NOOBIE ALERT:)

Hi

I have recently bought a 2006 R56 MCS running on standard suspension on 18"s (R105's) with Dunlop Runflats. My initial thought is that the ride is a little too harsh at times (personal preference) and I find myself doing the old pot-hole / grid avoidance routine more often than I'd like.

My car is in with the dealer at the moment and I have a 2008 Cooper on 17"s (Crown spokes) as a loan car, again with factory runflats. Much prefer the ride.

Coincidentally I need to get 2 new tyres in the next couple of weeks so I'm considering my options currently before splashing out on new rubber....

Is the suspension on a Cooper that much "softer" than an MCS?
Will it be the 17's making the biggest difference?
Would fitting non-runflats to the 18's make enough of a difference as an alternative?

Thanks in advance for any help!!

Paul

Conventional tires will offer a better ride because the sidewalls aren't as stiff as those on run flats.

Tires fitted to 17" wheels offer more sidewall than tires fitted to 18" wheels:

205/45-17 > 205/40-18 by 10.25mm
215/45-17 > 215/40-18 by 10.75mm
205/45-17 > 215/40-18 by 6.25mm

As MINIIAC has mentioned, first step it to change to normal tires this will make a positive difference. If then you are still unhappy the next step would be to change the shock absorbers. The shocks on the R56 Cooper (normally aspirated) may well be different. However, I would not bother. For the money you are better off buying a set of Koni yellow shocks which are now avaliable for the R56 Cooper S and replacing the standard items with these. They are also adjustable. I would keep the standard springs though. Ideally, what you need in your life is a set of Koni FSD’s (very similar to the Koni yellows) however, Koni have not released these yet. I have spoken at great lengths with them about this product and they may never release them. Who knows though; lifes full of surprises! Enjoy the Mini.

Happy New Year to you all!

Regarding Koni FSD for 2nd Gen ...

The Koni catalog now list FSD part # 2100 4099 for 2nd gen (1st gen is part # 2100 4010).
http://www.koni-na.com/pdf/KONI_Auto_2009.pdf

However, I have not seen the 2nd gen version offered by vendors, and it may not be available yet.
Ding Dong! Koni have confirmed there will be sets for the Gen2 and that stock will be coming into the UK towards the end of January... and to Lohen as soon as we can get hold of them after that!

:D

Thanks MINIAC! I knew there would be someone that knew more than me and the guy at Koni for that matter. Cheers.

Thanks MINIAC! I knew there would be someone that knew more than me. Cheers.
I just remembered reading it recently and was able to find the post ;)

If then you are still unhappy the next step would be to change the shock absorbers. The shocks on the R56 Cooper (normally aspirated) may well be different.

ws just about to mentoin that - should make the ride alot softer

For the cost though it’s probably not worth it. You might as well spend a bit extra and invest in a set of Koni yellows which you can adjust to their softest setting. When it comes to shocks Koni will never be beaten.

Cheers all.

I'm gonna stick with the 18's and go for some non-RF rubber next week and take it from there.
Will FSD offer more than the yellows? Is FSD likely to be a lot more expensive?
If I change the shocks to after market (as opposed to normal Cooper) do I need to declare on the insurance?

Thanks again!

I think that might be the right way to go. I have driven totally slammed cars riding on 18-19" wheels and that is no problem unless you are really sensitive. This is a drivers car after all. And yes, roads in Sweden are just as bad as in the UK, if not worse.

Both the Koni FSD’s and Koni Yellow’s are very similarly priced. (Koni FSD’s are not out yet! Despite there being a part number for them the head of Koni UK has told me they have not been made yet. I think you’ll have a longer wait than the end of January that was mention in previous posts. Who knows! It seems that those that should know don’t!) They were both developed for different reasons. The Koni FSD’s were developed for comfort and Koni recommend sticking with standard springs. However, if you decide to use lowering springs which many have done on this forum DO NOT exceed 30mm as you could end up destroying them! The Koni FSD’s have no adjustment just like the standard shocks. The Koni yellows on the other hand are more of a sport orientated product. The yellows have adjustable dampening. They can also be used with stock springs but I would recommend the softest setting with them. It really depends on what you are using the car for.

You should always declare aftermarket parts on your car to your insurer! However, I really much doubt your premium will rise if you were to install these.

For the moment though Koni Yellows are your only option.

The Koni's will always be an improvement over stock on the Mini's!

If I change the shocks to after market (as opposed to normal Cooper) do I need to declare on the insurance?


Yep, and don't forget to tell them your changing to non runflats also...

Yep, and don't forget to tell them your changing to non runflats also...

Of course.

NOOBIE ALERT:)

Hi

I have recently bought a 2006 R56 MCS running on standard suspension on 18"s (R105's) with Dunlop Runflats.


I wasn't aware there was a 2006 model R56 unless you mean an early build 2007...

I wasn't aware there was a 2006 model R56 unless you mean an early build 2007...
There are over 60 users whose MINI Profiles indicate build dates in October, November and December 2006.

I wasn't aware there was a 2006 model R56 unless you mean an early build 2007...

UK and Europe at least got it from Oct 06, I think the US market got it a little later.

My missus has the sports suspension on 17s (R56) and I have the standard suspension on 18s (R56). We both have run flats. Her ride is so much better. It's definately the run flats. I find the standard suspension quite soft. There's quite a bit of lean in corners and acceleration and braking. I'm very tempted to go for the JCW suspension and 16s. I think that's what the piston head guy has and he says it's awesome.

My missus has the sports suspension on 17s (R56) and I have the standard suspension on 18s (R56). We both have run flats. Her ride is so much better. It's definately the run flats. I find the standard suspension quite soft. There's quite a bit of lean in corners and acceleration and braking. I'm very tempted to go for the JCW suspension and 16s. I think that's what the piston head guy has and he says it's awesome.

I can give you a bit of input on that this weekend as I'll be getting the car back from the dealer with the JCW suspension installed and it will be running on 16" winter wheels (RFT).

I run the 18" R105s with Michelin Pilot Sport non runflat tyres on my S and the ride is so much better than my wifes Clubman S with the 17" webspokes and runflat tyres.

I would say, change the tyres first before you make any drastic changes to your MINI and see how you get on.

If it wasn't for the missus I would change to non-run flats today. She uses the car sometimes and I'd not forgive myself if she got a flat whilst driving my car and had to fiddle around in the wet/dark with the AA/ can of tyre weld. It's not an option for me.

There are over 60 users whose MINI Profiles indicate build dates in October, November and December 2006.

UK and Europe at least got it from Oct 06, I think the US market got it a little later.

while they may have been sold in 06 they are 2007 models. That's what I meant by early build 07.

So the first comment was a bit confusing - a 2006 R56. Is the model year wrong or the model number? It makes a difference. To confuser matters even more he bought it pre-owned and said he was new to MINI so he might not realize the differences.

while they may have been sold in 06 they are 2007 models. That's what I meant by early build 07.

So the first comment was a bit confusing - a 2006 R56. Is the model year wrong or the model number? It makes a difference. To confuser matters even more he bought it pre-owned and said he was new to MINI so he might not realize the differences.
The term "model year" isn't particularly meaningful outside the US. As a matter of fact, the VIN of an European spec MINI carries no "model year" designation. UK posters often make reference to their "Reg". In order to avoid confusion, posters should provide the Build Date (http://www.mini2.com/forum/faq.php?faq=new_faq_item#faq_faq_build_date) (year and month) when asking questions.

The term "model year" isn't particularly meaningful outside the US. As a matter of fact, the VIN of an European spec MINI carries no "model year" designation. UK posters often make reference to their "Reg". In order to avoid confusion, posters should provide the Build Date (http://www.mini2.com/forum/faq.php?faq=new_faq_item#faq_faq_build_date) (year and month) when asking questions.

Thanks for clearing that up. Unless they do VINS completely different from the US the number just before the two letters in your VIN should show the year model of the MINI.

Thanks for clearing that up. Unless they do VINS completely different from the US the number just before the two letters in your VIN should show the year model of the MINI.
Nope ... the "Model Year" digit is "0" on Euro spec cars.

Nope ... the "Model Year" digit is "0" on Euro spec cars.

wow. thanks!