And that is because . . . ?

 

Because even if there is a way to make a double-layer top fit, the R5X platform is at an end. There's not going to be any resources devoted to re-engineering models based on it, at this point.

And btw, despite what Gabe has said at Motoring File about the new direction for the Roadster in the F5X era, there have been a lot of rumblings coming out of BMW that the Coupe and Roadster won't be renewed at all (slightly dumb, imo, considering the Roadster sells better than the Z4). In the comments to a recent article, Gabe acknowledged hearing those same rumors. Not sure why MF hasn't updated their reports.

 

Yeah, I don't know how much I would listen to the rumors when Mini is doing a killing if you want my opinion...

I also think it very feasible that they may do small upgrades like exterior refresh and top improvements. I agree they won't spend a lot of resource into an older platform I guess but they do spend some resource to keep models fresh from year to year... Then again it varies greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer...

 

If the R59 was going to have a mid-life refresh, sure, it would be a possibility.

But since it's not, it's not.

 

obviously you know something I don't

 

I think what he meant was that the mid-life refresh for the R56-series cars (of which the R59 is the last) happened in the 2011 model year - before the R59 was introduced. There isn't much likelihood of another refresh to that model series. The R55/R57/R58/R59 will probably continue the rest of their production cycles with minimal changes that don't require engineering resources -- paint/upholstery colors, option package contents, etc.

 

If that's the case I don't think an upgrade on the roof liner is out of question... I understand it's not not likely to be the case . . . but it's not 100% certain . . . maybe a 0.5% chance

. . . sometime it depends on marketing feedback, on the sales perspective. It's the one aspect that made us really uncertain so I could easily see people shying away from the roadster because of that. How many people, well that's what will make it unlikely to happen...

 

Agree. IIRC, the chat coming out of BMW is that they wanted to redesign the next iteration of the R59 into a "proper" roadster. Something not based on the R59 or the F5X. So no major changes will happen to the R59. On the other hand, BMW is known for gradual changes to their lineup, so the expectation is that next iteration of the R59 will likely not happen until at least 2017, after other models make the transition to the new UKL1 chassis. Not sure the Roadster will share it, because, normally, a "proper" Roadster usually implies a rear wheel drive platform that the UKL1 does not support.

 

If half a percent makes you feel better, sure, there's a half a percent chance.

Now, May I interest you in placing a large wager on whether the sun comes up tomorrow?


Sent from my Galaxy S3 using NAMotoring

 

Nah, it's a loose-loose bet... even my half a percent is a better deal...

 

Per Motoring File, the current plan is that the Roadster will be back in Gen two but will be different than just a modification of the F56. Styling will be different but not sure about the power train. Take a look at MF in their archives for Roadster and read the article

 

Yeah, I have. Those rumors may be out of date, though, as more recent info suggests that MINI is at least considering killing off both the Coupe and Roadster. A lot of it seems to hinge on the future of the Z2 platform, as well as whether BMW and Toyota partner up to create a platform for the next-gen Z4.