R56 R53 versus R56... a visual study
#426
01-16-2007, 06:45 AM
I just looked through tons of photo galleries from detroit - linked from Motoring file.
What do people think of the "carbon fiber" interior by JCW? To me this stuff is totally gratuitous. The hood scoop connoisseurs gotta hate this phony stuff, no?
(oh - and no shift pattern on the carbon fiber **** - what do you do, put it on a sticker on the center console...?)
What do people think of the "carbon fiber" interior by JCW? To me this stuff is totally gratuitous. The hood scoop connoisseurs gotta hate this phony stuff, no?
(oh - and no shift pattern on the carbon fiber **** - what do you do, put it on a sticker on the center console...?)
Give me a break. The car performs better how? Like we said in the sixties, "If it don't go, chrome it!"
#427
01-16-2007, 07:46 AM
#428
01-16-2007, 07:49 AM
#429
01-16-2007, 08:13 AM
I could prove you wrong on all counts, but my attorney advises that I keep my mouth shut. And let's skip the 70's while we're at it. Now, back to those UGLY WHEELS. Ugh. As in UGLY. How can BMW put so much into the car itself, and then put such **** on it.
#430
01-19-2007, 05:03 AM
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Craig-
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#431
02-28-2007, 12:08 PM
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now that i have seen it in person... ?
[FONT=verdana, helvetica, sans-serif]i am wondering if any of the contributors from this thread, have had a chance to check out the r56 at a dealer, and impressions were gained?
i was finally able to do so a couple of days back, and have to say, despite my constant negative comments on the redesign, i wasn't prepared for my reaction. (my dealer had several models, in particular, MC in red, MCS in lightning blue, dressed exactly as the BMW promotional materials have been-- which, for no reason, seemed oddly corny to me...?).
speaking, as this thread is entitled, "... a visual comparison... ," side by side, the r56 does indeed appear significantly bigger than the r53, (which i dislike), mostly, from the side, (as a result of the [damnable] new impact regs), particularly as the bonnet has lost its gentle downward/forward slope-- and, a great (negative) asthetic impact, having lost the sculpting/flare of the fenders/headlamp clusters. the new bonnet is, well, just flat. not much choice there, though. unfortunately, the overall impression is one of distorted proportions, owing in large part to needlessly enlarged light clusters, side markers, and rear lamps. i do not agree with BMW's press kits that these changes "optically offset" the new size of the car-- it just does not work for me. the MCS fares better than the standard MC, which to me looks strangely vacant and "bug-eyed," with clumsy, over-large running/fog lamp clusters, which oddly, look even worse with chrome trim. i've HATED the rear light clusters on my '05 r53 since i got it, (my second MINI, from a 2001/2 r50), but NOW--! i see them as nothing but a thing of beauty!! how things change!!
it seems as though so much of the r56 is out of proportion, mostly, increased-- (one poster here labeled it as "constipated," and that is hard to disagree with)-- but more importantly, everything is cruder, more ordinary. the rear light clusters have a needlessly thick chrome surround, but there is no application of chrome anywhere else at the rear, (improved on the r53 from the r50, actually), leaving the back end of the MC in particular, again, "vacant," excepting for the clumsy rear fog. meanwhile, the black fender surrounds are ever wider, but further compromised since the plastic now looks substantially cheaper-- (how could this be?? is it just the increase in mass?), which hurts quite a bit. and those dreadful side repeaters, awful on the MCS, (it looks as though a hunk of the fender was chipped out, and a wedge of plasticized chrome shoved in the gap)-- once AGAIN-- simply too large/dominating/disproportionate, and very much invading on the entire look of the car from the side. worse still though, the MC-- the huge black trim adjacent to the side repeaters is unbearable-- a huge mistake which makes a profound "i'm cheap" statement from quite a distance-- i kept repeating (hmmm, no pun intended) to myself, over and over, i couldn't imagine who got paid to design it, its truly awful.
i will leave alone my impressions of the front cowl area, what could i say? it is just too terrible and "plastic-y" to dwell on.
i was not as disturbed by gaps as i had expected, particularly around the headlamp clusters, (although i wish BMW had been able to incorporate glass covers into the bonnet itself, to avoid this entirely), and nothing else stood out to me, (a relief, and, giving BMW due credit, an accomplishment), although one car inside the showroom had such an alarming bonnet gap, (which ranged from nothing less than 5/8" to about 1/4" front to back), i was so stunned, i probably fogged the showroom glass, i practically froze into the slush in front of the building, standing there in such disbelief. so i am not sure where the "gap issue" will end...
the MCS, as i said, fared better with the redesign, perhaps because the exterior had more clutter to camoflage it, but i'm not clear why one review (posted on this site and elsewhere) regards the rear bumper as "masterful"-- to me it just looks like an enormous expanse of black plastic, just distracting and cheap looking, not redeemable at all. and i'm not clear on why anyone would regard a very ordinary, cheap black plastic honeycomb front grill trim as preferable to chromed plastic..? i just don't get it...
i could have accepted all this as "not a choice," (on the whole, after all, the changes i disliked in the r53 were at least balanced by an equal number of positive ones, and the car is "better" certainly, if not as charming), had i not checked out the interior, and i was truly stunned, much more than i expected. clearly, the new seats are an improvement, (having gone through both r50 and r53 seats and found them inadequate, despite good looks!), and i must say that even the "leatherette" looks quite like leather in the r56. the doors as well, looked very good. the increase in leg room was obvious and apparent, (although i prefer my MINI(s) to be more "intimate," but what can you do?). it was the center stack i wasn't prepared for! "WHAT were they thinking!" questions that ran through my mind could not prepare one for the awful impression the center stack gives! THIS is what BMW has designed, principally (simply) to gain a couple of (not necessary) inches in front leg room?? leaving behind critique of the cartoonish design-- it is the choice of grey plastic that shocked me-- it is so unbelievably cheap looking, i could not believe what i was looking at! WHY have so many press articles focused on "improved" interior materials? the r56 is a HUGE step backward in this regard. black plastic at least, would have minimized this effect.
on my r53 i have the anthracite dash and headliner, augmented by chrome trim. i've never quite understood the ongoing criticizm of the MINI interior as "cheap." i would point out, even a mercedes has a "plastic" dashboard, doesn't it? the chrome trim in particular, beautifully reflects the cascade lighting from the headliner (r53 improvement). but even the chrome trim on the r56 looked substandard, (very slender rings, i barely noticed the option had been added-- although the cost is the same), and why, with all the attention paid to "creating space," would the design include a vacant spot in the center, isolating a single rotary ****-- a consequence (a punishment?) of passing on the nav option...
but its that center speedo, seemingly 12" across-- with half its circumfrence consumed by radio controls-- (and with no allowance for a temp gauge, another, "what were they thinking.. ?")-- just tore it. putting aside that i simply do not want to bang away on the speedo to change radio stations, this gague is so cheap looking it spoils the whole interior! there is no escaping it, no denial-- it dominates the interior so fully. but it has just a vacant, unfilled look to it-- and such cheap looking parts/face paint coverage-- how could BMW have taken such a signature feature of the r53 and ruined it so fully-- for a bit of legroom? even the color band option appeared futile-- for some reason, it just looked cheap. i was expecting to be "convinced" by the new interior! instead, i was just stunned and so, so, disappointed!
as the self annointed #1 MINI enthusiast who has ever logged onto this site, (ok, ok... !), i have been obsessed with the MINI since its launch. i am one of the posters who has gotten cited for proclaiming the end of the brand/england is doomed, etc. sort of diatribe and overreaction to the r56 design. still, i must say that, although i enjoy my r53 endlessly, i truly loved my r50, which i bought very soon after it was introduced, and experienced the fun that went with being "first" in this area, and, not the least-- to finally be back in a british car once again! i'd like to have felt i could option an r56 MCS to the extent that i would at least be satisfied (inevitable), but frankly, i do not see it. i'm not clear on why, despite the continued cost increase of the MINI, BMW has made the car look cheaper. why, for example, is the VW golf/rabbit, (which the MINI now seems so much like), which costs quite a bit less, LOOK like it is better fitted? why do a LOT of current models, substantially cheaper-- make the MINI interior look so awful? this is too disturbing for me. one has to SIT in the MINI, after all, and in particular, it is this goofy and embarrassing interior that i would have to face, and it is just too much. does BMW really feel that the car's appeal can be broadened with these changes?
so yes, i AM distraught-- i thought i would just replace my MINI forever-- but i no longer feel that way...
[/FONT]
i was finally able to do so a couple of days back, and have to say, despite my constant negative comments on the redesign, i wasn't prepared for my reaction. (my dealer had several models, in particular, MC in red, MCS in lightning blue, dressed exactly as the BMW promotional materials have been-- which, for no reason, seemed oddly corny to me...?).
speaking, as this thread is entitled, "... a visual comparison... ," side by side, the r56 does indeed appear significantly bigger than the r53, (which i dislike), mostly, from the side, (as a result of the [damnable] new impact regs), particularly as the bonnet has lost its gentle downward/forward slope-- and, a great (negative) asthetic impact, having lost the sculpting/flare of the fenders/headlamp clusters. the new bonnet is, well, just flat. not much choice there, though. unfortunately, the overall impression is one of distorted proportions, owing in large part to needlessly enlarged light clusters, side markers, and rear lamps. i do not agree with BMW's press kits that these changes "optically offset" the new size of the car-- it just does not work for me. the MCS fares better than the standard MC, which to me looks strangely vacant and "bug-eyed," with clumsy, over-large running/fog lamp clusters, which oddly, look even worse with chrome trim. i've HATED the rear light clusters on my '05 r53 since i got it, (my second MINI, from a 2001/2 r50), but NOW--! i see them as nothing but a thing of beauty!! how things change!!
it seems as though so much of the r56 is out of proportion, mostly, increased-- (one poster here labeled it as "constipated," and that is hard to disagree with)-- but more importantly, everything is cruder, more ordinary. the rear light clusters have a needlessly thick chrome surround, but there is no application of chrome anywhere else at the rear, (improved on the r53 from the r50, actually), leaving the back end of the MC in particular, again, "vacant," excepting for the clumsy rear fog. meanwhile, the black fender surrounds are ever wider, but further compromised since the plastic now looks substantially cheaper-- (how could this be?? is it just the increase in mass?), which hurts quite a bit. and those dreadful side repeaters, awful on the MCS, (it looks as though a hunk of the fender was chipped out, and a wedge of plasticized chrome shoved in the gap)-- once AGAIN-- simply too large/dominating/disproportionate, and very much invading on the entire look of the car from the side. worse still though, the MC-- the huge black trim adjacent to the side repeaters is unbearable-- a huge mistake which makes a profound "i'm cheap" statement from quite a distance-- i kept repeating (hmmm, no pun intended) to myself, over and over, i couldn't imagine who got paid to design it, its truly awful.
i will leave alone my impressions of the front cowl area, what could i say? it is just too terrible and "plastic-y" to dwell on.
i was not as disturbed by gaps as i had expected, particularly around the headlamp clusters, (although i wish BMW had been able to incorporate glass covers into the bonnet itself, to avoid this entirely), and nothing else stood out to me, (a relief, and, giving BMW due credit, an accomplishment), although one car inside the showroom had such an alarming bonnet gap, (which ranged from nothing less than 5/8" to about 1/4" front to back), i was so stunned, i probably fogged the showroom glass, i practically froze into the slush in front of the building, standing there in such disbelief. so i am not sure where the "gap issue" will end...
the MCS, as i said, fared better with the redesign, perhaps because the exterior had more clutter to camoflage it, but i'm not clear why one review (posted on this site and elsewhere) regards the rear bumper as "masterful"-- to me it just looks like an enormous expanse of black plastic, just distracting and cheap looking, not redeemable at all. and i'm not clear on why anyone would regard a very ordinary, cheap black plastic honeycomb front grill trim as preferable to chromed plastic..? i just don't get it...
i could have accepted all this as "not a choice," (on the whole, after all, the changes i disliked in the r53 were at least balanced by an equal number of positive ones, and the car is "better" certainly, if not as charming), had i not checked out the interior, and i was truly stunned, much more than i expected. clearly, the new seats are an improvement, (having gone through both r50 and r53 seats and found them inadequate, despite good looks!), and i must say that even the "leatherette" looks quite like leather in the r56. the doors as well, looked very good. the increase in leg room was obvious and apparent, (although i prefer my MINI(s) to be more "intimate," but what can you do?). it was the center stack i wasn't prepared for! "WHAT were they thinking!" questions that ran through my mind could not prepare one for the awful impression the center stack gives! THIS is what BMW has designed, principally (simply) to gain a couple of (not necessary) inches in front leg room?? leaving behind critique of the cartoonish design-- it is the choice of grey plastic that shocked me-- it is so unbelievably cheap looking, i could not believe what i was looking at! WHY have so many press articles focused on "improved" interior materials? the r56 is a HUGE step backward in this regard. black plastic at least, would have minimized this effect.
on my r53 i have the anthracite dash and headliner, augmented by chrome trim. i've never quite understood the ongoing criticizm of the MINI interior as "cheap." i would point out, even a mercedes has a "plastic" dashboard, doesn't it? the chrome trim in particular, beautifully reflects the cascade lighting from the headliner (r53 improvement). but even the chrome trim on the r56 looked substandard, (very slender rings, i barely noticed the option had been added-- although the cost is the same), and why, with all the attention paid to "creating space," would the design include a vacant spot in the center, isolating a single rotary ****-- a consequence (a punishment?) of passing on the nav option...
but its that center speedo, seemingly 12" across-- with half its circumfrence consumed by radio controls-- (and with no allowance for a temp gauge, another, "what were they thinking.. ?")-- just tore it. putting aside that i simply do not want to bang away on the speedo to change radio stations, this gague is so cheap looking it spoils the whole interior! there is no escaping it, no denial-- it dominates the interior so fully. but it has just a vacant, unfilled look to it-- and such cheap looking parts/face paint coverage-- how could BMW have taken such a signature feature of the r53 and ruined it so fully-- for a bit of legroom? even the color band option appeared futile-- for some reason, it just looked cheap. i was expecting to be "convinced" by the new interior! instead, i was just stunned and so, so, disappointed!
as the self annointed #1 MINI enthusiast who has ever logged onto this site, (ok, ok... !), i have been obsessed with the MINI since its launch. i am one of the posters who has gotten cited for proclaiming the end of the brand/england is doomed, etc. sort of diatribe and overreaction to the r56 design. still, i must say that, although i enjoy my r53 endlessly, i truly loved my r50, which i bought very soon after it was introduced, and experienced the fun that went with being "first" in this area, and, not the least-- to finally be back in a british car once again! i'd like to have felt i could option an r56 MCS to the extent that i would at least be satisfied (inevitable), but frankly, i do not see it. i'm not clear on why, despite the continued cost increase of the MINI, BMW has made the car look cheaper. why, for example, is the VW golf/rabbit, (which the MINI now seems so much like), which costs quite a bit less, LOOK like it is better fitted? why do a LOT of current models, substantially cheaper-- make the MINI interior look so awful? this is too disturbing for me. one has to SIT in the MINI, after all, and in particular, it is this goofy and embarrassing interior that i would have to face, and it is just too much. does BMW really feel that the car's appeal can be broadened with these changes?
so yes, i AM distraught-- i thought i would just replace my MINI forever-- but i no longer feel that way...
[/FONT]
#433
02-28-2007, 01:40 PM
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Vladimir
That's an amazing and heartfelt citique on the R56.
It's interesting to see such open critisism of the R56 as I'm finding, amongst the MINI forum that I normally visit, open criticism of the R56's design is simply not acceptable, or even tolerated, any more
The implication is that, if you don't like it, there must be something wrong with you!
Recently, having seen the final design of the up and coming estate variant (after having seen their very much more promising original concept car), I cancelled our own long-standing (18 months) order and bought the very last new R53 I could find in the UK (about 3 weeks ago). I shall now keep this car for as long as possible and then, ultimately, move on to something else.
This makes me very sad, but the designers at BMW need to realise that for the MINI to carry on being a success, they really are going to have to try a lot harder than this
Tigger.
Near Plymouth, England.
That's an amazing and heartfelt citique on the R56.
It's interesting to see such open critisism of the R56 as I'm finding, amongst the MINI forum that I normally visit, open criticism of the R56's design is simply not acceptable, or even tolerated, any more
The implication is that, if you don't like it, there must be something wrong with you!Recently, having seen the final design of the up and coming estate variant (after having seen their very much more promising original concept car), I cancelled our own long-standing (18 months) order and bought the very last new R53 I could find in the UK (about 3 weeks ago). I shall now keep this car for as long as possible and then, ultimately, move on to something else.
This makes me very sad, but the designers at BMW need to realise that for the MINI to carry on being a success, they really are going to have to try a lot harder than this
Tigger.
Near Plymouth, England.
#435
02-28-2007, 01:59 PM
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Tigger.
#437
02-28-2007, 02:12 PM
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Greg,
From what I've read of what independant specialists have attempted, it's possible to tinker around the edges with the system (speakers and amps), but the replacement of the head unit with a standard off-the-shelf system is impossible. It's not just the lack of a standard slot, it's the fact that the standard fit radio is such an integral part of the car's electronics that it's just not viable to remove it
I wonder what will happen when the original sound system is obsolete in a few years time?
Please don't think I've joined just to be critical of the R56; I know that there will be a lot of owners here that are as enthusiastic about the R56's as I am about our own R53. It's just that I appreciate the open discussion that you seem to have here.
John.
From what I've read of what independant specialists have attempted, it's possible to tinker around the edges with the system (speakers and amps), but the replacement of the head unit with a standard off-the-shelf system is impossible. It's not just the lack of a standard slot, it's the fact that the standard fit radio is such an integral part of the car's electronics that it's just not viable to remove it
I wonder what will happen when the original sound system is obsolete in a few years time?
Please don't think I've joined just to be critical of the R56; I know that there will be a lot of owners here that are as enthusiastic about the R56's as I am about our own R53. It's just that I appreciate the open discussion that you seem to have here.
John.
#438
02-28-2007, 02:51 PM
I understand what you are saying. The radios are very integrated into the cars' electronics now, and until an interface standard is devised every manufacturer is going to do their own thing. Thats the same way the DIN standards came about for the older radios. But the car designers now want the freedom to design the entire dash, radio and all - face it, a DIN slot faced dashboard just looks old-school anymore.
Ultimately the controls will belong to the dashboard, and the radio hardware elsewhere - just like a PC connects to any screen, the radios will have to work with any dash. If the manufacturers want to open this up to after market an interface standard a new interface standard has to be devised, and a new standard for a physical size of the box where ever it is installed. One benefit will be good bye to the god-awful design of most after market radio faces.
Ultimately the controls will belong to the dashboard, and the radio hardware elsewhere - just like a PC connects to any screen, the radios will have to work with any dash. If the manufacturers want to open this up to after market an interface standard a new interface standard has to be devised, and a new standard for a physical size of the box where ever it is installed. One benefit will be good bye to the god-awful design of most after market radio faces.
#440
02-28-2007, 10:37 PM
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#441
02-28-2007, 10:44 PM
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Greg,
I sincerely hope you're right. I fear that any aftermarket radio would need to be so tailored to fit in with the electronics of the MINI that, even if BMW make the necessary codes readily available, the potential production volumes might be insufficient to make it worthwhile. If BMW wind up with a completely captive market, then that can only mean one thing for choice and cost
Time will tell...
The one upside is that no one can steal it! (Do people steal car radios anymore?)
Tigger.
I sincerely hope you're right. I fear that any aftermarket radio would need to be so tailored to fit in with the electronics of the MINI that, even if BMW make the necessary codes readily available, the potential production volumes might be insufficient to make it worthwhile. If BMW wind up with a completely captive market, then that can only mean one thing for choice and cost
Time will tell...
The one upside is that no one can steal it! (Do people steal car radios anymore?)
Tigger.
#442
03-01-2007, 02:35 AM
Well, as a new owner for the fist time. (no R50/R53 to compare)
I can't wait for delivery - despite all the negative views on the R56. If this was the first R50 - you would be all giddy.
I guess I get fustrated on the negative views on the car. I doubt once behind the wheel and you 'motor' as eveyone says they do - one would forget all the negatives. Val - you never once gave your opinion on the your driving experience - (just my opinion)
I have a passion for the car just like everyone else - my coworkers keep telling me - 'how come you act so crazy about your car, you don't even have it yet' - (they call me crazy - I call it love/passion/giddy - ha.
We each have our own opinion (: Now i've said mine.
Motor ON!
Our launch is this weekend in Vogelweh GE - I can't wait ~~~ They are giving away a trip to London to tour MINI and one day to spend in London. I hope I win!!!!!
Ok, I guess I better get back to work (: No so ...incredibly MINI.
I can't wait for delivery - despite all the negative views on the R56. If this was the first R50 - you would be all giddy.
I guess I get fustrated on the negative views on the car. I doubt once behind the wheel and you 'motor' as eveyone says they do - one would forget all the negatives. Val - you never once gave your opinion on the your driving experience - (just my opinion)
I have a passion for the car just like everyone else - my coworkers keep telling me - 'how come you act so crazy about your car, you don't even have it yet' - (they call me crazy - I call it love/passion/giddy - ha.
We each have our own opinion (: Now i've said mine.
Motor ON!
Our launch is this weekend in Vogelweh GE - I can't wait ~~~ They are giving away a trip to London to tour MINI and one day to spend in London. I hope I win!!!!!
Ok, I guess I better get back to work (: No so ...incredibly MINI.
#443
03-01-2007, 03:07 AM
There are a ton of conflicting opinions out there about the R56. Some real polar opposites, too! What do you choose to believe? The interior is cheaper, or the interior uses better materials and is more solid? The handling isn't as good, or the handling is better than before? Less road feel, or just as good? Poor power delivery up top with no chance of mods, or power to spare with tons of torque and a bright future in the aftermarket... ugly, beautiful?
Don't hang on all the opinions out there... just get some seat time and decide for yourself. Old, new, convertable, hard top, sunroof, auto, CVT, 6-speed, turbo, supercharged, NA, whatever... there's a MINI out there for everyone!
#444
03-01-2007, 04:07 AM
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Not necessisarily. There are some who just won't go for it no matter what. MINI will loose a few and gain a few. Just the nature of change.
There are a ton of conflicting opinions out there about the R56. Some real polar opposites, too! What do you choose to believe? The interior is cheaper, or the interior uses better materials and is more solid? The handling isn't as good, or the handling is better than before? Less road feel, or just as good? Poor power delivery up top with no chance of mods, or power to spare with tons of torque and a bright future in the aftermarket... ugly, beautiful?
Don't hang on all the opinions out there... just get some seat time and decide for yourself. Old, new, convertable, hard top, sunroof, auto, CVT, 6-speed, turbo, supercharged, NA, whatever... there's a MINI out there for everyone!
There are a ton of conflicting opinions out there about the R56. Some real polar opposites, too! What do you choose to believe? The interior is cheaper, or the interior uses better materials and is more solid? The handling isn't as good, or the handling is better than before? Less road feel, or just as good? Poor power delivery up top with no chance of mods, or power to spare with tons of torque and a bright future in the aftermarket... ugly, beautiful?
Don't hang on all the opinions out there... just get some seat time and decide for yourself. Old, new, convertable, hard top, sunroof, auto, CVT, 6-speed, turbo, supercharged, NA, whatever... there's a MINI out there for everyone!
Zip
#445
03-01-2007, 04:13 AM
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#446
03-01-2007, 04:42 AM
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Not necessisarily. There are some who just won't go for it no matter what. MINI will loose a few and gain a few. Just the nature of change.
There are a ton of conflicting opinions out there about the R56. Some real polar opposites, too! What do you choose to believe? The interior is cheaper, or the interior uses better materials and is more solid? The handling isn't as good, or the handling is better than before? Less road feel, or just as good? Poor power delivery up top with no chance of mods, or power to spare with tons of torque and a bright future in the aftermarket... ugly, beautiful?
Don't hang on all the opinions out there... just get some seat time and decide for yourself. Old, new, convertable, hard top, sunroof, auto, CVT, 6-speed, turbo, supercharged, NA, whatever... there's a MINI out there for everyone!
There are a ton of conflicting opinions out there about the R56. Some real polar opposites, too! What do you choose to believe? The interior is cheaper, or the interior uses better materials and is more solid? The handling isn't as good, or the handling is better than before? Less road feel, or just as good? Poor power delivery up top with no chance of mods, or power to spare with tons of torque and a bright future in the aftermarket... ugly, beautiful?
Don't hang on all the opinions out there... just get some seat time and decide for yourself. Old, new, convertable, hard top, sunroof, auto, CVT, 6-speed, turbo, supercharged, NA, whatever... there's a MINI out there for everyone!
Well put, msh441.Tigger.
#447
03-01-2007, 06:43 AM
Vladimir
That's an amazing and heartfelt citique on the R56.
It's interesting to see such open critisism of the R56 as I'm finding, amongst the MINI forum that I normally visit, open criticism of the R56's design is simply not acceptable, or even tolerated, any more The implication is that, if you don't like it, there must be something wrong with you!
Recently, having seen the final design of the up and coming estate variant (after having seen their very much more promising original concept car), I cancelled our own long-standing (18 months) order and bought the very last new R53 I could find in the UK (about 3 weeks ago). I shall now keep this car for as long as possible and then, ultimately, move on to something else.
This makes me very sad, but the designers at BMW need to realise that for the MINI to carry on being a success, they really are going to have to try a lot harder than this
Tigger.
Near Plymouth, England.
That's an amazing and heartfelt citique on the R56.
It's interesting to see such open critisism of the R56 as I'm finding, amongst the MINI forum that I normally visit, open criticism of the R56's design is simply not acceptable, or even tolerated, any more
The implication is that, if you don't like it, there must be something wrong with you!Recently, having seen the final design of the up and coming estate variant (after having seen their very much more promising original concept car), I cancelled our own long-standing (18 months) order and bought the very last new R53 I could find in the UK (about 3 weeks ago). I shall now keep this car for as long as possible and then, ultimately, move on to something else.
This makes me very sad, but the designers at BMW need to realise that for the MINI to carry on being a success, they really are going to have to try a lot harder than this
Tigger.
Near Plymouth, England.
I could not agree with you more. I promised myself to post never again in this site, but your comments and Vladimir's clearly echo my feelings towards the R56 (And I am not alone in this regard as I keep receiving more PMs supporting this train of taught) and the high degree of intolerance exhibited by some newbie posters and NAM moderators (Who shall rename nameless) that will make use of their given "powers"to discredit and silence those of us who share a different perspective on the new car
If you criticize the R56 you are labeled a "troll" and consequently put on a "watch list"of ïnfidel NAM posters"who dare to express their opinion contrary to the "herd". NAM and Motoringfile are such places where criticism of the R56 is met with fierce resistance by its hosts. Even if you are not braking a single one of their precious "Site Guidelines"you will be quickly dealt with and silenced because "You are making new R56 posters feel unwelcome and initimidated"Give me a ****ing brake!
What we have come to?The MCO and NAM of yesteryear were sites that allowed debate and different point of views. That not such the case anymore! This is why I believe these sites no longer present unbiased points of view.
I feel very hurt by the unfair treatment provided by NAM's management, hence my decision to forever leave this place after 5 years. I do miss greatly that old Minicooperonline.com message board where everybody freely shared their points of view and experiences in a friendly and courteous atmosphere without resorting to personal attacks and heavy handed moderation
MINI knows that the R56 design has compromises that will sooner or later aliniate their loyal customer base.
This car has a carcophany of design issues that are unacceptable from a company that so successfully brought back to life the MINI after what it looked like a terminal death So those are my taughts fellas. Thread lightly around here and watch every word your type because you are being closely watched
and if you don't share NAM's or Motoringfile's love feast with the R56 you will be singled out and made to look like a troublemaker.How sad.
Hasta la Vista NAM.
#448
03-01-2007, 07:14 AM
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#449
03-01-2007, 07:31 AM
vladimir, you definitely need to keep driving your R53, buddy!!
What I think is sad is that some owners have chosen to allow their opinions of R56 design to be so extremely polarize that they 1) can't look an R56 in the face w/ out becoming sick, 2) allow themselves to become disassociated with the MINI community over it, 3) carelessly offend new owners/enthisuasts now buying R56s. I'm all for personal preferences, but R50/53 and R56 are not so dissimilar as to cause such excessive angst and drama.
To those buying (or planning to buy) R56s: the car is great!! 
What I think is sad is that some owners have chosen to allow their opinions of R56 design to be so extremely polarize that they 1) can't look an R56 in the face w/ out becoming sick, 2) allow themselves to become disassociated with the MINI community over it, 3) carelessly offend new owners/enthisuasts now buying R56s. I'm all for personal preferences, but R50/53 and R56 are not so dissimilar as to cause such excessive angst and drama.
To those buying (or planning to buy) R56s: the car is great!!