[dalboyne]

My wish list includes:

• A great cabrio mechanism that doesn't rattle or wear out the fabric
• LED tail lights
• Better looking switch-gear
• USB-power sockets instead of a clunky cigar lighter
• More imaginative storage arrangements
• A really nice bright metallic red
• Closer shut-lines, especially between bonnet and wheel arches
• Putting the "spirit" back in the car (R56 just a bit too refined?)
• Tyres with lower rolling resistance (non-runflats?)
• Revert to a 50L fuel tank
• More options for the roof colour (cabrio and tin-top)
• A 4-year warranty as standard
• Even more grin-factor :-)
• Ability to track my next order through Plant Oxford
  
  And of course - more kit as standard and not optional (expensive) extras!
  
  (OK, some of these have nothing to do with a mid-life update, but everything to do with my mid-life crisis!!!)
  
  Ian

[J1JPE]

We've already had MINI take the p!ss by introducing Stop-Start a few months after launch thus stopping many people buying the original cherished demo models, cancelling new build orders ... AND adversely affecting values !!

As a pre Start-Stop R56 owner (R53 was knackered & got a good deal -so I thought !) I want MINI to do nothing but increase part-ex valuation of mine (so I'll trade up to an S and R53 owner will switch) & offer start-stop as a free retro fit !!

In reality, to compete with the 500 ... they should:

- introduce a 1.4 turbo tsi equivalent
- launch a Dooper S (rather than an S that just sounds like a diesel)
- lower the suspension 20mm
- sort the DASH RATTLES
- offer a JCW Cooper (non S) ;}}}}}
- revisit the Pepper / Chilli packs eg making Chrome/Black line exterior a NCO (vile on red car), inc JCW aero, Sport Button, Suspension - a UK Sport Pack, offer most popular options in a Comfort Pack

- sort the S noise from cold
- DITCH the ROFs

DON'T Discount but offer Dealer Promos like FREE TLC, GAP, Tyre Cover, Extras

Cost of changing panel moulds, specs, sourcing components would be way more than using what theyve got to add more value ;}

[ben__allen]

I don't know if there is anything major I would really change apart from choice of alloys and colours.

I think when the all new MINI 3 comes along, it needs to go on a diet and loose some flab both in looks and in actual mass.

[dalboyne]

Having reflected further on this topic as I drove to work this morning, it dawned on me that I have never, ever been happier with any car than my Cooper Cabrio. It may not be as fast as a Cooper S, or as economical as a Diesel, and I'm sure it could be improved. However, for me, right now, this is my dream car come true.

So, maybe the problem for BMW MINI is this: right now there isn't a compelling case for me to replace MINERVA! (I admit, a long time ago I placed an order for the first R56-based cabrio to be delivered to Luxembourg, but since I am still totally enjoying my current car, I begin to wonder why I should change, even if she will be approaching 5 years old next year)

So, my loyalty to MINI is assured, but this does not mean I have to buy a new model every 2-3 years simply to keep up with the latest trim or colour scheme. Maybe this is part of the problem?

So what next for BMW MINI? Considering the growing success of the Peugeot 107/Citroen C1/Toyota Aygo as a tiny but practical, fun and highly economical 4 door car, plus the definite threat from the Fiat 500, maybe what is needed is a new MINI that goes further back to the Issigonis roots, by being smaller and more economical and cheaper to run? Problem is, such a car would proably have to be built outside UK to keep the costs down and maintain affordability......

Good luck, BMW MINI - I really, really hope you get it right!

Ian

[cooperSMark]

I've just got home with a brand new Mini Cooper courtesy car.. I know change is good but i'm not a fan of the dash in the new models. The stereo in the Speedo looks horrible and the switches don't have the same feel as they do in the older model. I'd like to see a return to the original dash design (not the Austin one ). The heater switches look and feel better than the older model though so they can stay

[~Marcus~]

My wish list -

• Return to the classic MINI "face" with small round indicators and separate fog lamps
• Return to the attractive retro chrome bumper strip on the One/Cooper and which works so well on the Fiat 500
• Reinstate the wrap-around rear glass
• Re-design center console with more solid switches
• make standard speedo more attractive without the sticking out buttons, or reduce sat nav option to £500
• Lower ride height
• Reduce the slightly floaty feeling in the handling - the R56 doesn't feel like it has superb handling and doesn't feel as "up for it" the way the old car does

Basically on most of these points I have described a R50/R53 above! How embarrassing! Still love my R56 though

[feenaldo]

• Take the stero out of the speedo, and put it back in the right place!
• Make all the buttons on the centre console look less like a play school activity centre
• Design and engine that doesnt sound like a tractor
• Seperate the fog lights and the sidelights, it was fine on the R53, why fix something that isn't broke?
• Remove "mellow yellow" from the colour line up and put back Liquid Yellow as it was far nicer I think
• Make the front of the car fit toegther properly, no more large gaps between the bumper and the bonnet.
• Think of a reason for there to be an air scoop on the S rather than designg the worlds most expensive mobile post box
• Let us have the old JCW logo back as the new one frankly sucks

That's all I can think of currently, I will probably think of more as I'm driving about this week.

[sav112]

Dont tell me this it will put me off buying a New Mini..................I already wrote off the early second gen mini's as it is.

I have to go along with the centre console, the original looked great and not the newer early learning one they have not that just looks rubbish. The cars interesting enough and got a funky enough look about it without over kill.

I look at the early first gen Mini’s and then the second Gen and wish I could move the old console into the newer car. I know a few people were put off my mate said he cant have that in his car it looked to girly….. and I agree I liked the chunk switches of old.

[johnlondonw3]

Less is more ...nuff said

[Goonery]

Several members of the BMW board have recently departed including the one responsible for Sales and Marketing, a number of other changes further down the food chain as well. So I expect BMW/MINI to be striving to return to the values that made extraordinary and more desirable ultimate driving machines rather than some of the rather ordinary fare we have.
I'd like to see the facelift give more character back to the car, the shape, the driving experience, the stance of the car and put some edge back into the handling so that if feels like the classic MINI again. I'd like a supercharger back as well

[morrisminiminor]

I don't like the gimmicky lights added when you opt for Xenons.
The speedo is too big and the fascia is just cheap looking.
With the Clubman it has to be the suicide door on the wrong side - pathetic and how arrogant of BMW.
I prefer my R53

morrisminiminor

[dalboyne]

Quote: Originally Posted by Goonery (original)

Several members of the BMW board have recently departed including the one responsible for Sales and Marketing, a number of other changes further down the food chain as well. So I expect BMW/MINI to be striving to return to the values that made extraordinary and more desirable ultimate driving machines rather than some of the rather ordinary fare we have.
I'd like to see the facelift give more character back to the car, the shape, the driving experience, the stance of the car and put some edge back into the handling so that if feels like the classic MINI again. I'd like a supercharger back as well

Hear, hear, Goonery! You certainly got my vote! I look forwards to my next-generation Cabrio getting back to true MINI values - that gives you less than 12 months!!!

Cheers

Ian

[LMB]

Exterior - The hump at the back for a start. I hate it. Front needs working on as well. I still think the old Mini looks far better.

Interior......they should scrap the dash and start again.

Engine - BRING BACK THE SUPERCHARGER !!!

This is the biggest single reason I've shunned the new Mini. It was the heart and soul of the old Cooper S and was what made the car so special.

[British SD]

They had it right the first time. Back to 1st generation Interior, with solid reliability and fuel economy. Oh, proper drink holders, arm rests and windscreen washer jets.

[mikeythemini]

Remove the stereo from the speedo so customers have freedom of choice to change it.
BUT - keep it sounding as terrible as it does - its good for business

[Washy]

Leaving the aestetics aside for a mo (I know you could write a book about the way the R56 looks) having covered 7000 miles in a n R56 these are the things that I wouls like to see improved.

• A centre console that is more user friendly that does not require you to have to buy the sat nav to look decent.
• The USB connector moved to the storage copmpartment so my ipod does not have to be on full view all the time.
• Some genuinely half leather seats and decent full leather options.
• A decent stereo.

More generally they could tidy the panel gaps around the bonnet, a better designed rear bumper for the S, which has always looked wrong to me, and sort out the genral cabin rattles and the engine cold start issue....

[The Peanut]

I agree with Dalboyne. With a 52 plate Cooper and a 55 s works we should be thinking of changing at least one of them soon, but we too can see no reason why we would want to. The way things are, we would rather spend on the two we have than get something newer we dont like enough.
My bosses wife has just got a new one and he said it was a softer more comfortable ride and seemed not so low to the ground and he knows nothing much about them and the changes,..."less like a mini and more like a small BMW". If I wanted a BMW I would buy one.

I rest my case

And yes Goonery - Long Live the Supercharger

[Bonj]

I actually like the new exterior - chunky side grilles, honeycomb front grille, fatter exhausts. I also like the high bonnet - was never a fan of the way the old bonnets sloped down. I'd like to see no cost option to have colour coded exterior trim on S. How many other £20k hot hatches - after options are plastered in cheap black plastic? Ok, and it looks a little jacked up at the back.... and maybe lose the finny fins on the C pillars.

Inside however, is a different story. As everyone has said, centre console feels cheap.
I really dislike the plastic/silver colour they have immersed the interior in. They would be nice in a rubberised soft-touch black matt plastic.
Use of real chrome inside and out instead of chromed plastic - a friend of mine has an Alfa 147 and when you touch the door handle and it's heavy and cold to the touch it feels so nice.
White/cream background to the dials - more nasty cheap looking silver.
Backlights to console/dials that change with the interior light package (and an interior light package where the lights match).
Leather handbrake grip as standard - you get it on the gearstick and steering wheel.
Better stereo
Free rubber tray for centre console - why leave a big gap then charge people a fiver for a tray to fit it?
Cheaper options lists (sat nav!)
More colours with choice again of speccing a body coloured dash/door rings.
Better quality plastics - compare parts such as the start/stop button to the 1-series and you'll see what I mean.

Apart from that, it's pretty much perfect!

[dalboyne]

I think this is a really outstanding thread. In my opinion it shows clearly the loyalty and passion that the MINI has built up. It is full of mature, sensible, well-considered and serious proposals from fans who really do want MINI and the MINI-owning experience to be as good as it can be. I also note there are some very strong recurring themes in the posts.

I just hope that someone very influential and passionate at BMW/MINI is paying very close attention to this thread, and can get the best of the ideas past the accountants!

Ian

[Arnbut]

I don't need to cook meat on the bonnet; reduce it's radiant heating ability.
Nor do I need to toast my right foot; insulate the center pillar.
The ticking of the engine at idle is an embarrassment; dampen it.
The cold start rattle and comcomitant potential for damage to the top end needs sorting out.
Return a sporty ride to the base suspension; the car's ethic is as stake.
Ditto the cheap plastic on the MFSW and dash; the cheesy toggles and latches as well --- give me real metal with heft and character.
My R53's speedo was sufficiently grandiose; the R56 speedo is too cartoonish (no matter how clever BMW might think it and it's nav-nest origins).
And it should sound angrier. I know that's a purile statement but I want some burble like my R53.