The invention relates to a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system comprising a main magnet system for generating a main magnetic field in an examination volume, a gradient coil system (1) which is substantially arranged between the main magnet system and the examination volume and which comprises sub-gradient coils (4,5,6) embedded in a binding material (11) having a glass temperature, control means (13) for controlling a temperature of the gradient coil system, and temperature-influencing means for influencing the temperature of the gradient coil system on the basis of control signals supplied by the control means. The control means are suitable to control, during operation of the MRI system, the temperature of the binding material of the gradient coil system to a value above the glass temperature. The invention further relates to a method of using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system.