[cooperSturbo]

Hey! does anyone have any news on when the facelift model will be released? and what is rumoured to be changed? Looking at buying a new Cooper D but wondered if I was better off waiting?

[BrianDromey]

I think the reports of a facelift are premature, brought on by the imminent launch of the Cabrio. Id expect the facelift of the hatch in about a year, to a year and a half, roughly half way though the lifecycle of the current hatch.

Facelifts are designed to prop up flagging sales, MINI sales are actually increasing, so there is no real need to do it.

Brian.

[Paul]

Facelifts are not always to prop up flagging sales, when the MINI was updated in July 2004 (three years after launch) sales were by no means flagging, and when the car is updated next year, they probably wont be either. MINI/BMW don't chase the game, they've been very good at refreshing things BEFORE people start getting bored.

[Joogle]

I thought the last facelift was brought in across the range when they released the Cabrio, so I would assume they would do the same again this time?

[Paul]

Yep, the changes will, so I'm told, appear on the Convertible, as with the previous generation.

[*Vikki*]

And when they did that at the nec motorshow they had it on the hard tops.. will they do it again at the same time?

[Tracie]

I was told to wait till after September when a few tweaks and improvements happen to the R56.
I wasn't told what these will be and I can't divulge whom I got the info from

[BrianDromey]

Quote:

when the MINI was updated in July 2004 (three years after launch) sales were by no means flagging, and when the car is updated next year, they probably wont be either. MINI/BMW don't chase the game,

OK, fair enough. But I think its fairly safe to say that the upgrade was about bringing the R50 more into line with the car BMW wanted to build. I think the changes this time will be much, much less substantial.
Minor external trim changes, new trim options and fabric. Maybe a few more horsepower here and there and the latest BMW gismos. That will be about it I think!

Im thinking that a Cooper S-D would be cool. I'll not hold my breath though!

Brian.

[Paul]

The 2004 facelift (as opposed to 2006/7 new model generation) was only minor trim and plastic panels, only really the One/Cooper were upgraded with any major mechanical parts (new gearboxes), and the One D barely changed at all.

[JD Cass]

Can we assume if the R57 is due Spring 09, then the face-lift version of the R56 will appear at the same time?

[OJM]

Sorry for hijacking the topic a bit...

The thing that puts me off about the later models is the dash - I love the original dash, but not the newer one.

However, at the MINI factory, I saw an old dash waiting to be installed - are you able to spec that, or does the cabrio still have the old style?

[ONED]

Quote: Originally Posted by JD Cass (original)

Can we assume if the R57 is due Spring 09, then the face-lift version of the R56 will appear at the same time?

^.....What he said

[Rakey]

Quote: Originally Posted by OJM (original)

Sorry for hijacking the topic a bit...

The thing that puts me off about the later models is the dash - I love the original dash, but not the newer one.

However, at the MINI factory, I saw an old dash waiting to be installed - are you able to spec that, or does the cabrio still have the old style?

Thats only in the current cabrio

[Trotti]

Traveling back to Cardiff along the M4 today around Swindon when two red mcs past me going the other way with disguised front ends! Possible face lift.

[Petkunterä]

Do you think the facelift changes will be important enough that one should wait instead of ordering a 2008 model now?

[Tracie]

I'm waiting, cause I'd kick myself other wise... I should have waited when I ordered my 04 Cooper in Jan 04 until July 04, I would have got the new gearbox.... I'm not making the same mistake twice LOL

[sad61t]

Quote: Originally Posted by Petkunterä (original)

Do you think the facelift changes will be important enough that one should wait instead of ordering a 2008 model now?

I'd wait for an interior shot of the R57 cabrio or Crossman - economies of scale would suggest that all models share the same dashboard. If it looks very similar then there's probably not an immediate facelift of the R56 in the pipeline (personally I'd like a more contemporary dash sans dinner-plate speedo but a lot of owners like the retro theme).

The addition of the stop/start, etc. last August(?) was a technical facelift, and may count for more in the R56's lifespan than a subtle change to the exterior. The overall shape isn't going to change as it is the brand.