[smartbomb]

Ok it's not a big deal for some, but it annoys me when people say 'oh you're getting a BMW MINI?'
So I reply 'No, I'm getting a MINI made by MINI'
BMW don't make it, it's just easier to establish if it's a new or old shape. Just as easy to ask if it is new or old !
Alright I know enough about them to appreciate BMWs involvement, but it has MINI on the front, the back and on the factory......
'Oh I see James Bond is driving one of those Ford Aston Martins again........'

Getting off my soap-box now, but it's a MINI, made by MINI .

[KPKalle]

It's ok when writing since you've got MINI and Mini. Not so easy to clarify the difference when speaking. I suppose I say new MINI then - as opposed to classic Mini

[Tonyt3]

Well, yes and no. Most Mini dealerships are based at BMW dealerships (although there are a few that are not)..... I have yet to see an Aston Martin for sale in a Ford dealership.....

At the end of the day, there is a sticker on the car that says when and where it was made. On the sticker is a BMW badge is there not....?

I refer to it as a new mini. However, we've now got the confusion of the new model thats about to be launched. What then.....?

[BlueMax]

Some say it is a mini BMW!

[LMB]

Personally it doesn't bother me. If I am honest to myself, yes it is a BMW as it is BMW designers, test engineers who have developed the car. Also BMW parts have been used to built it. You cannot compare it to Aston Martin and Ford as that is a company in it's own right. When BMW bought Mini, they just bought the name, the brand. MINI has been created by BMW, and I see it as more of a spin off than a separate company. The two overlap.

[smartbomb]

I would say that the MK2 MINI is a the 'new shape' new MINI. Quite a mouthful but I am not referring to BMW to describe my car. I park in thier dealership to go into the seperate MINI showroom. My dealer is talking of a stand alone dealership.
As for Aston and Ford, my local Ford dealer is selling Mazdas in the same showroom. Not quite an Aston but from the same 'family'.

[rayb]

.....and all of the advertising literature says Copyright BMW.
The difference with Aston Martin is that they existed as an independent marque for many years. They've maintained independence in the model line, management and facilities. If you look at MINI everything is BMW. Producion plant, manufacturing methods, design and management. The reason MINI is such a success is surely because of clever BMW marketing and their build quality.
I call it a BMW MINI as opposed to an Austin/Morris/British Leyland/ Rover Mini.

But then who cares really. What we all agree o is that it's a fantastic car and a huge success.

[mGP]

I don't really mind, for me personnally, It's not that big a deal.

It could be worse......anyone fancy a Citroen MINI??

[Tonyt3]

Quote: Originally Posted by smartbomb (original)

I would say that the MK2 MINI is a the 'new shape' new MINI. Quite a mouthful but I am not referring to BMW to describe my car. I park in thier dealership to go into the seperate MINI showroom. My dealer is talking of a stand alone dealership.
As for Aston and Ford, my local Ford dealer is selling Mazdas in the same showroom. Not quite an Aston but from the same 'family'.

Yes, but many Mazdas use the same floor pan as Fords, and have done for many years now. They basically come off the same production line - yet you dont call a Mazda a Ford, or use an Aston MArtin floor pan for a focus... (hope not anyway).....

Same as in the Jag x type - mondeo in a sharp suit - yet the cars identity remains intact as a Jag.

All very confusing, but both arguments can be made both ways.....

Its about identity. And yes, Mini has a much closer identity to BMW than a MAzda or Aston or Jag has to a Ford......

If its not a BMW by birthright, its certainly at least a much loved ******* love child (in the nicest possible way).....

[smartbomb]

Quote: Originally Posted by Tonyt3 (original)

If its not a BMW by birthright, its certainly at least a much loved ******* love child (in the nicest possible way).....

I can live with that. Just have trouble with saying BMW !

[rec]

R50, R53, R56

Easy that way !

[Scrogg]

Quote: Originally Posted by rec (original)

R50, R53, R56

Easy that way !

Obviously not forgetting R52, for those of us that like to go topless!

[Paul]

Not to most it's not. For example: R50 (One, Cooper, Diesel, Cooper Works), R52 (One, Cooper, S Convertible, S Works Convertible), R53 (Cooper S) R55 (Traveller/Countryman One, Cooper, S), R56 (One, Cooper S, Diesel, (Works)), facelift, pre-facelift....... And the average joe will have no idea what you're on about either! I think this: http://www.mini2.com/article405-the-...e-to-mini.html shows it's not as simple as it could be in terms of the R numbers, but they were never intended as public references, so that's why.

[rec]

it cant be as bad as people goin "that's one of those rally ones aint it" to my old car...
i'd much prefer if people ignored me tbh ;]

[Tonyt3]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett (original)

Not to most it's not. For example: R50 (One, Cooper, Diesel, Cooper Works), R52 (One, Cooper, S Convertible, S Works Convertible), R53 (Cooper S) R55 (Traveller/Countryman One, Cooper, S), R56 (One, Cooper S, Diesel, (Works)), facelift, pre-facelift....... And the average joe will have no idea what you're on about either! I think this: http://www.mini2.com/article405-the-...e-to-mini.html shows it's not as simple as it could be in terms of the R numbers, but they were never intended as public references, so that's why.

And doesn't refferring to it by BMW factory designation style code numbers actually align it more to BMW.....?

Although I appreciate BMW use 'Enn' for their model designation, it still smacks of the corporate policy to refer to it in such a way.....


I guess ideally we should all be joining Mini3.com when talking about the newest model line up....

[sel]

from the launch date of the r56....

id probabl;y say i have a classic new MINI!!!!

[sel]

Quote: Originally Posted by rec (original)

it cant be as bad as people goin "that's one of those rally ones aint it" to my old car...
i'd much prefer if people ignored me tbh ;]

....what was that..... did rec say somethin??....

obviously not!!

(see i can ignore you!!)

[johnwscott]

You're all missing the point, who cares whether it's a BMW Mini or a Mini, you own a Mini and that's all that matters!

The person sayings it's not a "real" Mini, its a BMW Mini probably doesn't own one and is just jealous that they didn't buy a top notch car or can't afford such a great car.

End of.

[Paul]

Quote: Originally Posted by Tonyt3 (original)

And doesn't refferring to it by BMW factory designation style code numbers actually align it more to BMW.....?

Although I appreciate BMW use 'Enn' for their model designation, it still smacks of the corporate policy to refer to it in such a way.....


I guess ideally we should all be joining Mini3.com when talking about the newest model line up....

Was going to say that R is actually a "left over" from the Rover days.

[rec]

Quote: Originally Posted by Tonyt3 (original)

I guess ideally we should all be joining Mini3.com when talking about the newest model line up....

*goes and registers mini3.com*

and did some pink car driving person say something ?