Mini F56 GP3 - yes the weird one with arch spats!

Mini F56 GP3 - yes the weird one with arch spats!

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christurbo

Original Poster:

265 posts

217 months

Wednesday 24th April
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TameRacingDriver said:
Thanks for the feedback smile

I've done a bit more research again and I think you were right to go for the H&R over the Eibach, the latter seem to have big problems with fitment on the JCW, apparently they move around in the top mounts, working themselves loose and causing a creaking noise, which has caused a lot of owners to get rid of those. Even after replacement, some owners report the replacements simply don't fit properly. Bad form for a company like eibach who normally make decent products.

Ohlins would be lovely but they're even more expensive than the KWs and I'm poor hehe. I'll probably stay stock for now until I can comfortably save up for them, but by the time I've done that I may end up reviewing whether to stick or twist with the mini, as I don't tend to be the sort who keeps cars for a long time, although the mini is such a great all rounder that you never know.
Yes, I also read reports of noise from the Eibachs. Strange as they would have had to go through usual QA.

It depends on what you are trying to get from the coilovers. If it’s to drastically improve handling and also infinite adjustment then yes hold out, if it’s just to change aesthetics then why it just try some springs. Low cost and easy to fit.

christurbo

Original Poster:

265 posts

217 months

Wednesday 24th April
quotequote all
TameRacingDriver said:
I think for me it would be improved handling, ride and appearance. Not bothered about adjustability but I doubt I'll get all three from springs. By the time I have them fitted and an alignment I should probably just save the extra?
I know someone who is selling a set of AST coilovers that have just been serviced. Less than half price from new. I can point you towards him if you are interested.

Scoobydrew95 said:
I actually quite enjoy how this looks. Interesting to see such an in depth look and review on it. It's something that i completely missed, or just didn't take much notice of. Was very aware of the GP1 and GP2.
I hope these are less challenging to work on then the R56. I hate having to look after my partners one. laugh
Ha! I worked on the R56 GP2 and know your pain. In my experience it’s quite simple. Brakes, suspension etc are very easy to work on, all standard BMW setup. As said, space is limited engine wise as it’s a large block in a little space. Hopefully the new M135i engine is rock solid (seems to be) vs the old 1.6 which was made of chocolate.

I have applied Lanoguard so that I don’t get the seized/rusted parts that I had an issue with on the GP2.


christurbo

Original Poster:

265 posts

217 months

Sunday 28th April
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Very rare occasion where I get these two out together. It rained just as I did it!








christurbo

Original Poster:

265 posts

217 months

Saturday 11th May
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5s Alive said:
Upside down top hat!

Lovely car - Lanoguard does attract dirt but I've found it can be pressure washed off without affecting the coating. I'm very impressed with it.
You win! Correct answer. Thanks for the tip. I have it on the Discovery but that’s always up the mountains so don’t care about the aesthetics. It’s a bit different on the GP, strangely I want it looking perfect.

christurbo

Original Poster:

265 posts

217 months

Saturday 11th May
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PRO5T said:
This thread has prompted me to buy some of this stuff for my new BBS E88s and one of those wheel swap bolts-why has it taken me so long to get one-what a back saver!
I had them on my R8 to protect the carbon ceramics but they are brilliant at what they do. Also you’ll love the protection, brake dust slips off.

christurbo

Original Poster:

265 posts

217 months

Saturday 11th May
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Bit of an update.

The weather here in Wales has been amazing recently. Nice dry roads which makes for perfect spirited driving.

I took the GP for a 3hr lap of Snowdonia and it made me all fizzy! It’s so planted now with the mods I’ve done, no torque steer or snappy oversteer. I have full confidence to push on.

Couldn’t be happier with it…… it’s a keeper for sure.

It looks like it would fit in well with the Mini Challenge series as well as the country roads!





christurbo

Original Poster:

265 posts

217 months

Saturday 11th May
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TameRacingDriver said:
Pardon my language, but that car looks the fking bks cool I'm loving the wheels and I could be quite tempted to do a couple of similar mods to my JCW given how much you seem to like it.
It’s funny how some very minor changes can make so much difference to both aesthetics and performance.

I love it.

Go for it!