Mini Cooper S GP2 - worth a purchase?
Discussion
Hello folks
I am somewhat of a Mini fanboy, I've previously had an R53 Cooper S JCW and an R56 Cooper S which was remapped. My girlfriend is also a Mini fan, she currently has an F56 Cooper S.
Currently, my daily is a peach of a 330D E91 auto, which I bought for a massive commute to work. I now am not doing this commute and would like to inject my life with a fun car again.
I've considered an BMW E92 M3 but the potential for big bills really puts me off, I know I would get fed up and sell it pretty quickly. I've also test driven a BMW 140i and while it was fast, it was far too quiet and pretty boring / everyone my age has one.
So my attention has been drawn back to Mini's in particular, a GP2. Now I have never driven one, let alone know anyone that has owned one.
When compared to a standard Cooper S, how much of a difference are they? My biggest concern is the engine, which after some research appears to be better than the previous gen. My R56 Cooper S suffered from massive oil consumption (1L per 800 miles), a failed high-pressure fuel pump and a timing chain issue). I would really like to avoid all of these again, especially the oil consumption as that was ridiculous. So I have a few questions -
1 - Does the N18 engine use as much oil? This is a real deal breaker as it used to really grind my gears
2 - Does the GP2 differ very much from a standard Cooper S?
3 - I've owned stripped cars before and have loved it, but what is the noise like in the cabin?
4 - This is the most important question, are these cars fun to drive? All the videos I have watched would suggest so, but I would like to know from real life owners and not just journalists
I don't drive a car to work anymore, so fuel costs aren't that important.
Any advice would be appreciated, I'm seriously considering a GP2 and would like to buy one before my Euro road trip in May
Thanks all
PB
I am somewhat of a Mini fanboy, I've previously had an R53 Cooper S JCW and an R56 Cooper S which was remapped. My girlfriend is also a Mini fan, she currently has an F56 Cooper S.
Currently, my daily is a peach of a 330D E91 auto, which I bought for a massive commute to work. I now am not doing this commute and would like to inject my life with a fun car again.
I've considered an BMW E92 M3 but the potential for big bills really puts me off, I know I would get fed up and sell it pretty quickly. I've also test driven a BMW 140i and while it was fast, it was far too quiet and pretty boring / everyone my age has one.
So my attention has been drawn back to Mini's in particular, a GP2. Now I have never driven one, let alone know anyone that has owned one.
When compared to a standard Cooper S, how much of a difference are they? My biggest concern is the engine, which after some research appears to be better than the previous gen. My R56 Cooper S suffered from massive oil consumption (1L per 800 miles), a failed high-pressure fuel pump and a timing chain issue). I would really like to avoid all of these again, especially the oil consumption as that was ridiculous. So I have a few questions -
1 - Does the N18 engine use as much oil? This is a real deal breaker as it used to really grind my gears
2 - Does the GP2 differ very much from a standard Cooper S?
3 - I've owned stripped cars before and have loved it, but what is the noise like in the cabin?
4 - This is the most important question, are these cars fun to drive? All the videos I have watched would suggest so, but I would like to know from real life owners and not just journalists
I don't drive a car to work anymore, so fuel costs aren't that important.
Any advice would be appreciated, I'm seriously considering a GP2 and would like to buy one before my Euro road trip in May
Thanks all
PB
Hi OP
Imo this car is great. So great that I'm actually on my second Mini GP2 - https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
1 - I've yet to experiencing any issues (touch wood) with this engine. Oil consumption has been pretty reasonable.
2 - Cosmetically the differences are pretty noticeable - Lack of rear seats probably being the biggest difference. I cant comment on the difference behind the wheel. As the GP2 is the only MINI I've driven.
3 - The cabin noise is fine. Even on the standard Kumho tyres.
4 - These are fantastic cars to drive. It is, by far the most enjoyable FWD car I've owned/driven
I say buy one!
Imo this car is great. So great that I'm actually on my second Mini GP2 - https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
1 - I've yet to experiencing any issues (touch wood) with this engine. Oil consumption has been pretty reasonable.
2 - Cosmetically the differences are pretty noticeable - Lack of rear seats probably being the biggest difference. I cant comment on the difference behind the wheel. As the GP2 is the only MINI I've driven.
3 - The cabin noise is fine. Even on the standard Kumho tyres.
4 - These are fantastic cars to drive. It is, by far the most enjoyable FWD car I've owned/driven
I say buy one!
Hello!
GP2 owner (and MINI fanboy) here, having come from an R53 JCW which I owned and loved for over 9 years.
Bought mine in October 2015 with just 622 miles on the clock, and it's been pretty much trouble free, and now up to 43k miles. Yes, they definitely make you want to go out and drive them ... Only real issues I've had are the adjusters on the front coilovers had seized, which were replaced under warranty, and I'm on my third (or is it fourth?) hood scoop decal, as they can't take the heat from the turbo and fall apart.
There is a well known issue with the coilovers knocking and leaking, touch wood I haven't had this yet, and if a warranty replacement isn't possible, then Lohen do a repair and rebuild for around £90 a corner.
The paint is very soft as well, my detailer friend has never seen anything like it, so they do attract marks very easily.
Otherwise nothing bad to report. They are of course a very late R56, and MINI had mostly sorted the problems by then.
So, in answer to your questions:
1 - Does the N18 engine use as much oil? This is a real deal breaker as it used to really grind my gears
I was worried about this, and check regularly, but so far so good. Only light top ups needed between services. (I have had extra oil services done as the recommended intervals strike me as too long). Even a 1200 mile trip down to Modena, including flat out autobahn running and a few passes, didn't use very much.
2 - Does the GP2 differ very much from a standard Cooper S?
Yes, as an R53 lover I'd never warmed to the second gen driving experience until the GP2. Front end is very direct and pointy, especially if still on the OEM Kumho V70As.
3 - I've owned stripped cars before and have loved it, but what is the noise like in the cabin?
Again coming from an R53, the noise level has never bothered me. Fine at motorway cruising speeds, though if you enjoy fine in car hi fi then it probably isn't the right car. Also find the seats very comfortable, and can drive all day without getting tired.
4 - This is the most important question, are these cars fun to drive? All the videos I have watched would suggest so, but I would like to know from real life owners and not just journalists.
Yes, yes, and yes! I've never had a car like it for making me want to get up early and go for a drive for the sake of it.
"I'm seriously considering a GP2 and would like to buy one before my Euro road trip in May"
Again, yes! Did a 2500 mile Euro road trip with a couple of friends back in September, and it really was the perfect car for it. Best way I can describe it, it's just mad enough to be a lot of fun, and just sensible enough to be a usable daily.
GP2 owner (and MINI fanboy) here, having come from an R53 JCW which I owned and loved for over 9 years.
Bought mine in October 2015 with just 622 miles on the clock, and it's been pretty much trouble free, and now up to 43k miles. Yes, they definitely make you want to go out and drive them ... Only real issues I've had are the adjusters on the front coilovers had seized, which were replaced under warranty, and I'm on my third (or is it fourth?) hood scoop decal, as they can't take the heat from the turbo and fall apart.
There is a well known issue with the coilovers knocking and leaking, touch wood I haven't had this yet, and if a warranty replacement isn't possible, then Lohen do a repair and rebuild for around £90 a corner.
The paint is very soft as well, my detailer friend has never seen anything like it, so they do attract marks very easily.
Otherwise nothing bad to report. They are of course a very late R56, and MINI had mostly sorted the problems by then.
So, in answer to your questions:
1 - Does the N18 engine use as much oil? This is a real deal breaker as it used to really grind my gears
I was worried about this, and check regularly, but so far so good. Only light top ups needed between services. (I have had extra oil services done as the recommended intervals strike me as too long). Even a 1200 mile trip down to Modena, including flat out autobahn running and a few passes, didn't use very much.
2 - Does the GP2 differ very much from a standard Cooper S?
Yes, as an R53 lover I'd never warmed to the second gen driving experience until the GP2. Front end is very direct and pointy, especially if still on the OEM Kumho V70As.
3 - I've owned stripped cars before and have loved it, but what is the noise like in the cabin?
Again coming from an R53, the noise level has never bothered me. Fine at motorway cruising speeds, though if you enjoy fine in car hi fi then it probably isn't the right car. Also find the seats very comfortable, and can drive all day without getting tired.
4 - This is the most important question, are these cars fun to drive? All the videos I have watched would suggest so, but I would like to know from real life owners and not just journalists.
Yes, yes, and yes! I've never had a car like it for making me want to get up early and go for a drive for the sake of it.
"I'm seriously considering a GP2 and would like to buy one before my Euro road trip in May"
Again, yes! Did a 2500 mile Euro road trip with a couple of friends back in September, and it really was the perfect car for it. Best way I can describe it, it's just mad enough to be a lot of fun, and just sensible enough to be a usable daily.
Edited by NeilAndHisMini on Thursday 21st February 12:39
Wow thank you all for the detailed replies. You have been massively helpful.
I think this is the car for me, and I have found two for sale for £17.5k. One is a private sale and clearly a garage queen
and the other is a slightly modified example (stage 1 mods). Unfortunately, both are quite far from me and I don't even know if I will like the car (pretty sure I will do).
This is a super cheeky question - do we have any GP2 owners in the South West? I wouldn't even dream of asking to have a drive, but I would like to experience a passenger ride just to make sure this is the car I would like to own. Absolutely no worries if not, as I am a random from the internet after all
.
I'm loving the pic from your road trip. Where did you guys go?
I think this is the car for me, and I have found two for sale for £17.5k. One is a private sale and clearly a garage queen
and the other is a slightly modified example (stage 1 mods). Unfortunately, both are quite far from me and I don't even know if I will like the car (pretty sure I will do). This is a super cheeky question - do we have any GP2 owners in the South West? I wouldn't even dream of asking to have a drive, but I would like to experience a passenger ride just to make sure this is the car I would like to own. Absolutely no worries if not, as I am a random from the internet after all
.I'm loving the pic from your road trip. Where did you guys go?
Pig benis said:
I'm loving the pic from your road trip. Where did you guys go?
Full write up coming soon, once I've hosted the pics, but in short:Spa
Nurburgring
Porsche museum in Stuttgart
Bit of Austria
Umbrail and Stelvio passes
Lake Garda
Modena for supercar stuff
Italian and French Riviera
Col de Turini
and back up through France.
2 GP2s and JCW, and a whole lot of fun.
Pig benis said:
Wow thank you all for the detailed replies. You have been massively helpful.
I think this is the car for me, and I have found two for sale for £17.5k. One is a private sale and clearly a garage queen and the other is a slightly modified example (stage 1 mods). Unfortunately, both are quite far from me and I don't even know if I will like the car (pretty sure I will do).
This is a super cheeky question - do we have any GP2 owners in the South West? I wouldn't even dream of asking to have a drive, but I would like to experience a passenger ride just to make sure this is the car I would like to own. Absolutely no worries if not, as I am a random from the internet after all.
I'm loving the pic from your road trip. Where did you guys go?
One of those cars (of the few up on pistonheads) belongs to me lol.I think this is the car for me, and I have found two for sale for £17.5k. One is a private sale and clearly a garage queen
and the other is a slightly modified example (stage 1 mods). Unfortunately, both are quite far from me and I don't even know if I will like the car (pretty sure I will do). This is a super cheeky question - do we have any GP2 owners in the South West? I wouldn't even dream of asking to have a drive, but I would like to experience a passenger ride just to make sure this is the car I would like to own. Absolutely no worries if not, as I am a random from the internet after all
.I'm loving the pic from your road trip. Where did you guys go?
I'm based in Cardiff. More than welcome to take a look.
Edited by The1Driver on Thursday 21st February 17:02
The1Driver said:
The one going for 19,500.
Fantastic car. I was showing the pictures of it to a friend this evening and we both agreed that the cage is truly epic. I must ask as I also like to modify my cars. The stage 1 mods you've done (intercooler etc), have they made noticible difference to the power? I'm guessing with the extra power and the diff this GP is a weapon.
PB
Pig benis said:
Fantastic car. I was showing the pictures of it to a friend this evening and we both agreed that the cage is truly epic.
I must ask as I also like to modify my cars. The stage 1 mods you've done (intercooler etc), have they made noticible difference to the power? I'm guessing with the extra power and the diff this GP is a weapon.
PB
The difference between the car before and after the map were night and day. It really surprised me. I feel the car should've come with this sort of power, from the factory. I must ask as I also like to modify my cars. The stage 1 mods you've done (intercooler etc), have they made noticible difference to the power? I'm guessing with the extra power and the diff this GP is a weapon.
PB
The car in standard form is great..... I just felt it could do with a little extra hot sauce.
George Smiley said:
How does a gp2 compare against a f56 jcw?
Have had a GP1, GP2 and an F56 Cooper S and driven the F56 JCW.They get progressively less involving to drive, the clutch/gearshift requires a lighter input as you get newer, the steering gets a little lighter/less feelsome too.
I've settled on GP2 as the sweet spot for me, push the sport button and the steering firms up and you've got a go kart. Turn it off and it's more usable on a daily basis than the GP1 - more comfortable on the motorway and it's got Bluetooth phone etc. Also just changed the tyres from the Kumhos to Michelin PS4s and it's significantly quieter at speed which makes life a bit easier. Less grippy in the twisties but that's fun in it's own way too!
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