[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Quote: Originally Posted by Goonery (original)

Just like to add the Chris Bangle had very little to do with anything on R56,57,55 etc, in his support the 7, 5 3 and 6 BMW's seem to have gained acceptance despite initial wringing of hands , wailing and gnashing of teeth by the motoring press and the public, I'll leave the 1 series out as that was pretty much designed by a Brit. They and their stablemates are now common on the roads of most countries and despite early gripes because they are different to the mainstream competition we find that many other manufacturers are 'borrowing' some of the BMW design features now.
So I guess Bangle and co are just a little ahead of their time and now the rest are catching up.

Although Chris Bangle has been promoted out of direct day-to-day responsibility for design, his influence is still very strong in that it seems that only designs that meet his approval see the light of day.

Any company of BMW's stature is likely to encourage imitators amongst weaker manufacturers keen to associate themselves with what they think may be the future, although there are worrying signs that even Mercedes may be following BMW's lead with the less-than-attractive new C Class

Fashions come and go, but good design never dates (a near quote of Alec Issigonis). I have absolutely no interest in fashion, or what is the next "new thing", but I like good design when I see it. Unfortunately, I'm still waiting to see a good design from either Mr Bangle or any of his underlings Ugly cars need only be the future if we, as the paying customers, choose to buy them

[minicabrio]

Straying rather off topic here folks - Bangle bashing won't help the MINI facelift



On our little run today, I actually spent a long time admiring KPKalles R56 S - I have to say, it really is a handsome brute! Externally I don't think they should change much at all (bar the rear apron)...

[dalboyne]

I still can't wait to see how the new Cabrio will look. If there is a facelift, then I guess it's not been seen in any of the spyshots that have been doing the rounds?

Oh, one other thing I'd like - a decent long warranty!

Ian

[Paul c]

I quite like the new C class Merc!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! especially with a nice set of wheels on it.........

and

Lets remember this isnt a 'lets slag off the R56' thread its just a what would you like to see for a face lift...............
Despite what ive put down on this thread........i LUV my R56 regardless of whether there is or isnt gonna be a facelift.............or wether the consol looks plain or not.........It drives lovely and has been reliable (more so than my other 2 R53's) and its progression..........nothing stays the same forever...................

[Den W]

Aircon,xenons should be standard on a 16k (S) hatchback make the centre console a bit more interesting bring back the recaros option at a reasonable price(the grey and black ones)..er thats it!

[Electric Sheep]

More colour choices. Bring back Black Eyed Purple or whatever it was called.
Better wheels. Current ones are dull. Re-introduce R91s, please.
More powerful diesel engines. 110bhp is boring. At least 140bhp would be nice.

[kalexan]

Well I've read through the posts and there are some interesting comments. Though to be honest I can't see how many of them will ever get implemented on the face-lifted R56, whenever that happens.

The original R50 had many mistakes, some which needed to be drastically changed (gearbox, supercharger design, vibration damper e.t.c). So when the face-lift came out (less than 3 years later IIRC? between the first changes) it was to be expected. They also made improvements in performance to allow for the increase in weight of the Cabriolet, it made sense to place the engine changes across the range.

The R56 is a different animal, its more like the car BMW originally wanted to produce, they've put more money into the materials, more money into the manufacturing and more thought into the electrics and safety, of course they made compromises along the way, I agree with everyone the R56 is not as pretty as the car it replaced, then again changes in law have been forced onto BMW, in terms of pedestrian safety, so that front end will never look quite so cute, manufacturing the bonnet to take out the lights, that hit the design as well. Its a case of us living in a more safety conscious world.

I've owned an R52 Cooper and Cooper S, now I drive an R55 Clubman, here aer my thoughts so far :-

+
Better ride
Better economy
Better motorway manners
Better Electrics
Better Run Flat Tyres (yes they do actually feel less like solid ones these days)
Green technology (The hill hold/assist is really useful)
Useful dash storage space (yes I have more places to store things away compared to the R52)
Visibility pack (been priceless this month).
The back end of the Clubman is a bit marmite, I think it looks quite special compared to the hatch.

-
A severe lack of Character, the 52 was always much more than just a ride, the looks, Even the oddity, like dragons breath on a cold morning run into work.
Cost cutting, like 1/2 Leather seats being more like 1/4 leather ones, removal of passenger door seal, numberplates board e..t.c.
Poor choice of colours
Poor MFSW (why can't I change the source instead of having buttons I don't need for Bluetooth).
Why is there no engine temp gauge?
Why does it think that with 70 miles left in the tank it needs to warn me?
That bonging gong

I can see a few things they could change, lights maybe on the hatch, a better stereo for sure but to be honest I can't really find fault with much on my next gen Mini. I reckon the changes they will make will be very minimal, the convertible version will require less fettling

As for a drop off in sales, the world economy is slowing down, as people in the UK look more to mortgage problems e.t.c. they will make things last a little longer and when that means keeping a supercharged 53 s who would blame them

[emmallewellyn]

I love the drive of the 2nd generation MINI a lot smother and significantly more efficient.

However I think the new face has become to plastic, mainly donw the centre pannel underneath the speedometer and although a chrome line interior is optional I think they could go a lot further to enhance the face of the dash.

I would laso like to see the long lasting problem of water pouring in on a wet day when you open the door rectified.

[emmallewellyn]

I think the softer suspension is a great idea. Anyone who has passengers on a regular basis will know how frustrating the R53 is. If you want a sportier feel just get a sports button. It makes the throttle more responsive and tightens the suspension. Plus the turbo charger means I can spend more money on the stuff I want to spend it on rather than continually topping up the governments pot of tax at the pump.

[Paul]

The sport button makes no difference to the suspension at all.

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Assuming that, as with the first generation face-lift, there will be no sheet metalwork changes, then:

1. Reinstatement of glass wraps for the C pillars.
2. LED tail lamps and removal of chrome outlines to lamps.
3. Separation of front indicators from headlamps.
4. Reinstatement of twin headlamp optics.
5. Transfer of bonnet release to drivers side for RHD cars.
6. Provide standard DIN radio housing.
7. Completely redesign centre console and speedo.
8. Higher quality material for headlining and dash plastics.
9. Provide useable door pockets.
10. Removal of high level brake light from where it currently obstructs the rear window and place it within the rear spoiler.
11. Clock to be moved to headlining as pre face-lift Mk1.
12. Choice of colour keyed or chrome grilles for Cooper S.
13. Larger glovebox.
14. Redesign the plastic panel at the base of the windscreen.
15. Option to order Cooper S without false bonnet scoop.
16. Nicer indicator stalks (why have MINI never managed to provide stalks that aren't hideous?).
17. Better seats.
18. Genuine alloy filler cap for S.
19. Removal (or, at least, option to remove) driver's foot rest.
20. Reinstate temperature guage and make the fuel guage analogue again.
21. Remove the rear silencer from view on the S.

[Hulkamania]

How about a Super Charger!!!

[Paul c]

you would'nt change much then!

[Paul]

Seems that feedback is being listened too: http://www.mini2.com/2008/04/01/mini...ruity-upgrade/

[Bonj]

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

15. Option to order Cooper S without false bonnet scoop.
.

Why is everyone still going on about the bonnet scoop? I thought it had been decided that the scoop actually helped keep the turbo cool - hence BMW started drilling holes in instead of leaving blank.

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Quote: Originally Posted by Bonj (original)

Why is everyone still going on about the bonnet scoop? I thought it had been decided that the scoop actually helped keep the turbo cool - hence BMW started drilling holes in instead of leaving blank.

I don't know who it was who "decided" that the scoop now "helps to keep the turbo cool" as the factory recently confirmed to me that it is still purely cosmetic. However, a lot of people find some kind of comfort in there now being holes in the blanking plate and if it only makes people feel better, then the holes are meeting a psychological need.

[Goonery]

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

I don't know who it was who "decided" that the scoop now "helps to keep the turbo cool" as the factory recently confirmed to me that it is still purely cosmetic. However, a lot of people find some kind of comfort in there now being holes in the blanking plate and if it only makes people feel better, then the holes are meeting a psychological need.

MINI gets Placebo Scoop !!

Auto Express has Scoop er...Exclusive details

[S33BBY]

I like the scoop on the S, even if it doesn't do anything.

[Tunster]

Quote: Originally Posted by S33BBY (original)

I like the scoop on the S, even if it doesn't do anything.

Same here! People wanting a Cooper S without the scoop would be crazy. It sets it apart from the other cooper's. The problem with other manufactuers seperating their performance cars compared to their normal ones is that they don't do enough to make it look different. For example, I love the SEAT Leon; however, the FR and Cupra editions don't look different enough except for the exhaust and alloys.

[Paul c]

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

I don't know who it was who "decided" that the scoop now "helps to keep the turbo cool" as the factory recently confirmed to me that it is still purely cosmetic. However, a lot of people find some kind of comfort in there now being holes in the blanking plate and if it only makes people feel better, then the holes are meeting a psychological need.

SO, why after several months did BMW start making the scoop with holes????
BMW don't do anything without a reason............

AND if you try and buy a new R56 scoop you can only buy the later version with holes in???

Why do you keep coming on second generation threads and dissing us/our cars when you quite obviously hate the R56 (looking back through your previous ramblings)

' Psychological needs.................hmmmmmm