[CaravanFan]

I picked up my Mini S recently and have really enjoyed. However, when driving on the highway at 70+ mph, the ride gets pretty rough if the road isn't perfect. It gets to the point where I can't clearly read the instrument panels. Is this just the side effect of the runflat tires? I test drove the car several times and didn't notice this. I did have it on the highway once but may not have hit a higher speed or was on smooth ground. What has anyone else experienced with this?

[LMB]

The ride isn't the smoothest on the S as is comes with sports suspension plus. The runflats don't help either. But it doesn't bother me, in fact I quite like it. You'll get used to it.

Congratulations on the new car and happy motoring.

[Cape Cod MINI]

The ride you are getting sounds quite extreme to me. Not good. I have an S with 17" Pirelli's, SS+ and run 40 psi in my tires and don't come close to anything you are describing. There was someone who reported that their dealer had neglected to remove the "shipping blocks" from the car which seriously altered the suspension and ride. Perhaps you should investigate this possibility.

[Tom F.]

CarvanFan: So what wheels and tires are you running, and what tire pressures? My 16s with Dunlops result in a very firm ride, but very rarely uncomfortable. Streets around here can be very bad,

[genXpawn]

we just picked up our IBW S yesterday. Took a drive up to Rockville in Maryland where lot's of cars seem to show off. Ride was a little rough, but it's something I'm used to. It's probably because of all the salt on the roads from the recent snow we just had. Still a blast to drive though

[CaravanFan]

My MCS has the stansdard Dunlop 16" all season runflat tires. I have not checked what the psi is.

What are the shipping blocks and how would they effect the suspension?

obehave, scary but our other car is a Grand Caravan too. The cooper must be the anti-van.

[podger]

Quote:

Originally posted by CaravanFan
What are the shipping blocks and how would they effect the suspension?

They are hard plastic blocks that stop the suspension moving....when I used to circuit race , I competed against a brand new Porche Cup Turbo car for two races before the driver (who had complained the suspension appeared hard) took it back to the dealer , who found that they had left them in after the PDI !!

The ride in your car does seem extreme ...check

[Pamlico]

Quote:

Originally posted by CaravanFan

What are the shipping blocks and how would they effect the suspension?

As mentioned, shipping blocks (actual name is 'chocks') are plastic spacers that are wedged into the front suspension. Apparently one reason they are used are to prevent the front end from slamming down when being rapidly driven onto the ship for transport. If they are still in place your suspension will essentially be prevented from doing it's job. You'll experience a very rough ride, handling will be negatively affected, and you car may seem to be sitting a little higher than it would normally.

Click here for a previous thread. Scroll down and look for a posting from MiniGuy for a description and how to spot them. (MiniGuy was an engineer at the Oxford factory).

[EBMCS03]

Quote:

Originally posted by CaravanFan
It gets to the point where I can't clearly read the instrument panels.

Hehehe sounds like you are driving a Porsche!!

[Pamlico]

Quote:

Originally posted by Pamlico


(MiniGuy was an engineer at the Oxford factory).

Sorry, need to watch my tenses. MiniGuy IS an engineer who until very recently used to work at the MINI factory in Oxford.

[rogerswt]

My S with 17" Dunlop runflats was stiff, but fine on decent roads. I did notice a major difference in ride quality when i put 15 inch wheels and conti all seasons on for the winter months here in st louis.


For me, the stiffer ride is worth it, but try the 15s if you find it too harsh. The car still handles incredibly well with the 15s and they are much lighter weight at each corner.