[Dave]

Don't think this quote makes me feel any better:

Jack Pitney: "The quality issue in the IQS report said we had a harsh ride. You know, we do. Beginning this month we changed the oil in the shock absorbers which has a dramatic effect on the compliance of the suspension system. We're real serious about quality and we're keeping an eye on it."


Dave

[Dave]

How does a consumer "fix" BMW's screw-up? Please keep this at the top

ps call them and let tem know what you think

(800) 831-1117 (press 3 then 2)

[obehave]

OK? It's been almost 2 months and I don't hear a lot of whining about how bad these new shocks are.
All the panicy people settled down now?

[Paul]

Quote:

Originally posted by obehave
OK? It's been almost 2 months and I don't hear a lot of whining about how bad these new shocks are.
All the panicy people settled down now?

Ahhh! PANIC!!!!

My new S will have the new 'Lincoln' ride shocks! Aaaaah!

OK, so I'm not worried. Sorry.

[tavis1]

Quote:

Originally posted by Hankshanker
I agree with Casey that it's important that our collective voice should be heard. I gather that's exactly what prompted MINI to modify the suspension in the first place. Some of those owners who complained about the jittery ride must be around here somewhere.

I guess my biggest issue is with passing judgment on a product sight unseen. This issue is so subjective and the difference will likely be so subtle, I think it's a little early for conclusive opinions. When I saw some of the comments on the message boards and in the petition, I was amazed at the impassioned objections to the "feel" of a new suspension that has not been driven by a single one of us. There's got to be some snickering around the water cooler over at MINI Division over this one. Can we really imagine a suspension without even the slightest room for improvement? If so, this would be unprecedented in the automotive industry. Is our sensitivity to the viscosity of shock absorber oil so acute that the slightest deviation from MINI's serendipitous perfect blend will send us running for a Ford Focus? Can you imagine if every enhancement were met with such a backlash? Our tires would still be made of wood!

I can understand how some may be put off because they were caught in the transition, but this whole idea of the MINI becoming "soft and mushy" is ludicrous to me. Do you really think BMW would pull such a stunt, O ye of little faith? If you're truly concerned about insufficient jitter, choose your tires carefully!

I say just wait and see, then decide. One man's go-cart is another man's rattle trap.

Well stated
Tavis1

[Humourl3ss]

Sorry to bring this one back from the dea, but I'm curious. Why did this controversy die down so quickly? Was this much ado about nothing, with the ride improved without sacrificing handling?

-CW

[Dark Silver S]

Tempest in a teapot. My guess is that those who were quick to cry had not actually driven both versions. Shame about that, makes Mini owners look bad.

[NEMINI]

Much ado about nothing ... I'd wager a guess it died down because those who knee-jerked realised they erred and do not want to own up to knee-jerking.
Had Mr. Pitney never mentioned the change at all I bet no one would have noticed there was a change with the posible exception of newer S owners disagreeing with how harsh the ride is compared to older owners.

[Humourl3ss]

Ah, as I suspected.

Honestly though, I can't blame people too much. If you love the car, you're no doubt loathe to see things changed. Human nature at work.

-CW

[MINIALEX]

The people in charge of MINI are not idiots, they're not likely to destroy MINI's handling are they?!

If they can provide the same handling with a better ride - go for it, just my opinion.

[rob_lewis]

Well, as the guy that started the petition.....

I'd say some was knee jerk. My Cooper drives great. Probably wouldn't have been able to tell the difference, anyway. It was 6 weeks between my test drive and my new car.

I WILL say this, however. The main reason it bothered me was that, initially, MINI USA said it was for the U.S. market, only. Indicating that we didn't want cornering performance, we instead wanted a plush ride. Once they announced it was world-wide, I calmed down.

I guess I was just too hot-headed and passionate.

-Rob

[David-MCS]

I just received my MCS about 4 weeks ago; hence, it has the newer suspension calibration. When I first drove the car, I was shocked. NOT because it was so watered down... but rather because it was so FIRM; especially at certain frequencies.

Now, before I get the letters about "should've bought a Crown Vic", etc, let me clarify a few things. EVERY car I've bought in the last two decades had the suspension modified to some degree; usually (like my Golf VR6) to make a "flacid" suspension so that it would handle reasonably well (Bilstein PSS-9 coil-overs). I can now say with a straight face that the "soft" MINI Cooper S is the FIRST car I've ever driven that I didn't think was too "soft", right from the dealer. In fact, on one stretch of Hwy 1 in California (below Big Sur), I hit a section of "washboard" asphalt, and the whole car went into harmonic resonance until I slowed down a bit. The panel below the steering wheel fell into my lap, the glove box door opened; I thought for a minute I'd lost a wheel or hit a rock! Especially only feet away from a 300 foot drop to the Pacific Ocean!

Don't get me wrong. I'm not asking for the car to be softened up. But, if you intend to drive it on the STREET it doesn't need to be much STIFFER!

(ps: ...happy with the handling; but I now "dodge" imperfections in the road! ...and still may eventually try one of the "adjustable" suspension setups.)

[NEMINI]

Quote: Originally Posted by David-MCS

(ps: ...happy with the handling; but I now "dodge" imperfections in the road! ...)

Thats my favorite game!!!!! Nothing like a game of 'Dodge the Potholes' to liven up a boring drive

[GregF]

Quote: Originally Posted by GMINI03

Thats my favorite game!!!!! Nothing like a game of 'Dodge the Potholes' to liven up a boring drive

Yeah, I find myself moving around within my lane quite a bit, avoiding holes and bumps, and wonder what drivers around me must be thinking. I guess even a cop could pull me over if he suspects I've had a few too many.