)</p>
<p>Granted test drives don’t include an autox course or track time. So possibly that was the issue for me.</p>
<p>I have a 1M so no :)</p>
<p>Exactly and I didn’t get the GP because for 9k more I got a loaded lightly used E90 M3.</p>
<p>Still wish I had ordered the 1M. I strongly considered it at the time. Good call on your part.</p>
<p>Will you ever buy another mini? I honestly miss my R56 even though the engine gave up on me. There is just something I love about the modern minis. I kinda feel like I will get another one but who knows.</p>
<p>Yeah that’s the tough proposition in my mind. There are so many great lightly used cars on the market at that price point. Granted the GP is such an incredible car and so clearly the ultimate MINI that it’s perfect for someone who wants that experience.</p>
<p>I almost bought a used R50 recently as a winter car. If I didn’t have my connection to this site I’d likely own a JCW Clubman.</p>
<p>Since the larger front bumper is a requirement just for Europe. Will the states get the same version or is there a U.S. spec car?</p>
<p>The concessions for European standards for pedestrian and cyclist safety are engineered into the design of the front end and crumple zone and is far more than merely a bumper. The US version will be visually the same as other markets. A separate design would be completely cost-prohibited. There’s a reason why the F56 was debuted in LA concurrently with London…</p>
<p>Will the SD version be coming to the US?</p>
<p>They’re looking at either the SD or the Cooper D.</p>
<p>Do the new engines ditch the traditional Dipstick like BMW’s have since 2005?</p>
<p>Yes, there is no more dipstick.</p>
<p>The dipstick is dead.</p>
<p>Also why to the front brake ducts and rear valence on the Cooper S look so “tacked on?” They look like parts added after the fact and visually hurt the continuity of the flow of the body shape.</p>
<p>That’s intentional and they make more sense in darker colors. But they re designed to stand out.</p>
<p>how much more bootspace is there compared to the current model? I saw different configurations of the boot with the bottomplate lifted up and with the backseets more vertically without being completely flat?</p>
<p>50L</p>
<p>Having moved from my loved R50 to a R58 a year ago, two things I miss and hope will return:</p>
<ul>
<li>a engine temperature gauge on the dash?</li>
<li>a configuration option for door and hatch unlock on key off?</li>
</ul>
<p>No engine temp gauge,</p>
<p>Even Kias and cheap Chevys have temp gauges… wonder why that is?</p>
<p>It’s not related to cost. BMW has made the strategic decision to move information like that within the computer interface rather than in a gauge staring at you every time you drive the car.
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Sent from Mailbox for iPad</p>
<p>it has to do with emissions and the engine temp cycles- there are periods of time when the engine runs “hot” on purpose that old school people would see on the idiot gauge and think is an issue when it is by design.</p>
<p>That was never an issue with BMWs for decades, they just designed the gauges to say say everything was “fine” until it gets bad. The point is that engine temp gauges are very useful for determining when the engine is warm enough to push it hard without damaging it. I like how they dealt with this in certain BMW M cars, with a lit up section on the tach, but with no lights and no temp gauge, I’m left guessing when my engine is warm enough to drive spiritedly.</p>
<p>The heat cycling began with the N52. The M engines are completely different story. The light still comes on when things get “bad”. A modern gas engine is warm enough to push after a few minutes. The water pump is not cycling until needed.</p>
<p>There is point to the gauge and that is why it was eliminated- an idiot light does the same thing.</p>
<p>So I don’t really like the look of the Cooper S front bumper. What are the chances we can get Cooper S trim with the front bumper of the regular Cooper.</p>
<p>All you need is money and you can have it!</p>
<p>Yup.</p>
<p>What’s the story on the paddle shifters in the auto? Looks like they’ve switched to the more conventional (at least VW-ish) left/right -/+ rather than push-pull. What about the center shifter? It still looks like it’s swapped (pull +, push -) from every one else.</p>
<p>They switched the to pull/pull that BMW employs. It’s something that has been reported here previously and something we’ve complained about for years. The quality and feel are both pretty good.
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Sent from Mailbox for iPad</p>
<p>I saw a picture of the new MINI that revealed it does have a CD player and the picture shows it to be located in the GLOVE BOX. Really? Is the CD an option now? I also don’t understand why MINI relocated the window controls on the doors like every other car. What happened to the NOT NORMAL part of MINI? Did they redesign those controls because some people found the toggles to be “to confusing”? I guess it was too hard for some people to figure out.</p>
<p>Yes. The in-dash CD player is dead thanks to almost using it.</p>
<p>_</p>
<p>That’s fine, I’ll hook up my 8 track player to the aux in jack.</p>
<p>OK. I like the looks of the MINI and the new gadgets/technology inside it but frankly I am very surprised the manual version of the S is not more economical than the old one and I would like to ask why is that. The N20 BMW engine is more economical than this one and also generates more power in the 328i/125i . Also that HUD is not really a HUD , it’s more like a second screen. Paying money for a premium brand you would aspect premium stuff like the excellent BMW HUD. Anyway, I can live without the BMW HUD, but can’t without the awesome looking Laser Blue paint . Why haven’t they included a new blue colour based on the Laser Blue ? It may have been the most sold optional paint scheme for the R56 MCS.</p>
<p>By the way, any new rumours on the future JCW?</p>
<p>I feel like I have seen this grille style before…</p>
<p>Just an FYI you can download a pdf brochure for the F56 on mini uk website. Not sure why the mods here are so secretive about mpg figures when the brochure clearly states what the figures are.</p>
<p>We’re not secretive. They have not been released in the US yet. The UK and US cycle are calculated differently.
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Sent from Mailbox for iPad</p>
<p>That’s why I dislike that grill so much. Looks awful, but it looks even worse on the otherwise nice looking Tesla.</p>
<p>I just read in the brochure that Android support for the infotainment system is initially for the Samsung Galaxy S4 and Google Nexus 4 ONLY. What’s holding them back from supporting any Android phone running one of the last few versions of Android?</p>
<p>That big, red plastic cap in the engine bay…its purpose? Looks like it might be over the battery box.</p>
<p>Another question. How similar is the suspension on the F56 compared to the R56? Similar enough that R56 coilovers could be adapted?</p>
<p>I didn’t notice a spare tire (donut) on any of the LA display cars. Has the spare tire been discontinued?</p>
<p>It seems like in all of the pictures that the headlight washers which were previously standard on R50/2/3s with Xenons and early R56xs with Xenons prior to them becoming options are not even available. I’m assuming this was as much as a design/manufacturing considering as changing regulations?</p>
<p>I think earlier spy shots showed that the halogen non-Xenon and non-LED headlights were still reflectors and not projectors? None of the official pictures seem to show the halogens so I was curious if it was announced whether the halogens went to projectors or not as I generally found previous MINIs reflector halogen headlights to be rather horrible and also belie the car’s “premium” compact description.</p>
<p>The engine bays of the F56 S and non-S are far more similar in layout than previous generations down to what appears to be the battery behind the similar-looking air boxes. Is this actually the battery? If so, has MINI announced what the weight distribution? Also, if the battery on the S is no longer in the trunk, is the exhaust a straight-back design like the R56 or a split like the R53? Any possibility of a space saver spare for the S (highly doubtful, but I thought I’d ask)?</p>
<p>At least in regards to the S exhaust, it looks to be a transverse design spanning two thirds the width of the car from one of the press videos…</p>
<p>As the MINI Navigation is hard drive based, does the multi-disc glovebox CD/DVD player actually play DVDs when stopped and is video playback when stopped something to expect when it comes to the US?</p>
<p>BMW was one of the first manufacturers to show support for Apple’s Siri Eyes Free feature although there has yet to be a BMW or MINI which takes advantage of this feature. Was there any mention of this at the media launch? Although it appears this feature isn’t going to be offered at launch (perhaps it might conflict with MINI Connected), has there been talk that MINI would offer this in the future?</p>
<p>Will there be a towbar option? It’s very hard to get a bikerack on the current model and the official MINI bikerack is way to expensive..</p>
<p>Will the Minis have a spare tire. Also any timeline on when the 8 speed automatic will be available?</p>
<p>Any word on whether the US will get a 3 across rear bench seat option?</p>
<p>Any word on whether the US will get a 3 across rear bench seat option?</p>
<p>Given the response to the option in the Countryman I’d be shocked if the US didn’t get it.</p>