Originally Posted by SARAFIL (Post 169184)

I really like the interior of the R56 but certainly agree with this comment. I think the door panels look better, the dashboard shape looks better, the center console is a better design, I actually like the larger speedometer, and I like the changes to the glovebox and the addition of the "secret compartment". I like the integration of the latest features (comfort access, bluetooth, Sirius, HD radio, ipod/USB, etc.). The climate control is easy to operate.

So what do I have to complain about? While the climate control is easy to operate, I think the fan speed and temperature controls look a bit goofy and are not as smooth to operate on all cars as they should be. And the radio? Yes, I think that is a mess. The power/volume knob that is lost all by itself? The radio display/controls in the bottom portion of the speedometer? I wish that they would have used the space on the speedometer for guages like they did on the R50/R53, and that they had put a more conventional looking radio headunit/faceplate on the center stack above the climate control switches. If they were to make those changes to the climate control and radio controls, then I think the complaints about the interior would be greatly eliminated since the rest of the interior is very nice.

Originally Posted by SARAFIL (Post 169188)

yes, the "cost" on the kit is less if done at the VPC than the dealer... basically the dealer gets billed at "dealer net" for parts/labor, so the sales department is avoiding the profit margin from their parts/service departments.

Originally Posted by JST (Post 169194)

I'd really like one-touch close for the windows

Originally Posted by JST (Post 169194)

and sunroof, and I'd really, really like a real sunshade for the roof

Originally Posted by lemming (Post 169195)

driven back to back, can you tell the difference with the R56 JCW I pack, 'fil?

Originally Posted by lemming (Post 169197)

hey Plaz, in case you missed this blog, it's pretty balanced.

http://blogs.edmunds.com/roadtests/c...007MiniCooperS

just other things to add to your thought process. i esp appreciated the comparison to the R32.

Originally Posted by Plaz (Post 169196)

That's a new feature on the '08s.



Those aren't. :(

Originally Posted by Plaz (Post 169199)

That R32 entry is a good one... 'fest regular blueguydotcom is all over those comments. :lol:

I've read I think just about everything there is on the entire interweb wrt to the R56 at this point. :eeps:

Originally Posted by lemming (Post 169177)

i miss RWD a lot and that'll for sure be the next car, but i'm really enjoying this particular BMW product a lot. how they manage the steering feel is a mystery to me, but they do.