[zyo]

Quote: Originally Posted by msh441 (original)

Auto Stop Start Function? Sounds strange and annoying to me. But hey, it’ll cut down on people complaining about the DFI ticking!

Perhaps this is MINIs solution to the DFI noise

People have reffered to the R56 as being too expensive, but with the apparent news that some people are saying the price isn't going to go up perhaps that is why, the cost of the new technology was already factored into the price which wouldn't be good news for early adopters.

My concern would be reliability, We all know how many faults are attached to the MINI and it begs the question will , as someone else said , the faults and fixes forum be chock full of new problems " I went to pull away at the traffic lights and the engine didn't restart" sort of thing.

For those people getting concerned about the technology it does state that you can turn the stop start feature off at the touch of a button.

[Paul]

Also, it may just be me, but does it not seem like cheating that to reduce the co2 and consumption you switch the engine off?!

Anyway, for those that wonder these things, this is an outline of how the consumption figures are arrived at: (From: VCAcarfueldata.org.uk - FAQ's)

Q: How is the fuel consumption test conducted. A: The test is outlined in Directive 93/116/EC and provides results that are more representative of actual average on-road fuel consumption than previous tests. There are two parts: an urban and an extra-urban cycle. The cars tested have to be run-in and must have been driven for at least 1,800 miles (3,000 kilometres) before testing.

Urban Cycle:
The urban test cycle is carried out in a laboratory at an ambient temperature of 20oC to 30oC on a rolling road from a cold start, i.e. the engine has not run for several hours. The cycle consists of a series of accelerations, steady speeds, decelerations and idling. Maximum speed is 31mph (50km/h), average speed 12mph (19km/h) and the distance covered is 2.5 miles (4km).
Extra-Urban Cycle:
This cycle is conducted immediately following the urban cycle and consists of roughly half steady-speed driving and the remainder accelerations, decelerations, and some idling. Maximum speed is 75mph (120km/h), average speed is 39mph (63 km/h) and the distance covered is

4.3miles (7km). Combined Fuel Consumption Figure:
The combined figure presented is for the urban and extra-urban cycle together. It is therefore an average of the two parts of the test, weighted by the distances covered in each part.

[rentagas]

I've looked at the press releases suggesting there will be no price increase for the cooper D and this may mean there is no price increase for other models.

But which production week does it apply to?
ie What build date do I need to get to ensure I get the updated car?
I suspect my dealer won't have even heard of the update.

Anyone know how much the updated USB link will be? This sounds like the ipod link that has been promised for some time but has never been delivered ie official support for track names/artists. I assume it will interface with the MFSW

[envy]

Will this affect residuals on the 56/07 Plate MINIs?

Not too sure if this will affect the book price, but it would make the 57+ plates more desirable?

[Humourl3ss]

Quote: Originally Posted by Tigger, Eeyore & Roo (original)

I'm not criticising the car, or any of the changes, but who writes this stuff?:

"The MINI symbolises self-confidence with a design which is as fascinating as it is likeable. It embodies an awareness of quality at absolute premium level and combines all-round appeal with a level of environmental awareness which has now been further increased."

"An additional visual highlight within the varied equipment program is provided by......"

Doesn't anyone edit these ramblings before they leave MINI Press?

I'd wager it was written in German initally then translated into English. A lot of BMW press releases read that way.

[rentagas]

Quote: Originally Posted by envy (original)

Will this affect residuals on the 56/07 Plate MINIs?

Not too sure if this will affect the book price, but it would make the 57+ plates more desirable?

I don't think it will affect book price of the cooper D, the difference in economy is not that great and the ved band is the same. There are always minor changes in the spec that some people think is important but others do not eg the LSD in the cooper s was considered very important by some but others moaned about the noise it made. I suspect the stop start system will produce the same diversity of supporters and detractors

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Quote: Originally Posted by Humourl3ss (original)

I'd wager it was written in German initally then translated into English. A lot of BMW press releases read that way.

I'd wondered about that myself. It's amazing that for a car with a British heritage, that's assembled in England, BMW can't justify a proper translation into English for their press releases; even though English is the most widely spoken language in the world!

UPDATE: Please, before anyone else picks me up on this, I very carefully said that English is the most widely spoken language, not the language spoken by the most people.

[British SD]

Quote: Originally Posted by envy (original)

Will this affect residuals on the 56/07 Plate MINIs?
Not too sure if this will affect the book price, but it would make the 57+ plates more desirable?

As good as BMW/MINI is at working to hold strong resale values in the cars they produce, rarely does any car appreciate or hold its value so any modifications, new plates or updates will place resale price pressure on existing models. That's the nature of the beast for having the latest and greatest must have toy/gadget. Same will happen to the 57 plate when the 2009, 50th anniversary edition comes out. Does anybody believe that MINI/BMW will not take advantage of such a milestone?

[Fiddlerjohn]

Just been to my dealer who recieved this at midday, it begins build date Wk 31, as it happens my build date is Wk 31, Phew! and their systems will update 1st june to show these changes.

[Fiddlerjohn]

Also Cooper S price very slightly reduced, Bluetooth price reduced, and if you want that place to put your coins, you'll have to pay £10 For the smokers pack,

[Paul]

I know the Cooper S is going down in price, not sure about the others (not heard anything about the price of the others).

[envy]

Whats the new OTR Price then? is it actually a decent saving, or like £20?

More Spec, lower prices - This does put pressure on the 56/07 plates, though didnt think they would 'facelift' or modify the car so soon!!

[Fiddlerjohn]

Quote: Originally Posted by envy (original)

Whats the new OTR Price then? is it actually a decent saving, or like £20?

More Spec, lower prices - This does put pressure on the 56/07 plates, though didnt think they would 'facelift' or modify the car so soon!!

As I Said "very Slightly Reduced" I think it's £12-£15 So just enough to pay for the smokers coin tray!!

[rentagas]

Quote: Originally Posted by Fiddlerjohn (original)

Just been to my dealer who recieved this at midday, it begins build date Wk 31, as it happens my build date is Wk 31, Phew! and their systems will update 1st june to show these changes.

Well done!
Your dealer knew more than my dealer-do you know how much the bluetooth/usb kit is now? The old price of £870 seemed steep compared with integrated aftermarket systems but I suppose it now comes with £200 worth of ipod interface. I've already spent far too much
What build date is week 31? -29th July?
Cheers


Presumably some of the price difference is due to the change in vehicle excise bands

VCAcarfueldata.org.uk - Database Search by VED Band

[Fiddlerjohn]

Quote: Originally Posted by rentagas (original)

Well done!
Your dealer knew more than my dealer-do you know how much the bluetooth/usb kit is now? The old price of £870 seemed steep compared with integrated aftermarket systems but I suppose it now comes with £200 worth of ipod interface. I've already spent far too much
What build date is week 31? -29th July?
Cheers


Presumably some of the price difference is due to the change in vehicle excise bands

VCAcarfueldata.org.uk - Database Search by VED Band

Wk 31 is around 11th August
Bluetooth/usb Only got the slightest peek but think it was £685 (Don't Quote me though)

[rentagas]

Ummm makes it difficult

Dealer fit ipod kit around £200.
Aftermarket Bluetooth kit from mikey around £300 fitted?
Total-£500 plus hassle factor or £685 factory fit.

[peter1201]

Does anyone know if there are any other changes - body or trim......
I am about to put my deposit down - should have done it today..... - on a late June build MCS as my current MCS is 3 years in July but now not sure whether to wait.......

[rentagas]

Quote: Originally Posted by peter1201 (original)

Does anyone know if there are any other changes - body or trim......
I am about to put my deposit down - should have done it today..... - on a late June build MCS as my current MCS is 3 years in July but now not sure whether to wait.......

No
This update is purely mechanical with an additional bluetooth/usb package and an extra colour for the convertible. I assume havoc will ensue in Oxford if loads of people delay their orders to get the "new model"

Having said that I was about to order a week 26 build car today and have delayed my order for 5 weeks to get the update. The vehicle excise on the MCS is £25 cheaper (?) with the new model and city fuel consumption will be better. In the grand scheme of things these savings are small against the £15000-£20000 cost of a new car and I'm not sure the MCS will benefit from this technology in terms of it's primary purpose-going fast!. For the cooper d the green halo of having both the coolest and most eco freindly car on sale in the UK (discuss!) is a persuasive argument to wait a bit.

[rkw]

Wouldn't USB make the current iPod adapter unnecessary (indeed obsolete)?

[Restyle]

This news has actually got me interested again, & I`ll probably give it a test drive when it arrives, but unless it comes with revised certre console switchs, I`m afraid I still couldnt bring myself to get one, no matter how economical & advanced the engine becomes.
Here`s hoping they combine these mechanical changes with the much needed facelift