i remember when i got my first R53 mini. was really excited about waving at other mini drivers and being involved in that friendly environment. R53 drivers were keen (5 years ago) to wave but (many of ) the classics i would wave at would be less than cordial in their response.as if the R53 BMW mini was a traitor. reading through this thread it feels almost like the R56 is being given the same cold shoulder treatment. shame really. having owned a classic, two R53s and now an R56 they are all very different but all have extremely attractive features. the new mini is not to everyone's taste and the turbo charged s is noisy from start and yet conversely its quiet when cruising.the
JCW upgrade does a lot to remedy that. it is also very very quick and yet far more cost effective and better for the environment even if that isn't particularly sexy or popular with lots of people. the competitive edge and strange sort of snobbery is odd and a shame.
anyway, one thing which has taken some getting used to is the electric hydraulic power steering in the 56. it renders the drive light and makes for a hairy experience when driving fast and suddently hitting a small hole in the road. i think on balance i miss the old power steering system and the comforting noise it made too.