1st Gen Newb that is Mini shopping

Discussion in 'Starting Line - New Member Introductions' started by Maj, Oct 3, 2011.

  1. Maj

    Maj New Member

    Oct 3, 2011
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    Greetings! I tried the search but am unable to find the differences between the model years. I'm looking for a convertible in the 2006 to 2009 range. It appears the convertibles went turbo in 2009 and the coupes in 2007? What is up with that? I definitely want an S model and a stick. So, it would be nice to know:

    Chassis changes throughout the years
    Engine changes throughout the years
    Options groups

    Are any of the years inherently more reliable? I prefer the models that have the speedo and tach above the steering wheel. What option is that called?

    Thanks to all who reply!
     
  2. grodenglaive

    grodenglaive New Member

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    #2 grodenglaive, Oct 4, 2011
    Last edited: Oct 5, 2011
    Hi Maj,
    If you get an '06 or '07 convertible you have the 1st gen MINI, which is supercharged. The car was completely redesigned for 2009 (2007 for the hardtop). The 1st gen ones had most of the bugs worked out by 2006, while the 2nd gen turbo engine, being a new design, had more issues early on.
    You should test drive both models though, and get the one you like better!
    I'm not sure about the speedo option, I think it was called the chrono pack.
     
  3. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

    Mar 30, 2009
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    The speedo option is called the chrono pack.

    Welcome to M/A, thanks for joining.
     
  4. Steve

    Steve Administrator
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    Apr 23, 2009
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    I think you meant 2009.

    It is a little hard to understand why the convertible update came out of sync with the hardtop unless you know the history. The Gen1 hardtop came out in 2001 and ran until 2006, but the Gen1 'vert wasn't released until 2005. So, the Gen2 redesign came with the 2007 model year for the hardtop but the Gen2 'vert update wasn't ready until 2009. I'm guessing the hardtop and convertible will sync up with the 3rd generation update.

    Gen1 ("Tritec" engines, normally aspirated or supercharger):
    Hardtop (R50 & R53) -- 2001-2006
    Convertible (R52) -- 2005-2008​

    Gen2 ("Prince" engines, NA or turbo):
    Hardtop (R56) -- 2007-
    Convertible (R57) -- 2009-
    Clubman (R55) -- 2007-​
     
  5. grodenglaive

    grodenglaive New Member

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    oops, my bad. fixed.
     
  6. agranger

    agranger MINI of the Month June 2009
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    You will find that, in the MINI lineup, the Convertible updates follow the hardtop by 1.5 to 2 years. It gives them time to retool separately.

    I'd love to see how it is done as I think they come off of the same assembly line. I would have though it to be more complicated for manufacturing (to have jigs set up for 2 completely diffeent platforms and have parts/tools/process for 2 different engines/bodies on the same productin line), but what do I know.
     
  7. agranger

    agranger MINI of the Month June 2009
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    Definately drive the 2 different models.

    I prefer the more connected feeling (IMHO) R53 platform (the '05 to '08 'verts), but the R56 (newer) cars are nicer daily drivers. I also strongly dislike the headrests on the R56.

    It's all in what you are looking for in a car.
     
  8. Zapski

    Zapski Well-Known Member

    May 4, 2011
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    As for the speedo and tach, you can tell the tach to show you your speed digitally. So if you find the MINI you like, you really don't have to use the center speedo if you don't want to.

    Of course, you could just gauge your speed by the tach alone.... ;)
     

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