New Mini cars: books - history and technology

BMW Mini - An Enthusiast's Guide

The R-Series BMW Mini had a lot to live up to. Launched in 2001, it was riding in the wake of the classic 1959-2000 Mini. At the time, BMW were going to have to create something as special and innovative as its longstanding predecessor in order to silence the naysayers.

And they did. Since its launch in 2001, BMW's modern Mini has become the pinnacle of small yet funky family cars in the premium small (and sometimes not so small) car segment.
Now in its third generation, having unveiled the new F-Series in 2014, BMW Mini offers 3- and 5-door hatchback models and convertibles, the estate Clubman, the five-door Countryman, the Coupe, the Roadster and the three-door crossover Paceman.

Mini enthusiast and motoring journalist Sophie Williamson-Stothert explores the journey from 1959 to the present day, covering design and development of the new Mini, launch and reception by the press, its many model variations and special editions, and an owner's and buyer's guide.

BMW Mini

Launched in 2001, the second generation Mini, produced by BMW, was an instant success. Based on a design brief that stated that it could only be a Mini, the new car remained faithful to its heritage while offering numerous benefits, including increased size, engine power and performance. It also set new standards in refinement.

In this readable book motoring expert James Taylor takes a multi-perspective look at the BMW Mini to give the reader a complete view of the many aspects of design, development, engineering and marketing that went into producing a highly successful range of new models under the Mini brand.
The book explores how BMW has always been careful to retain the heritage of the original Mini and its variants as it continued to introduce subtle but significant changes to the three-door hatch while expanding its range of models to include the SUV Countryman and the Paceman. The book also covers the introduction of new engines and fuel options, including hydrogen and electric.

Designed by an American for a German motor company but largely still built in Oxford, England, this is a complete picture of one of the world's most successful cars.

Building a Mini: Operations Manual (2001 onwards) - An insight into the manufacture and production of the Mini

In 2015, Mini Plant Oxford produced over 201,000 cars, and with a workforce of around 4,500 people, the plant is capable of building up to 1,000 cars per day. Plant Oxford is the home of Mini assembly, with body panels arriving from Plant Swindon, and engines from Plant Hams Hall, near Birmingham.

The body panels are joined by automated robots to produce a 'body in white' which then progresses through the factory to the paint shop, before being mated with engine, suspension, interior panels, trim, etc, to produce the finished car.

This Manual takes a look inside a modern, heavily automated car factory, where every car produced is bespoke, having been built specially to fulfil an individual customer's order.
A fascinating insight into the processes, equipment and people involved behind the scenes in building a Mini, from initial design studies and 'body-in-white' metal panels, to completed car on the way to its new owner.

New Mini - All Models (2001-2006) - The Essential Buyer's Guide

With so many different models and specifications to navigate, this book will help you get the Mini you want at the right price. Featuring over a hundred colour images, plus details of problems to keep an eye out for, it is an essential aid for the discerning buyer, providing insight into market and value data and predicting future collectable models.
Owning a Mini can be a very sociable experience, and this book gives details of back-up and support organisations for BMW's British - built baby.

Period covered: 2001-2006

Models covered: One, One D, Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper John Cooper Works, Cooper S John Cooper Works, One Convertible, Cooper Convertible, Cooper S Convertible, One Seven, Cooper Park Lane, Cooper S Checkmate, Cooper S GP, One Sidewalk Convertible, Cooper Sidewalk Convertible, Cooper S Sidewalk Convertible.
R56 Cooper and Cooper S

Models not covered: R56 models from 2007 onwards, One, Cooper D, Clubman and John Cooper Works models