… which partly explains why there are (almost) no photos of GBMINI#5; it’s been snowing on & off since yesterday morning. If it’s not snowing, it’s raining, or the roads are iced over, or … whatever, just not a great time to take photos!
I picked up GBMINI#5 last night – it was too dark to take photos (and anyway, the camera was still in GPMINI at work!); after driving it home last night and to work this morning, it’s not very clean any more.
That being said, here’s one photo:
GBMINI#5 is “pre-owned”; actually the previous owner traded it for a GP! He had spec’ed it well, with the Premium, Cold Weather and Sport packages – so it has auto a/c, sunroof, heated seats, Xenon headlights … he also spec’ed an LSD, dimming rearview mirror, and the navigation system, and he had the iPod adaptor added to it. What’s more, he’d driven less than 4000 miles in it, and MINI of Peabody added the MINI Next extended warranty to it.
Overall, a tempting package at a nice price 🙂
Why do I need it?
Easy – I don’t. But you all knew that.
Toys for the boys, pure and simple … I get to play with an R56 engine, and all those interior gadgets that an R56 includes. I look forward to playing with the navigation functions – I’ve already formed some clear opinions about the factory iPod functionality 😉
Talking of toys … here’s a few interior pictures to whet the appetite (it doesn’t snow inside the car!):
The even-bigger-than-before Speedometer, with navigation display currently in iPod mode:
The center console, looking much better with an extra module, thanks to the navigation install:
The tachometer over the steering wheel displays lots more information now:
More later …
M&I / GBMINI 
Ian,you are my hero….
It’s an expensive option to make the center stack look OK, but at least you let someone else take the hit..! 🙂
Now it’s time for the R56 missing toggle switch mod.
Nice Ian
A MINI Gawd has bought a “USED” MINI? I’m crestfallen!!!!! 😉 Is that Ian’s GP behind the new baby?
So why? Got tired of the noisy, hard rid’n GP? Or just because you can and therefore why not? Bored?
Aero Package? Roof graphics? Changes to music System? Anyone say, AutoUp?
This is going to be fun watching, for sure.
Finally a non-biased, real review. I can’t wait.
I like other people taking the hit price wise, but then I like eggs!
Congrats Ian! look foward to hearing your thoughts about the R56 after driving it a few kmiles. Now you need to get a Classic to complete the circle.
r u going to move GBMINI plate to the R56 and get the GPMINI plate back for the GP?
George
Yes, I do plan to get “GPMINI” plate back on GPMINI … if I can ever get through to Mass RMV!
Filling the missing toggle is tricky on an R56 – the switches are a single unit with the auto a/c (something like a $400+ unit!)
Robert – surprisingly, the R56 seems almost a noisy as GPMINI, at least under hard acceleration. I had expected a more compliant and quiet ride, not sure I’m getting it. I’ll find out more when I switch back to GPMINI after a few more days.
As for mods … I’ve already added satellite radio; but wow is the stock stereo system lacking in comparison to GPMINI!
(and yes, GPMINI is under the snow behind GBMINI#5)
Congrats Ian!!
I was wondering when you would take the turbo plunge!
Keep us updated on future mods!
Tom P.
I found the stock audio system in the R56 lacking, full stop. Even compared to the stock system in my previous R53.
Congrats Ian – I just stumbled onto this and couldn’t believe my eyes. I’ll be interested to hear your take on the iPod adapter. I both love and hate mine. I certainly couldn’t imagine having the car without it though.
I agree with Timmee. And it’s not just the new MINI either. I firmly believe the current generation of 3 Series has a stereo that is sub-par in comparison to what came on the previous generation.
However with that said, the HiFi does improve things substantially over the stock unit.
I have grown to like my HK that came with my R53, it’s leaps and bounds better that my wife’s A4 but still not great. The whole center stack just seems to CUTESY to me.
I’m still in shock that Ian bought one of these but then again when my R53 dies who knows.
I will be changing to MeanMrMstrd
Ian, welcome to the R53 and R56 owners club. I have the Ipod Adaptor and really actually like the functionality and sound.
Compared to my GP, my wifes R56 feels the same from 3k to 5k just doesn’t pull past that like the GP. I drive the R56 and think, wow, this is the same as the GP in pull, then get in the GP and say, nah, the GP rocks.
I do like the ride in the R56 better, but, we don’t have the Sport package on ours.