Are they all as bad?

[Hartge220]

Quote: Originally Posted by shiku84 (original)

Well lads i think BMW has done a ***** job with the all the mini range. I don't know where they are build but i can tell ya not in germany for sure. After having german cars for almost all my life i thought of buying a mini. Worst decision i have ever made.

So did you buy one or are you still 'thinking' of buying one???

[mogart]

I got my Clubman to downsize to save o fuel, but can honestly say that the ride quality is better than the c-class merc I traded it in for.......but neither is as good as the Smart Roadster I used to have! I guess like the MX5 when you have a super low CofG you can run more compliant roll stiffness and softer springs. After all you want the tyres to follow the road not move the whole car up and down on it.
The Merc was ridiculously hard with 17" rims not helping I guess, and just too tiring after a long run leaving you not wanting to go far in it. I tried a 320dMsport & an Insignia SRi (on 18's) and thought they were also too firm, drove the Clubman and was pleasantly surprised. We have a mini Hatch too in the family which also rides nicely on super skinny 175 tyres (why any more!!!)
I am totally with James May on his anti - tuned - in the Nurburgring - suspension set up. So many cars today are way to compromised on ride (eg Seat Leon I drove to Brum once, dreaded going home in it)
I have a 95 M3 and an E30 318is as toys, and even the M3 rides reasonably well. The E30 sublime in comparison!!

So I think the Clubman is pretty good by todays standards.