@ArbitrageMan

Well, the extra cost typically would be attributed to the design/development work of integrating it into the rest of the car. Most of the in dash systems do a lot more than just navigation and voice/communications. That said, it is still a tough sell at $2k.

@a falling stone

English? Anyway, Rockford has become nothing but a branding gimmick these days.

Why does one need the adobe reader per se - it seems like the native mac app (preview) does most things just fine.

The only problem is that Mini relies so heavily on nostalgia that it is hard to branch out into new territory and still maintain the same cachet. If there is a historical precedent for a vehicle, even if it is somewhat removed, I say go for it.

I appreciate your reasoning. I prefer the E46 over the E36 personally. I see why a lot of these things happened, though. For instance, the pillars got wider to accommodate the increasing safety regulations. Remember that the airbags hide in there. Some of the change from an upright box was probably in pursuit of more efficient aerodynamics and, as a byproduct, quieter cabin. I am not sure about the headlights though - maybe the change was too better facilitate the use of HID lighting systems (though that does not explain the E36).

I find that the E46 seems to be aging a little better than the E36, but maybe that is me. I guess i have never had a big problem with the E46 and have actually thought it was one of the better designs (a little more so than the 5 that preceded, which I found too generic). I understand where you are coming from - sounds like you are suffering shark envy!!

What was disastrous styling-wise on the E36 or E46?

I have read all the posts here and think 2/3 of the people who commented on the "Bangle Design" are complete idiots and do not deserve to drive this car anyway. How many of you know who Chris Bangle is and what his role has been at BMW? One of the very first posts talks about how he "should not have been on the design team" WTF is wrong with you? He is not on any of the design teams at this point. In fact, he had more to do with the E46 refresh than many of the other cars that get slapped with the "Bangle car" moniker. The fact is, BMW wanted to try some new "design language" and Bangle was part of that - but there were many ideas thrown out and in the end decisions were made above his pay grade. Do you think Chris Bangle single-handedly guided the change in BMW's designs without input or approval? Maybe all of you work at smoothie stands and do not understand how business is run. Remember, it was well after most of those cars were in the hopper before he became design head (which, again, means he oversees a lot of the designers). Perhaps it would help if some of you actually read up on stuff before you comment or maybe take a look at interviews with Bangle.

Ah - true enough. I guess I forget that there are readers outside the US.

Yes - no 2002 cabrios in the US.

Why are you curious about why this and every other car has gotten so heavy? Consumers demand more features and - both from a convenience and safety standpoint (the latter category is often times mandated). It is really a simple business concept - things that used to be above and beyond become expected, and the features have to be included just to be competitive. Example: BMW introduces the 1 Series with manual roll-up windows. That saves weight and cost right? Yeah....I can see the reaction.