Tweedbean 151 Report post Posted August 15, 2015 As some of you may have seen on Facebook, I am back in a MINI after only 6 months of owing a GT86. The 86 was a great car but I just wasn't into it like I should be. With my best friend losing his battle with cancer last week I learnt that life is too short and that I needed to change things if they weren't right and this is when my search started last Wednesday for a MINI. Here is the last picture of my 86 as I delivered it to the new owner: I was looking at two options either a GP1 or and R53 and a second car. I was avoiding a 2nd gen MINI due to the issues I had with the Clubby and I hadn't considered an F56 until I saw R99's F56 Cooper S for sale on Thursday. With this I forgot all about the GP's and R53's I had looked at and got straight on the phone to R99, a member of another forum I am on. I then spent the night researching F56's and what was available for them. At the same time I put the GT86 up for sale modified and sold it within 3 days. This meant I had the funds to purchase R99's F56, again one phone call later and I was planning my trip to Newcastle to pick it up. That was one hell of a journey but so worth it. Not only was the car fully spec'd from the factory, its was also loaded with lots of aftermarket parts, pretty much everything you can do to a F56 at the moment. As its me, I wont be leaving this car like this for long, I want to build on the great work by R99 and add my own stamp. After cleaning the car for the first time today I can say I do like the look of the white wheels and roof, but oh my god white wheels are a nightmare to clean so I feel these may change at some point. The F56 is a marmite car, just like the R56 when it first came out, some people are going to love it, others wont. I wasn't a big fan but seeing/driving this one I would advise you drive one before making up your mind. And that front end isn't photogenic I know but it looks great in the flesh. Tempted to do a little bit of debadging aswell on the rear end, its a shame that JCW one is moulded into the front grill, I may refit the Cooper S grill and switch the red trim onto that. This engine, a new BMW 2.0 turbo unit has plenty of tuning potential, with people seeing 300bhp from just a remap, I cant wait to see what will be available in 6-12 months time as this car is still relatively new. One thing for sure, this thing sounds epic, the exhaust has a remote control to switch between loud and quiet mode, although I can see that remote not being used too ofter I wish everyone the best with their builds on here and I will be popping back to keep an eye on Nige's build for sure.Spec from factory: The car was built to the following factory spec and it would seem R99 ticked every box he could (costing £27,462 when new): • 2014 F56 MINI Cooper S (2.0 turbo B48 engine) • Thunder Grey • White Roof / Mirrors • 18" Cone Spoke Alloy Wheels in White • Heated Leather Cross Punch Carbon Black / Carbon Black MINI Yours Off White Interior Pack (which consist of the following) • Interior trim (off white) • MINI Excitement Pack Media Pack XL (which consist of the following) • MINI Navigation System XL (larger screen & iDrive controls) • Enhanced Bluetooth with USB audio • MINI Connected XL Chilli Pack (which consist of the following) • Multifunction controls for s'wheel • Floor mats • Passenger seat height adjustment • Storage compartment pack • MINI Driving modes • Rain sensor with auto headlight activation • Air conditioning, dual zone automatic • Interior lights pack • LED fog lights The following Optional Extras were added to the build: • Sport Suspension • JCW Steering Wheel • Electric Folding Mirrors • JCW Roof Spoiler • Panoramic Electric Glass Sunroof • Darkened Rear Glass • Front Centre Armrest • Anthracite Headlining • Cruise Control with Brake Function • LED Headlights with Cornering function • Harman Kardon Hi-Fi (incredible sound)Current Modifications: • KW Suspension Variant 1 INOX Coilovers (full laser alignment completed at the same time) • Speedline Marmora 18x8 ET45 Alloy Wheels (finished in Ice White) • Michelin Pilot Super Sport 205/40/18 Tyres • Remus Valvetronic Sports Exhuast (with Bluetooth controlled ‘Bimodal’ valve and carbon fibre / titanium tips) • John Cooper Works Brembo Brake upgrade (4 piston calipers & 335x30mm front discs / red rear calipers) • GruppeM Carbon Fibre Air Intake (imported from Japan) • John Cooper Works Body Kit (incl JCW fog delete & JCW grille) • John Cooper Works PRO Rear Diffuser & Front Splitters • John Cooper Works PRO Carbon Fibre Bonnet Scoop • John Cooper Works Aluminium Gear Knob • Alcantara / Leather Flat Bottom Steering Wheel with Red Stitch (custom made using an original OEM steering wheel) • Colour Coded Chrome Trim (bumper chrome, headlight & taillight rings) The car when new was professionally detailed which consisted of a 2-stage machine polish and the GTechniq treatment on both the exterior & interior. It is clear it has been well looked after.Pictures: I haven't had chance to take any of my own just yet so I hope R99 doesn't mind me using his:My F56 Cooper S by James Baker, on FlickrBack end by James Baker, on FlickrGruppeM Carbon Fibre Air Intake by James Baker, on FlickrRemus Exhaust by James Baker, on FlickrCustom Steering wheel by James Baker, on Flickr On the Evolve dyno at 202bhp, these should be around 190bhp from the factory:202bhp by James Baker, on Flickr A couple of videos: 1 Keethos reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shiftspark 41 Report post Posted August 15, 2015 Wow! not been around here much for a while and now you have sold it, I really liked what you were doing with the 86 I can also understand where your coming from with changing your car as I was in a similar personal position before I bought mine, life is full of challenges. The MINI looks nice, good luck with it ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
