OK, so I have had a ball driving my wife's CMJCW, and now I want my own Mini.

I was going to look for any MCS or JCW's left on dealer lots, not thinking that a new GP2 would still be available.

Well, i just located one with 7 miles on it at a dealer about 3 hours from me. They are discounting $4k off sticker, and i have a couple of questions for you GP2 owners.

Now please don't think these questions are petty, but my wife's CM is loaded, I mean she checked every package and option possible on the order sheet, so I am used to driving around a pretty posh ride:

1.stereo upgrades in the GP2. Is it possible to do anything with a new head unit/amp/speakers in a GP2?

2.lack of rear window wiper. Minis are famous for kicking up everything onto the boot glass. is this a major issue with the GP2 or just an annoyance?

3. Handling. I don't care how stiff the GP2 rides. I have coilovers and the fattest front and rear ASB's on my Z06 I could find. My question is does the GP2 really handle that much better than an MCS? Quick turn-in, excellent rotation of the rear end on the track, etc?

I'm pretty sure I know the answer, I just want to make sure that for this kind of money, the sheer performance of the car is more than worth all of the Mini creature comforts you give up for it.

thanks!

Jeff

 

1. There are people around who have upgraded the stereo. Search on here, there are threads about it. Some have upgraded the stock system to JCW specs, others have gone the whole hog and put in head units and subs etc. So it is possible

2. Doesn't bother me at all, but drives some people crazy!

3. There is a big difference in handling to the JCW. This is mainly due to the better shocks and better suspension alignment and geometry. However, it is also partly due to the type R racing tyres (kumhos) that the car comes on. I was involved in a review drive where we drove a GP vs and stock JCW back to back around a back country test road. We were all quite surprised at how much better the GP was vs stock JCW

I would add another couple of things to consider. The lack of cruise control really drives some people nuts. It can be retrofitted, but expensive.

My opinion is that the trade off of performance vs creature comforts is a really personal thing. If you love to drive, just for driving sake, love to go out on your own driving down a windy country road etc, then the GP is for you. If you are the kind of person that wants a car that makes a daily boring drive more pleasant and comfortable, but not enjoyable, then maybe a JCW!

 

There's definitely some compromise in regards to options with the GP2, really comes down to what's important to each person.

In regards to your specific questions:

1. There are a lot of options if you want to upgrade the sound system, both from Mini or aftermarket. I will say that I thought it would be horrible coming from the HK system to now just 4 front speakers but honestly it doesn't bother me at all. I think it still sounds good but you can always upgrade it and make that a non factor.

2. This is one of 2 things that I do dislike about the GP2. Driving mine year round I could really use the back wiper, especially now in the winter. Essentially the back window stays caked with junk most of the time for me right now unless I clean it off by hand or wash the car. As soon as I'm back on the highway it's a mess again. Obviously something I can live with but a huge annoyance especially when there had to be next to nothing gained by removing it.

3. Coming from the MCS it's a night and day difference in handling, even with performance winter tires on. It handles like a dream!

 

I was in the same boat
Came from a '12 JCW and I was worried about the stereo, lack of steering wheel controls and usually am VERY picky about my stereo, that said
I truly always thought the H/K unit kinda sucked, haven't missed it for one second, well once for one second when I thought "oh, it's turned up all the way?" Haha

Rear wiper: no big deal, I have pulled in the garage and wiped it down real quick on snowy days

Handling: hands down 5x's better and get this....the ride is better too! Not as slamming, bouncy sometimes but rough no!
Get it!!
You'll always wish you did

 

Just get it, totally worth not having the other options.

Stereo isn't that bad, not as good as the logic 7 in my old 335 but I just love the exhaust sound so much its never on.
Rear wiper? Never had one on any of my Bmw's so doesn't bother me.
Handeling is just insane, blows away any other car I've ever driven.

 

First time Mini owner coming from a Cayman S... the GP was the first non-Porsche that I drove that delivered in a total driving experience from a driver enthusiast standpoint. So satisfying, so responsive. You will revel in the handling and responsiveness and not miss more powerful rides of your past. :-)

GL with your decision and happy motoring.

 

thanks very much for the input folks.

I did make my decision. It came down to the fact that I know I won't be tracking this car(I can't afford tires, brakes and track fees for two cars !!), and since that's where, IMO, the real potential of the GP2 can be realized, I bought a 2013 JCW hardtop yesterday.

Yea, I know I'm soft, but I also realized i really want a rear wiper and sunroof

Really appreciate all of your honest comments.

Jeff

 

I guess they didnt let you test drive it or you didnt go to drive it, because if you would have you would have never bought that JCW

 

Congrats!
Enjoy your sunroof

Now post a picture of it

 

JCW Hardtop is a fine car. Enjoy and make it your own!

 

Hi !
I'm sure if I went to the dealership where the GP2 was they would have let me drive it no problem, but I disagree with your assessment in my particular case. I thought about it long and hard because I have liked the GP2 from the day it was introduced.

I am very fortunate to already have a hot rod that is outfitted for track duty, and any time I feel like ripping through twisties around town, I hop in it and go. Plus it's rear wheel drive the way a performance car should be....... That comment might get me banned I know!

I really wanted a performance Mini but with the everyday pleasures like an upgraded factory stereo, rear wiper, cruise, etc. I certainly don't blame Mini for deleting those items from the GP2 to save weight. With my track car it was similar: no telescoping steering wheel, no power antenna, thinner glass than other Corvette models, no magnetic ride control, etc all in the name of saving weight.

Thanks for all your comments, and I hope to see a LOT of GP2's at MOTD 2014..

Jeff

 

That's awesome you still found an R56 JCW! Please post a pic when you he the chance.

I can relate to wanting a performance MINI while still wanting the creature comforts of daily driving. It took me several months to decide. For me, the biggest factor is that I really need a backseat for my kids as they enjoy riding in the MINI just as much as I do!

Plus, you can always add GP parts to your JCW. lol

Sent from my iPhone using NAMotoring

 

I've had all kinds of crazy cars starting with a 1974 2002 tii. When I get behind the wheel of my GP (0315) I forget all about cruise control, rear window wiper etc. That said, the rear window dirt is a pain in New York winters. Winding the car to 6300 makes all the pain go away. This is a completely different vehicle from a "normal" JCW. The GP made my 2011 S feel like a toy. Think GP equals sports car, loaded JCW equals GT. No pain, no gain. Buy the GP and don't look back…. if that's your thing.

 

Well said ! I think you hit it right on the head, "GP equals sports car, loaded JCW equals GT"....