Orderd a new Cooper S for the missus in December for March 01 delivery. Can't wait.

I have a question though. The BMW dealer told me that the sports suspension is just stiffer than standard but not lower. I didn't spec this as I thought it might be too firm for the kids. I would have done if it made the car sit lower - more for cosmetic reasons than any other.

A friend of mine has also ordered a Cooper S without the sports suspension and he saw his car in the dealer's pound next to one that had it fitted. He said that the sports suspension DOES make the car sit lower and that his looked like a 4x4 compared to it.

Is there any substance in his findings?

Thanks!!

there is supposed to be no height difference but you never no i will not take much to make a big difference

He didn't specify which wheels were on the car. Ours are both with 17" Flames.

Not sure if that makes a difference.

Maybe his shocks where still packed up from transportation. The cars hight is totaly the same, I have sport and its great.

DEFINITELY go for the sport suspension. It won't be too firm at all. I test drove a MCS R56 with sports suspension and i couldnt belive the improvement over the old model.

Too late for me know. I didn't spec the sports suspension as I've got two young kids and thought it might be too bumpy for them.

Never mind.

Too late for me know. I didn't spec the sports suspension as I've got two young kids and thought it might be too bumpy for them.

Never mind.

You can still change your spec

I have 17's and sports suspension, personally if I was going for a car to drive the kids around in I would opt for the standard suspension and 16" wheels. We are buying an R56 Cooper in March for the wife and its going to be std suspension and standard 15" wheels just for comfort, it seems a nice balance. But thats my opinion.

I decided to stay without the sports but left the 17" flames.