MINI2

johnD · Dec 2nd, 2003, 12:17 AM

Does anyone have expeience regarding the difference of the 2002 shocks as compare to the softer 2003 shocks? I'm getting pretty tired of the bumpy ride of my mcs, if the differnce is really noticable I might swap my shocks to the softer set.

Paul · Dec 2nd, 2003, 09:26 AM

I've had both on my Cooper Ss. The new shocks for me are a real let down. The car wallows more, bottoms out on country roads it never used to, and generally is a less firm, but less assured ride than it was on the previous shocks. Feels much more 'normal', but in my eyes it's a bad move. And I'm not alone.

LMB · Dec 2nd, 2003, 10:31 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett

I've had both on my Cooper Ss. The new shocks for me are a real let down. The car wallows more, bottoms out on country roads it never used to, and generally is a less firm, but less assured ride than it was on the previous shocks. Feels much more 'normal', but in my eyes it's a bad move. And I'm not alone.

I second what Paul's said. I personally loved the 'old' suspension set up. Yes it was firm but I liked it that way. I find the new suspension doesn't give the car the same road holding presence that the old S had, especially at high speeds. I am seriously considering buying some coilovers to resolve the problem.

Washy · Dec 2nd, 2003, 10:34 AM

Totally agree with both views above. the handling does not seem as crisp on my latest one.

johnD · Dec 2nd, 2003, 12:59 PM

Oooooooh!! I thought they (MINI) said that it wouldn't affect the handling characteristics of the car. Hmm, I guess I'll just keep mine on and suck up the crashy ride coz I love how it handles right now. Thanks for the input!!

MINIALEX · Dec 2nd, 2003, 10:01 PM

Is it just me or does it understeer more than before?

Brain · Dec 2nd, 2003, 10:08 PM

If anyone really wants the 2002 shocks, I have the ones I took off my car at <10,000 miles and replaced with KW coil overs. I might be willing to sell them. BTW KWs handle better and ride smoother than stock shocks.

Brain

Dreamin · Dec 2nd, 2003, 11:16 PM

I guess i'm the dissenting vote... but I love the '03 shocks vs. the '02 shocks.

First, a very noticable improvement in ride quality. I no longer steer around every manhole cover, small pothole, and pebble on the road... driving over those, you feel nothing. And I can actually drive on expansion-joint highways without getting neckaches!

Handling is hurt a bit, but HMO not that much in spirited street driving...haven't tracked the car w/the 03 shocks... but highway onramps/offramps can be taken at the same speed before the tires break loose; speeds through some back-road switch-backs is down just a bit... at the limit I do feel a little more understeer. But it feels like I can apply power a hair earlier coming out of turns... And steering is still razor-sharp.

The car does wallow more on high speed straights... but again, i didn't notice that big of a difference in turn-based handling.

I think it totally depends on your roads... every highway i travel on is full of expansion-joints... I found myself choosing to drive my '95 nissan pickup over the mini because of ride-quality. So if ride-quality is *really* bothering you... change the shocks... you'll be ok with any handling compromises...and will love the ride; if you can live with your current ride quality... dont bother changing, save your money.

But I for one *love* my MCS ride now, thanks totally to the '03 shocks.

Paul · Dec 2nd, 2003, 11:53 PM

And that's the difference. I love the MINI for fun on the twisty a and b roads, I expect to pay with a little more rumble and bump, but now the twisties are not as fun, and motorway journeys are just that little more boring.

It really does depend on where and how you drive as to what will suit you best, but I think (especially for a set up called Sports Suspension Plus) it's now too soft, and too wallowy.

I think a better thing would have been for the 'S' to come with SS+ as we know it as standard, and a different 'Comfort' suspension option made available for those that want it/would benifit, maybe the opposite being true on the Cooper/One/Diesel.

Ah well.

Dreamin, did you get a new 'S', or did you get your shocks changed at some point to the newer suspension?

LMB · Dec 3rd, 2003, 12:33 AM

Again I second what Paul has said.

Basically with my old S I would take bends at ridiculous speeds confident it'd hold the road - with this new set up I don't quite have the same confidence.

iDiaz · Dec 3rd, 2003, 04:47 AM

Wait a minute. I remember when the shocks were changed over to the softer version, most people here on MINI2 were saying they weren't much different at all from the original shocks.

I test drove an MCS with the 2002 suspension and loved the firm ride. I'm picking up my 2004 MCS in the next 2-3 weeks, and now you've got me worried that my MINI won't feel so connected to the road!

David-MCS · Dec 3rd, 2003, 04:49 AM

Wow, folks. I have a 2003 MCS with the 17" wheels; Since the new shocks were introduced on Mini's around March '03, I presume I have the "softer" shocks. If this is true, then I wouldn't even get CLOSE to the "harder" shocks. With my setup I DO have to steer around pot holes, large pebbles, and ANY rough road surfaces. On one washboard stretch of Highway 1 (near Big Sur), the entire lower dash panel fell off, the glove box opened, and I thought I'd lost a wheel! On smooth roads it handles like a go-kart; but I REALLY have to steer clear of rough roads and "bumps"... things that I wouldn't even THINK about in my Golf VR6 (with Bilstein PSS-9 adjustable coilovers).
I've been thinking about coilovers, myself, only because I don't think the suspension could get any harsher. And, did I mention that it's beating the crap out of the car. I'm starting to get a number of squeaks & rattles in the doors and the dash. Love the car; GOT to do something with that suspension harshness.

(ps: this is the first car I've EVER HAD that I didn't immediately modify for additional "firming up" of the suspension. Maybe I have the "old" shocks?!)

iDiaz · Dec 3rd, 2003, 05:12 AM

Music to my ears, David. =D Well, aside from the dash panel falling off.

Hey, I'm in Manhattan Beach, by the way. Keep an eye out for a new Indi Blue in the coming weeks!

Paul · Dec 3rd, 2003, 07:58 AM

My first 'S' (March '03) had the old suspension, new 'S', July '03, new suspension.

milliethemini · Dec 3rd, 2003, 08:10 AM

David-MCS,

From the other threads about this topic on MINI2, it would appear that the changeover to the new shocks (on all MINIs built for the worldwide market) started from May 1st, 2003. You may very well have the old shocks on your MCS.

Paul · Dec 3rd, 2003, 08:12 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by milliethemini

David-MCS,

From the other threads about this topic on MINI2, it would appear that the changeover to the new shocks (on all MINIs built for the worldwide market) started from May 1st, 2003. You may very well have the old shocks on your MCS.

That sounds right, yes.

johnD · Dec 3rd, 2003, 09:02 AM

Brain:

What kind of KW's do you have on your car? So you say that they ride and drive better than the stock setup? Hmm....this could be my solution. What kind of roads do oyu drive on? What I drive on are roads similar to the roads of manhattan, if you've ever been there.

lusomini · Dec 3rd, 2003, 05:34 PM

My was build on Dec 02/Jan 03 and has the old shocks. Haven't really tried the softer suspension setup but it doesn't make sense to tame down a small sportscar like the MCS. Want softness buy a Golf or a Vectra...

Dreamin · Dec 4th, 2003, 04:10 AM

Quote:

Dreamin, did you get a new 'S', or did you get your shocks changed at some point to the newer suspension?

'02 car, 03 shocks...
some info here: http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?t=41230
(I never got around to writing a review).

And David-MCS has a July car.

I wish some mag would do a handling test of an '02 vs '03 car... skidpad, slalom, etc. It would be interesting to know which setup is objectively faster... case in point, Cheby has softened the shocks on the Z06 twice in the last 4 years, each time handling improved, but subjectively drivers were unhappy. Not that I'm suggesting an '03 MCS will outhandling an '02, in this case i do think the '02 will win... but it would be revealing to know how close the numbers are. (FWIW, the Mini's ride quality is much harsher than a Z06!)

B4d4Bing · Dec 4th, 2003, 10:55 PM

would changing the springs for firmer ones make the 2003 feel like th 2002?

cos that is nice and cheap to do ish...ac schnizer here i come!

Dec 2nd, 2003, 12:17 AM	#1
johnD MINI2 Senior Join Date: Aug 2003 Local Time: 04:54 PM Posts: 349 Offline	2002 shocks vs. 2003 shocks Does anyone have expeience regarding the difference of the 2002 shocks as compare to the softer 2003 shocks? I'm getting pretty tired of the bumpy ride of my mcs, if the differnce is really noticable I might swap my shocks to the softer set.

Dec 2nd, 2003, 10:31 AM	#3 (permalink)
LMB Toon Toon.. <div><a href= Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Up North Local Time: 09:54 AM Posts: 24,895 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett I've had both on my Cooper Ss. The new shocks for me are a real let down. The car wallows more, bottoms out on country roads it never used to, and generally is a less firm, but less assured ride than it was on the previous shocks. Feels much more 'normal', but in my eyes it's a bad move. And I'm not alone. I second what Paul's said. I personally loved the 'old' suspension set up. Yes it was firm but I liked it that way. I find the new suspension doesn't give the car the same road holding presence that the old S had, especially at high speeds. I am seriously considering buying some coilovers to resolve the problem. Global Moderator

Dec 2nd, 2003, 10:34 AM	#4 (permalink)
Washy 1151bhp/tonne Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Northampton Local Time: 09:54 AM Posts: 18,320 Offline	Totally agree with both views above. the handling does not seem as crisp on my latest one. Black to the future....

Dec 2nd, 2003, 10:01 PM	#6 (permalink)
MINIALEX MINI2 Master Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: LEICESTERSHIRE Local Time: 09:54 AM Posts: 1,077 Offline	Is it just me or does it understeer more than before? Cometh the Hour, Cometh the MINI

Dec 2nd, 2003, 10:08 PM	#7 (permalink)
Brain MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Alabama Local Time: 08:54 AM Posts: 134 Offline	If anyone really wants the 2002 shocks, I have the ones I took off my car at <10,000 miles and replaced with KW coil overs. I might be willing to sell them. BTW KWs handle better and ride smoother than stock shocks. Brain MCS Liquid Yellow / Black

MINI2

Fuel for your MINI obsession

Discussions concerning the Cooper S

Today
Sponsors	Sponsored Links Registered members do not see Google Ads posts, they can also post messages, pictures, and classified adverts. Register your free account today and become a member of MINI2 - MINI Forum

Dec 2nd, 2003, 09:26 AM	#2 (permalink)
Paul Trained Monkey My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 09:54 AM Posts: 40,710 Online	I've had both on my Cooper Ss. The new shocks for me are a real let down. The car wallows more, bottoms out on country roads it never used to, and generally is a less firm, but less assured ride than it was on the previous shocks. Feels much more 'normal', but in my eyes it's a bad move. And I'm not alone.

Dec 2nd, 2003, 12:59 PM	#5 (permalink)
johnD MINI2 Senior Join Date: Aug 2003 Local Time: 04:54 PM Posts: 349 Offline	Oooooooh!! I thought they (MINI) said that it wouldn't affect the handling characteristics of the car. Hmm, I guess I'll just keep mine on and suck up the crashy ride coz I love how it handles right now. Thanks for the input!!

Dec 2nd, 2003, 11:16 PM	#8 (permalink)
Dreamin MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: No. Calif Local Time: 01:54 AM Posts: 133 Offline	I guess i'm the dissenting vote... but I love the '03 shocks vs. the '02 shocks. First, a very noticable improvement in ride quality. I no longer steer around every manhole cover, small pothole, and pebble on the road... driving over those, you feel nothing. And I can actually drive on expansion-joint highways without getting neckaches! Handling is hurt a bit, but HMO not that much in spirited street driving...haven't tracked the car w/the 03 shocks... but highway onramps/offramps can be taken at the same speed before the tires break loose; speeds through some back-road switch-backs is down just a bit... at the limit I do feel a little more understeer. But it feels like I can apply power a hair earlier coming out of turns... And steering is still razor-sharp. The car does wallow more on high speed straights... but again, i didn't notice that big of a difference in turn-based handling. I think it totally depends on your roads... every highway i travel on is full of expansion-joints... I found myself choosing to drive my '95 nissan pickup over the mini because of ride-quality. So if ride-quality is really bothering you... change the shocks... you'll be ok with any handling compromises...and will love the ride; if you can live with your current ride quality... dont bother changing, save your money. But I for one love my MCS ride now, thanks totally to the '03 shocks.

Dec 2nd, 2003, 11:53 PM	#9 (permalink)
Paul Trained Monkey My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 09:54 AM Posts: 40,710 Online	And that's the difference. I love the MINI for fun on the twisty a and b roads, I expect to pay with a little more rumble and bump, but now the twisties are not as fun, and motorway journeys are just that little more boring. It really does depend on where and how you drive as to what will suit you best, but I think (especially for a set up called Sports Suspension Plus) it's now too soft, and too wallowy. I think a better thing would have been for the 'S' to come with SS+ as we know it as standard, and a different 'Comfort' suspension option made available for those that want it/would benifit, maybe the opposite being true on the Cooper/One/Diesel. Ah well. Dreamin, did you get a new 'S', or did you get your shocks changed at some point to the newer suspension?

Dec 3rd, 2003, 12:33 AM	#10 (permalink)
LMB Toon Toon.. <div><a href= Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Up North Local Time: 09:54 AM Posts: 24,895 Offline	Again I second what Paul has said. Basically with my old S I would take bends at ridiculous speeds confident it'd hold the road - with this new set up I don't quite have the same confidence. Global Moderator

Dec 3rd, 2003, 04:47 AM	#11 (permalink)
iDiaz TEAM MIGHTY MINIZ Join Date: May 2003 Location: Los Angeles, CA Local Time: 01:54 AM Posts: 129 Offline	Wait a minute. I remember when the shocks were changed over to the softer version, most people here on MINI2 were saying they weren't much different at all from the original shocks. I test drove an MCS with the 2002 suspension and loved the firm ride. I'm picking up my 2004 MCS in the next 2-3 weeks, and now you've got me worried that my MINI won't feel so connected to the road! http://www.teammightyminiz.com/misc/...ewsigsmall.jpg

Dec 3rd, 2003, 04:49 AM	#12 (permalink)
David-MCS MINI2 Regular Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Redondo Beach, CA Local Time: 01:54 AM Posts: 79 Offline	Wow, folks. I have a 2003 MCS with the 17" wheels; Since the new shocks were introduced on Mini's around March '03, I presume I have the "softer" shocks. If this is true, then I wouldn't even get CLOSE to the "harder" shocks. With my setup I DO have to steer around pot holes, large pebbles, and ANY rough road surfaces. On one washboard stretch of Highway 1 (near Big Sur), the entire lower dash panel fell off, the glove box opened, and I thought I'd lost a wheel! On smooth roads it handles like a go-kart; but I REALLY have to steer clear of rough roads and "bumps"... things that I wouldn't even THINK about in my Golf VR6 (with Bilstein PSS-9 adjustable coilovers). I've been thinking about coilovers, myself, only because I don't think the suspension could get any harsher. And, did I mention that it's beating the crap out of the car. I'm starting to get a number of squeaks & rattles in the doors and the dash. Love the car; GOT to do something with that suspension harshness. (ps: this is the first car I've EVER HAD that I didn't immediately modify for additional "firming up" of the suspension. Maybe I have the "old" shocks?!) ...David-MCS

Dec 3rd, 2003, 05:12 AM	#13 (permalink)
iDiaz TEAM MIGHTY MINIZ Join Date: May 2003 Location: Los Angeles, CA Local Time: 01:54 AM Posts: 129 Offline	Music to my ears, David. =D Well, aside from the dash panel falling off. Hey, I'm in Manhattan Beach, by the way. Keep an eye out for a new Indi Blue in the coming weeks! http://www.teammightyminiz.com/misc/...ewsigsmall.jpg

Dec 3rd, 2003, 07:58 AM	#14 (permalink)
Paul Trained Monkey My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 09:54 AM Posts: 40,710 Online	My first 'S' (March '03) had the old suspension, new 'S', July '03, new suspension.

Dec 3rd, 2003, 08:10 AM	#15 (permalink)
milliethemini Rep withdrawal sucks..... Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Vancouver, BC,Canada Local Time: 01:54 AM Posts: 1,091 Offline	David-MCS, From the other threads about this topic on MINI2, it would appear that the changeover to the new shocks (on all MINIs built for the worldwide market) started from May 1st, 2003. You may very well have the old shocks on your MCS.

Dec 3rd, 2003, 08:12 AM	#16 (permalink)
Paul Trained Monkey My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 09:54 AM Posts: 40,710 Online	Quote: Originally Posted by milliethemini David-MCS, From the other threads about this topic on MINI2, it would appear that the changeover to the new shocks (on all MINIs built for the worldwide market) started from May 1st, 2003. You may very well have the old shocks on your MCS. That sounds right, yes.

Dec 3rd, 2003, 09:02 AM	#17 (permalink)
johnD MINI2 Senior Join Date: Aug 2003 Local Time: 04:54 PM Posts: 349 Offline	Brain: What kind of KW's do you have on your car? So you say that they ride and drive better than the stock setup? Hmm....this could be my solution. What kind of roads do oyu drive on? What I drive on are roads similar to the roads of manhattan, if you've ever been there.

Dec 3rd, 2003, 05:34 PM	#18 (permalink)
lusomini MINI2 Regular Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Portugal, Oporto Local Time: 09:54 AM Posts: 195 Offline	My was build on Dec 02/Jan 03 and has the old shocks. Haven't really tried the softer suspension setup but it doesn't make sense to tame down a small sportscar like the MCS. Want softness buy a Golf or a Vectra... www.vivapets.com - the global online pet community!

Dec 4th, 2003, 04:10 AM	#19 (permalink)
Dreamin MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: No. Calif Local Time: 01:54 AM Posts: 133 Offline	Quote: Dreamin, did you get a new 'S', or did you get your shocks changed at some point to the newer suspension? '02 car, 03 shocks... some info here: http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?t=41230 (I never got around to writing a review). And David-MCS has a July car. I wish some mag would do a handling test of an '02 vs '03 car... skidpad, slalom, etc. It would be interesting to know which setup is objectively faster... case in point, Cheby has softened the shocks on the Z06 twice in the last 4 years, each time handling improved, but subjectively drivers were unhappy. Not that I'm suggesting an '03 MCS will outhandling an '02, in this case i do think the '02 will win... but it would be revealing to know how close the numbers are. (FWIW, the Mini's ride quality is much harsher than a Z06!)

Dec 4th, 2003, 10:55 PM	#20 (permalink)
B4d4Bing MINI2 Resident Doctor!! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Glasgow Local Time: 08:54 AM Posts: 587 Offline	would changing the springs for firmer ones make the 2003 feel like th 2002? cos that is nice and cheap to do ish...ac schnizer here i come! MY MINI WAS A: 03 Chilli Red White Cooper S I'VE HAD IN BETWEEN: BMW Z4 2.5 V6, Golf GTi 2.0T DSG AND I'M BACK TO: 04 Dark Silver Mini cooper S

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Used Shocks	sranderle	Suspension	0	Mar 26th, 2007 02:38 AM
Shocks	MarkW19	Suspension	19	Feb 16th, 2006 04:59 PM
'04 shocks vs. '03	Motorsportman 3	MINI Cooper S	10	Dec 23rd, 2003 12:16 AM
Do I have a problem with my shocks?	Aggie_Devil	Faults & Fixes	1	Dec 8th, 2003 08:12 PM
FS: MCS '02 Shocks	Dreamin	For Sale	1	Oct 26th, 2003 09:44 PM