Comments on: Bad weather for photos …

By: Brent Breon

Brent Breon — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 03:22:32 +0000

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.

By: RB

RB — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 19:37:23 +0000

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

By: Gabe

Gabe — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 15:12:02 +0000

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.

By: Timmee

Timmee — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 10:36:09 +0000

I found the stock audio system in the R56 lacking, full stop. Even compared to the stock system in my previous R53.

By: tom petro

tom petro — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 17:12:46 +0000

Congrats Ian!!
I was wondering when you would take the turbo plunge!
Keep us updated on future mods!

Tom P.

By: GBMINI

GBMINI — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 02:02:16 +0000

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)

By: JCWGP

JCWGP — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 01:12:31 +0000

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

By: RB

RB — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 01:00:43 +0000

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!

By: GadgetGav

GadgetGav — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 00:03:14 +0000

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.

By: Joe

Joe — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 23:34:46 +0000

Ian,you are my hero….