Test drove an R56 MCS

[JST]

Originally Posted by SARAFIL

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.

I agree with all of this. The fact that the CC only moves in 2 degree increments is a bit cheesy, too, as is the lack of variable speed on the intermittent wipers (if you don't get the auto wipers). I'd really like one-touch close for the windows and sunroof, and I'd really, really like a real sunshade for the roof (I think this will be a particularly acute need as summer rolls around).

On the plus side, the voice recognition for the Bluetooth works well.

[lemming]

Originally Posted by SARAFIL

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.

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

[Plaz]

Originally Posted by JST

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

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

Originally Posted by JST

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

Those aren't.

[lemming]

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.

[SARAFIL]

Originally Posted by lemming

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

yes, not as huge as the R53 but you can definitely tell the difference in better power delivery and better throttle response.

[Plaz]

Originally Posted by lemming

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.

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

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

[JST]

Originally Posted by Plaz

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



Those aren't.

I'm mostly pissed that I missed the USB port that comes on the '08s, especially since cars in Europe were getting it in late 07 builds.

Is the one-touch-up thing a software update, I wonder?

[Sharp11]

Originally Posted by Plaz

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

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

I see blueguy's handle show up on autoblog entries, too

Ed

[Sharp11]

Originally Posted by lemming

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.

I didn't know you'd gotten a Mini - convertible?

Ed

[IndyMike]

+1

If so it explains a lot though. No wonder the lemm-ster's been throwing that Edmunds article around so stoicly. If the R32 had punked the MCS I'm sure suddenly the Edmunds writer would be a non-driving nematode and a douche bag.