… comparing a 2005/6 and 2007 MINI key …
I think the original 2002/3/4 key is still the nicest! But these keys “go faster” 🙂
UPDATE:
The new “key” is a little annoying … with the traditional key you have basically a single action to start the key: insert and turn the key. Similarly when you stop, you turn and pull out the key.
With the R56, you insert the “key” then separately push the START button; OK the button is near the “key hole” but it’s still a separate action. Worse, to stop you push the button, then push the “key” and finally pull the “key” to remove it. All rather un-necessary really!
M&I / GBMINI 
5?
Ian, I gotta say I like the new key, better.
I will say that I don’t know what BMW was thinking with the push button start.
Old way; put in key and turn to start. 2 steps, but if you think about it it’s really only one continuos hand movement.
New way; put in key and push button to start. 2 steps, unless you just push in the key to start?
What’s the difference? Correct me if I’m wrong.
Lexus, on the other hand; get in car, push button to start. 1 step.
Faster than your MCS/JCW/GP ?
Not faster than my GP … but GP faster than GBMINI#1/#2
I’m more interested in its 4-wheeled dock 🙂
I’ll tell you what’s going faster… Your rate of changing cars..! 🙂
Are you bored of the GP already..? Don’t want to drive it in the winter..?
Let’s see… the Clubman isn’t out yet, the MINI Monte or what ever they’re going to call the 4×4 isn’t out yet, so you’ve bought a regular R56 S..?
Come on then… fill out the GPMINI #5 section with a few photos at least. 🙂
Ah ha..! Found it.
Finally joined the DS/B club then..? And the TomTom gets to stay in the GP.
It might be mean to point this out, but how have your opinions changed since you posted this:
the redesign is disappointing …
I really don’t like the “twisted†headlights, they look very wrong (but then of course I’m used to the “old†style)
I also hate the yellow in the headlights – but thankfully this picture doesn’t really show it (but this one does)
The gap between wheel arch and bonnet is very noticeable, and not very pretty
And look at the huge space between wheel and wheel arch – that really looks bad
Maybe the new car is not for you…
I tried to like the Clubman when I saw it at the AutoShow, but to me the panel gaps are still hard to over look, the volume control placement is just ridiculous, the speedo is comically sized (even to a current MINI owner) unless you have the expensive nav option, and the places they’ve made it cheaper to make seem too obvious. If I had to change my car tomorrow, I don’t think I’d buy a MINI. To be fair, I haven’t driven the new generation, but it would have to be very, very good to overcome my dislikes and justify it’s sticker price to me…
Gavin … go back in time and see what I originally wrote about the GP!
BTW: sticker price was less of an issue for the newest purchase, since it was pre-owned
Hi guys, dn’t forget that a push start usually mean brake and clutch operation! Also takes one back to the original mini where the start was a push button on the floor! Happy Days.
Yeah, I know… and you did write after those comments on the R56 that it might look better in the metal and that you didn’t like the GP at first.
But when have you ever met a MINI that you didn’t like..! 🙂
So what colour is the latest Cull? Did we loose the GP?
I think you need a MINI- Exorcisting performed. You are a confirmed MINI-ATTIC!
Hi I’m Ian, and I’m a MINIATTIC! 😉
Is Doug a family member?
Doug is my Dad 🙂
The new R56 was Dark Silver / Black roof – but it’s rapidly becoming slush gray!
And the GP stays … of course 😉
Ian is welcome to buy as many MINIs he wants. 🙂
The MINI Gawds have spoken!
With Lexus the key must be present in the car, no insertion needed. Foot on the brake and then press the start button.
Seems a bit safer to me then BMW’s.
Mark – Margarets BMW is exactly the same as you describe for your Lexus.
So I wonder why the MINI wasn’t done in the same as the BMW or Lexus? $$$’s maybe? Weight?
The amazing part to me are the graphics on the new key. I used to have a screen printing company. They must be some sort of pad printing process. Maybe I could request that show “How Things Are Made” could do a show on that.
I wonder, does the MINI One have push start? If not, I wonder if its system is retrofittable…
“So I wonder why the MINI wasn’t done in the same as the BMW or Lexus? $$$’s maybe? Weight?”
You have to get Comfort Access for the MINI or BMW to have the key work while still in your pocket like the Lexus. It is an extra $500.