Sports Suspension Plus or not?

[AJH3]

Hey all,

Am just finalising my order, for a new Cooper, i have opted for the S Spokes, and am undecided on SS+..... I heard that the ride is alot harder with SS+ and the S Spokes, so am a bit confused as of what to do, any opinions?

Cheers ;-)

[NEMINI]

opinions are too subjective, you'll get arguements from each side, best thing to do is test drive one at your dealers

[Ignatius J Reilly]

I went through this dilemma. I had a test car for a day with 17" wheels and SS+, and frankly I thought I was going to lose my fillings a couple of times. The CD player wasn't happy either. SS+ used to be standard on the Chilli pack, but BMW got so many complaints that they made it a no-cost option that you need to specify. That, to my mind, is telling.

I eventually went for 16" wheels and non-+ SS. Delivery in March (when the new plate comes in).

[ALD0]

I have SS+ And Have no probs with it.

[Claire Elise]

I have SS+ and its a hard ride but fun - however I did have an XR2i so nothing really compares in hardness of ride to which I have probably become immune!!

[DJC]

Hi, i have SS+ and 17" S Spokes, in my eyes you get a go kart feel to the car, some tramlining on bad roads, but on the whole i think it is worth it if you like that sort of ride. As others have said it is down to personal choice, but i say - Go For It ! Damian.

[NEMINI]

Quote: Originally Posted by DJC

Hi, i have SS+ and 17" S Spokes, in my eyes you get a go kart feel to the car, some tramlining on bad roads, but on the whole i think it is worth it if you like that sort of ride. As others have said it is down to personal choice, but i say - Go For It ! Damian.

I have SS and 16" 5 stars and can say the same thing

[snuffy]

um, I think if you're after a smooth ride; then go for the SS. If you're after handling, cornering at speed etc go for the SS+

[StevePSB]

Well, my last Cooper had 17"s and SS. My current Cooper has 17"s and SS+. The only difference I have noticed is a decent increase in roadholding.

Go for SS+.

[Robert Stancliff]

Lot's of opinions on this for sure. I can't imagine why anyone would want a stiffer ride than that provided by the standard suspension. The roads around my area are pretty rough and I don't think I'd care for the SS+. Maybe if you have glass smooth roads.

As was said earlier, try to test drive them both.

[Prowse]

I've tested Coopers with SS & 17" wheels and SS+ with 16" wheels. The cars feel VERY different. My personal suspension preference was with the SS+ as it reduces body roll on sharp corners.

In my opinion the main suspension difference comes when you play about with the tyres and wheels, the ride in the 17's is hard, too hard for my personal preference, wheras the 16's are more forgiving, give less road noise and apparently handle better (the car feels more like a BMW than a go-cart). The main reason for having the 17's is because they look great.

Bear in mind that the new SS+ is softer than the original SS+ which my car is fitted with. Also bear in mind that any comments from Cooper S drivers are based on a heavier car with a different weight distribution.

[SoggyCornFlakes]

It's been said and it really is ............... personal choice

I had the 16 5stars and SS on my first Cooper, now have 16 5stars and SS+ on my new Cooper - and it is a totally different drive. It is harsher, and on some roads you can really tell the difference, but it is sharper handling. If you're drving poor quality roads long distance it would be a pain IMO, but if in the main you're on normal roads and then just playing on the twisties come the weekends then SS+ is the one to have

[AJH3]

Thanks for all the advice
Ordered my Cooper yesterday in Chilli Red/White, waiting for the 04' plate in March now, so 3 months to wait

Have Opted for the SS with 17's but i may go along this weekend and take a test drive in a SS+ before its too late to change my order

Thanks again.