Sports suspension plus - MINI Cooper Forum

JohnnyC · #1 (**permalink**) Jan 29th, 2013, 09:03 PM

I've tried searching, nothing conclusive.

What *exactly* is 'sports suspension plus' on the gen1 ?

Lot's of rumours about thicker anti-roll bars, springs, dampers.

Anyone know for sure?

Caveman · #2 (**permalink**) Jan 29th, 2013, 09:24 PM

Sport Suspension has 22.5mm front and 16mm rear sway bars.

Sport Suspension Plus has 24mm front and 17mm rear sway bars.

JohnnyC · #3 (**permalink**) Jan 29th, 2013, 10:15 PM

Thank you, very precise there

Are those the only differences?
Same springs & dampers?

Caveman · #4 (**permalink**) Jan 29th, 2013, 10:37 PM

The RealOEM part numbers for front struts and rear shocks are dependent on suspension type so I assume they are "valved' differently.

I think spring rates are dependent on vehicle weight.

JohnnyC · #5 (**permalink**) Jan 30th, 2013, 10:38 PM

Excellent, thank you.

I was thinking of going for an alternate brand to OEM as I have very little faith in BMW suspension componenets.
Don't want to go down the 'modification' route for insurance reasons.
But saw that Bilstein B4's are 'OE spec', but am now confused as there's clearly more than one type or 'OE spec'!!!!

beken · #6 (**permalink**) Feb 8th, 2013, 07:06 PM

I think the springs and shock valving between sports suspension and SS+ are the same. The only difference were the anti-roll bars. The JCW suspension had shock valving matched to the weight (options) of the car and different springs which also lowered the ride height a bit.