[Minihabit]

Wife has decided to trade her MCS Conv for a Clubman Cooper D.

The spec is pretty comprehensive but, having had the fun with the Cooper S she didn't go for the sports suspension, as the new car is for more general use.

Before we go final on the spec, does anyone have any feedback on a Clubman (non-S) on sports suspension with 16" alloys? ie comfort vs handling etc

Thanks

Brian

[dlpruk]

I didn't go for sports suspension on my Clubman D and am glad as it's firm enough for general driving without - assuming you get the Chilli pack with 16s and run-flats.

(The full spec of mine is in my profile - and I wouldn't change a thing!)

[Minihabit]

Thanks for that,

That was our thought. She test drove a Clubman Cooper S, and a Cooper D (to get the feel for the clubman vs her S conv and the new diesel as a car).

It has the chilli pack and 16'sn plus a few other bits. Disappointed there was no harmon Kardon but we opted for :

hifi pack
vis pack
chrome line int/ext
heated front seats
piano black int
PDC
xenon
bluetooth with USB
Sport Button
heated mirrors/washers

Oh and its BRG with black pillars

can anyone clarify what the storage compartment pack consists of?

[dlpruk]

Brian,

What a fine colour choice! With Tuscan Beige I assume?

Quoting from the brochure about that pack:

The storage package includes a storage compartment in the instrument panel on the passenger side (neat and useful for CDs and such) and a storage net in the front passenger footwell (that I've not found a use for yet as it isn't big enough for a pub guide!), a 12v socket in the boot (presumably for charging lap-tops but I've not used it yet) a boot-floor net, an umbrella holder (consisting of two rubber straps under the folding section of the flat floor and well hidden to keep your brolly as inaccessible as possible!) a luggage hook and a collapsible box (very handy for shopping.)

It's a useful option but I wouldn't miss it as much as I would miss my MFSW - for the cruise control especially - so that might be a useful addition to your spec, IMHO.

[M111 CGC]

The net in the passenger footwell is perfect for storing an ipod if you connect it using the USB port you get with the Bluetooth option. The BMW Ipod lead for USB is very short and connects under the centre console so the net is a perfect location for the ipod to go.

I agree that sports suspension is probably not required on a Clubman Cooper D, the handling is just right with the standard suspension and 16" wheels.

Chris

[Minihabit]

Thanks thats what we thought it was but it was one of the small details we didn't check, but saw it in the showroom...

Ah!,

Missed that out she has the MFSW as well - it was the one regret on the MCSC, especially when you consider the new vs retro fit price, when you do a lot of motorway, the cruise is well worth it regardless of the size of the car.

Its BRG with black interior which is the same as our other clubman - the 1979 one......

[Derek J]

The sports suspension and button is a worthy attribute especially on a Diesel.......

.................. what roundabout ?

[clubmanlover]

Dont order the sports suspension whatever you do -- ruins the ride completely -- unless you enjoy even the smallest bumps forcing your teeth through your scull....

A mate is a tester for a major car mag and after trying all variants slated the sports sus on the clubman -- his view it turned a great car into a pain the a***

[JustACooperClubman]

My Clubman S has the standard supension and 16" Bridgespokes with Goodyear Excellence ROF tires. We are very happy with this setup. The car rides extremely comfortably, yet it displays the same tenacious handling ability MINIs are known for. My '05 R53 S has the sports suspension (Which was standard factory equipment on US spec R53 S) and it rides decidely harsher than the Clubman. Keep in mind, both cars have the same exact Goodyear Excellence ROF tires.

Unless you plan to do very agressive driving (Track, autocrossing, etc) you should be pretty happy going with the standard suspension and tires.

US spec Clubmans come with DSC and sport button standard. I highly recommend both.

[JustACooperClubman]

Quote: Originally Posted by M111 CGC (original)

The net in the passenger footwell is perfect for storing an ipod if you connect it using the USB port you get with the Bluetooth option. The BMW Ipod lead for USB is very short and connects under the centre console so the net is a perfect location for the ipod to go.

I agree that sports suspension is probably not required on a Clubman Cooper D, the handling is just right with the standard suspension and 16" wheels.

Chris

That is weird because the iPod connector in the R56, R55 is installed in the "hidden compartment" above the glovebox.

In the R53, the iPod connector cable was routed inside the glovebox.