Before I run on at the mouth about how MINI intended the GP to be a perfect half-breed of track car and daily driver; and before I spew into the wind about much I completely agree; I have to express a concern.

I am getting an ulcer driving mine in this Chicago single digit weather. Am I overly concerned or am I doing irreparable damage to the best car I've ever owned? I've been torturing myself, driving around like a sedated grandma. Wow, I'm losing it.

 

Your signature says it all.

I daily drive mine as well.

 

Just drive...
Only real worry is about busting rims on potholes....
But 17' will fit on a gen1 go...better choice of tires for winter than the stock 18 rims...heavier, yes, but also much cheaper to replace.
Just drive...extreme cold and dry salt is OK...
It is when it is near freezing corrosion happens...embrase the cold!! You get extra HP TOO!!

 

I know how you feel, I felt the same way. At some point you have to realize that you really do only live once. Just drive and enjoy your car!

 

I'm still in warrantee, so I've got a factory safety net.

Thanks guys.

 

Between my wife and I, this is our fourth MINI. The GP was a coincidental find. I'm very pleased. Looking forward to SCCA and local MINI owner events later this year.

 

I'm in Ohio and have a 20 mile each way commute it was -24 this morning and we had 8" of snow over the weekend - the GP handles it all with no problems. Lots of boost on these cold mornings makes it more fun !! I have just fitted 225/45 x 17 Michelin Pilot Sports AS3 and the difference over the Conti.runhards is amazing.

 

Mines been in storage all winter, just went and peeked under the cover today..

 

it's been horribly cold here this year, my r53 has been a trooper though.

 

This winter has really been terrible, particularly the last month. It was -16 at 545am this morning when I started my MINI. I felt terrible driving it in those conditions, but it was a real trooper.

March is coming guys and gals.

 

Yesterday, it was 28° F on the drive home.

 

I'm liking the Chicago forecast. No more self imposed 2500 rpm limit. Good bye winter, you b@$t@^d.

 

in a sense, you have a point about it - but only regarding cold starts. once you get the car warmed up, drive it like normal. it's worse to keep it at low rpms like that. cold starts are where the damage happens, not driving in the cold.

i'll make one or two chi solo events up there and i know there's a couple that regularly go

 

Chi SCCA is having issues locking down a site for SOLO. Let's hope it gets sorted soon.