[MJS]

I visited my local dealer over the weekend to spec up an R56 and asked the question about sport suspension as this is a no cost option with chili pack.
He wasn't too sure but was under the impression that when you press the sport button, this gives you sport suspension. I know from driving the S that the suspension and steering do stiffen up considerably when it is pressed.
I would have thought that you would get different springs/dampers but he said not.
Can anyone shed any light on this?
Thanks

[marx87]

I spoke to my dealer yesterday about the no cost option for the sports suspension, i went for it as he told me it stiffens the ride without the sports button. He was unsure how this would affect the ride when the sport button is pressed but he guessed that it would make the supsension even stiffer.

[Paul]

Your dealer is completely wrong, and personally (watch out, here comes a rant) I can't believe that so called trained professionals, paid to know their products and sell and promote them to potential customers cant even be bothered to learn the basics and get their facts right. Unless someone's been very ill or away for a LONG period of time they should be up to speed on the car, especially pretty basic stuff like this by now.

Anyway, the sport button has NOTHING to do with the suspension, sport or otherwise.

Sports suspension is stiffer and has larger anti roll bars.

The sports button changes throttle response and steering weight/feel.

One can be ordered without the other (well, the sport button is standard on a UK S, but you know what I mean).

[Paul]

Change the above to "both your dealers are....".

Sorry, this just really bugs me. Hope I've helped clear it up a bit.

[marx87]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett (original)

Your dealer is completely wrong, and personally (watch out, here comes a rant) I can't believe that so called trained professionals, paid to know their products and sell and promote them to potential customers cant even be bothered to learn the basics and get their facts right. Unless someone's been very ill or away for a LONG period of time they should be up to speed on the car, especially pretty basic stuff like this by now.

Anyway, the sport button has NOTHING to do with the suspension, sport or otherwise.

Sports suspension is stiffer and has larger anti roll bars.

The sports button changes throttle response and steering weight/feel.

One can be ordered without the other (well, the sport button is standard on a UK S, but you know what I mean).

Would u recommend getting the sports suspension?

[rec]

sports suspension ?

GET IT ! no questions

[ru81]

Quote: Originally Posted by rec (original)

sports suspension ?

GET IT ! no questions

rec.... i'm still undecided whether to specify sports suspension on my R56 S. Why are you so sure you have to get it?

[rec]

i got it and it's not too hard and it's not too soft. it keeps the car planted and doesn't destroy the ride at all.

if it's a no cost addon, might as well go for it

[Martin F]

I decided not to have Sport Suspension on my R56 MCS and was thinking today as I drove along the A23 that I would not want the ride any firmer because of the bumps in the road.

[Paul]

Personaly I would (and did) get it. The standard suspension is fine, but the sport offers less roll and rebound over undulating terrain.

[MJS]

Thanks people, good to actually get some knowledge and feedback (very little off the dealer)
I will amed my order to include the sports suspension
Due March 1st, can't wait woohoo

[jon423]

I got the sports suspension also on the Cooper S but went with the 16" tires.

jon

[rec]

cool cool :]

it's just right to be honest, not too harsh and not too soft.

[MJS]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett (original)

Your dealer is completely wrong, and personally (watch out, here comes a rant) I can't believe that so called trained professionals, paid to know their products and sell and promote them to potential customers cant even be bothered to learn the basics and get their facts right. Unless someone's been very ill or away for a LONG period of time they should be up to speed on the car, especially pretty basic stuff like this by now.

Anyway, the sport button has NOTHING to do with the suspension, sport or otherwise.

Sports suspension is stiffer and has larger anti roll bars.

The sports button changes throttle response and steering weight/feel.

One can be ordered without the other (well, the sport button is standard on a UK S, but you know what I mean).

Paul, you mentioned that the Sport button has nothing to do with the suspension, although when i went on test drive the steering was heavier/more responsive but also there was a LOT less body roll with it active (tested by driving approx 30mph by twitching the steering wheel left to right) . I am fairly sure this was't just down to the steering characteristics changing.

[phil_wkl]

just to throw into the mix, what about if I had 18" wheels...go for sport suspension or not?

[MJS]

A little off topic I know, but the only info I can find out about the sport button is from mini.co.uk website and is as follows:

It even has an Overboost function which kicks up torque to 260 Nm, for even more blistering acceleration when overtaking or pulling away (or any excuse you can think of really).

[Paul]

Quote: Originally Posted by MJS (original)

Paul, you mentioned that the Sport button has nothing to do with the suspension, although when i went on test drive the steering was heavier/more responsive but also there was a LOT less body roll with it active (tested by driving approx 30mph by twitching the steering wheel left to right) . I am fairly sure this was't just down to the steering characteristics changing.

The sport button has no effect on the suspension settings at all, just throttle/acceleration and steering.

[Paul]

I'd avoid 18" wheels completely myself, especially as the car is optimised for 16". Depends what you want for your MINI, ride quality, smoothness, less roll, more comfort, better on big flat roads, better on smaller bumpier roads. Really is horses for courses. And, if at all possible, the best advice really is to try it for yourself.

[kcollins]

I agree with Paul on the wheel choice - the car is optimized for 16" wheels. No need to get 18's when 16's will do the job just as well. Why do you see all the racers running 16" v-spokes? They're the lightest wheel out there. The s-winders are the unknown - I would imagine the same if not lighter than the old v-spokes.

[phil_wkl]

Seeing as I already have 18's I'd transfer them I'm swaying towards standard S suspension, but I wonder if the dealer has a demonstrator with JCW wheels to test.

Isn't the current mini optimised for 16's too?
Why does the Chilli pack add 17's?