First let me start by saying that I am not a new MINI owner. I have had a classic, an R50 and R52S and just bought a usedF56 S with 29K miles. Just some observations on the F56. I always thought I would only buy a Gen1 MINI and would not be happy with the later Gen 3 models. That was not a particularly informed decision it was strictly conjecture. Ive had the opportunity to put about 500 miles on the F56 in the last couple of weeks and all I can say is "wow." It is truly an evolution of the MINI rather than a revolution. You can clearly see and feel its roots all the way back to my classic, but it feels as though it has grown up. The car is solid as a rock, the shifter is smooth and crisp, the throttle response revving at stop feels very drive by wire but as soon as you get moving, that seems to disappear. Really enjoy the sport seats, although I have not yet figured out how to get in and out gracefully without rubbing on the side bolster! The gearbox is nicely matched to the engine's power curve and both really benefit from the extra cc's.. Overall Ive really enjoyed the F56 during its short term with me. I haven't figured out eveything it will do, the learning curve is somewhat steep for an "old guy". I just wanted to share my initial thoughts.

Al

 

moderator

If this is in the wrong forum, please feel free to move it.

Tnx
Al

 

Me too, Just got a used F56 to replace (well, sort of) my aging R50, and went thru the same range of feelings both before and after.

My R50 has the Sports Pkg, and therefore the Sport seats. I never found a way to avoid rubbing against the side bolsterers. Matter of fact, I have managed to wear right thru the "leather".

I can add that I have owned many vehicles with a manual, going back over 30 years, but they have all been 5 speeds, including the R50. The F56 is my first 6 speed, and it is taking me a while to get use to that top-left is reverse, not 1st.

I have a Masters in Computer Engineering, but I found operating the F56 is to quite a challenge at times. For example, I have troubles trying to turn the darn thing off, and out of frustration, resort to simply popping the clutch. That stalls the engine, and brings a smile to my face.

 

I've had that problem a couple of times. I would forget to release the clutch after turning off the motor, then when I hit the switch again to shut everything else down the engine will crank and stall as I release the clutch. I coded my car to switch off the accessories when I open the door. Now I don't have to toggle the switch twice.

 

Good suggestion! Thanks!

 

Yeah I agree, I had an '03 R53, '12 R56, and now own a '16 F56 4 door.

R53 S was a blast to drive, loved the supercharger whine and with just a simple pulley mod, car came alive, but mine had issues with the power steering pump/fan and rattles.
R56 JCW, I absolutely loved the look of it, also a blast to drive, no engine mods needed for me, it drove perfect, but I had the n14 engine which required a lot of up keep and I wasn't fond of the fan lingering when car shutoff.
F56 S Carbon, love it, my kids can hop in the back easier with the additional doors, car feels more refined, and inside is much quieter than previous versions, and no more fan noise when car is off!

I think it hits the right balance of Mini feel + comfort

 

I am glad read about MINI owners who have migrated to the Gen III MINIs and really like them. I am part of this group, too. We have a Gen I (2004 base Cooper), a Gen II (2012 S w/ suspension and brake mods for the track) and a 2019 JCW. The Gen III MINIs take a bit to get used to, but once you do you see the charm in them. Yes, they are grown up. They no longer have the “youngster brashness”. Not to say that I wish that MINI had done a few things differently. But what car is perfect and still has the charm of the MINI?

And I am grinning from ear to ear every time I drive any one of them...

 

Well i found a solution to the difficulty getting into the drivers seat without rubbing the bilster - I slide the seat all the way back before I exit the car. When I get back in, I just pull the seat up to my driving position. It takes an extra second or two, but now its become a habit so I dont even think about it. Save wear and tear on the seat bolster.