[mab01uk]

What do new MINI owners think? (Sounds good to me as a classic and new Mini owner but does not seem to be a very popular idea on the classic Mini forums so far.)

IMM 2008 Miniworld News

Note: You can also send your views via email Amy_Hodge@freelance.ipcmedia.com with "MiniWorld IMM 2008" in the subject field.

IMM Netherlands 2008
"The IMM 2008 is supported by all enthusiastic Dutch Classic and New Mini owners"

[S8RAH]

In my experience the classic group can be a bit funny about MINIs at their events. I've got both but have stopped going to meets because I always went in MINI (leaving the Mini 30 at home cos it's old and needs tlc) and am never allowed to park with the classic minis. I've had a Mini since the day I passed my test, 26 years ago, but I'm sick of being treated as a second class citizen. I think it's a brilliant idea to try to unite Mini and MINI owners but expect a lot of resistance from the classic groups.

[Shaun]

This made me laugh.
"Even the thought alone of allowing BMW to sponsor the IMM 2008 is a disgrace. I don't think BMW Minis should be allowed anywhere near the IMMs. KEEP IT A CLASSIC Mini SHOW!!!"

Can you imagine a classic show in ten years it will be full of Micras, Focuses and all manner of general motering tat all on the premise "my Minis being restored" if the Imm in 2002 is anything to go by. This guy obviously didnt spot me in Scotland then did he?
Its an honorable gesture by Bmw but leave them to it I say I agree with S8rah been a Mini / MINI owner 15 years and just cant be bothered anymore. Miniworld make me laugh they pretend the MINI does not exist but take the advertising revenue gladly.

[Irlmin]

Agreed , I thought after 6 years of production this tiresome nonsense would have faded away , I also drive an 07 MINI its My 3rd MINI , I also have a collection of classics including a 1965 Cooper S , a 1991 RSP Cooper , 1993 factory Cabriolet , as well as several others . I think You will find its a vocal minority that make the most noise and it has nothing to do with the cars or BMW or anyone else its I am afraid the 'green eyed monster' yes jealousy , I remember the same ilk causing a rumpus when the mini got fuel injection and of course it was the end of their world when Rover fitted 12" and 13" wheels to the mini , as regards Miniworld I stopped buying it ages ago because of the bile being spewed by a few contributors and unfortunately published by the editorial staff , I think You will see some changes in the mini magazine scene soon with one of the 2 mags ( Miniworld / Minimag ) just folding , they are both owned by large publishing houses who are ruthless and just see the 'bottom line' . circulation has fallen and content is abysmal and repetitive , it can also be seen in the club scene who are the successful clubs ? yes those that embrace both Minis and MINIs and its amazing that these poor bigoted People still don't realise its got nothing to do with the cars its all to do with the People , I can speak from personal experience and having watched the trends in Our club where We have a membership made up of owners of both minis and MINIs and interestingly many now have both cars with some Classic owners buying MINIs for their everyday transport and long distance events and using their Classics for leisure motoring etc and MINI owners also buying Classics as collectible and leisure vehicles , I think its always going to be an irritation with these poor people in the background sniping away and in fact I now find it enjoyable to watch as they continue to stress themselves out , I have read on another forum that some of these poor tortured souls are going to boycott the IMM if MINI sponsor it ---well I think that would be brilliant and more enjoyable for everyone else if they stay away .
G

[Jordan210]

I like it when 1994 + mini's have 100% BMW free I wonder who owned Rover at that point

I know a few people with MINI's seam to get picked on at shows, Such as MITP a few years ago where i was told by a MINI owner some one try-ed de badging his car for him , Classic and MINI clubs do work such as East coast mini

If BMW do sponsor it, it would be good, think of the publicity the show would get as well as how organized BMW would make it

[Fin]

Some people just need a slap with a big fresh salmon.

[Morty]

It's because of the problems New MINI owners experienced with the attitude of some classic owners that from 2002 till 2005 an International New MINI Meeting evolved, but died due to lack of interest for 2006 (Some of you on here will remember - cause I did 2005).

When we talked about going to Italy for the IMM, our clubs (NL-FR-BE) received tons of e-mails telling us we weren't welcome and things would get messy.

Well I sincerely hope that IMM 2008 will be a better succes. The organisation has done an excellent job in promoting the event as being one for classic and new. I really hope it will succeed. On the role of BMW involvement, I can understand that and support it.

BMW has bought the MINI legacy and therefor needs to support these kind of events more.
I had the chance to talk to the responsible from BMW/MINI Munich at MINI United. He promised us more support for classic and also for the new mini clubs.
I don't know how classic owners will react to the sponsorship but sometimes I think it's time they realise that BMW has got the rights of the classic mini and that they should be happy that there's finally a structure being build to support and promote their legacy.