MINI2

camini · Oct 17th, 2003, 01:08 PM

I have a Cooper, first ride on Feb 2002 (built I thinkl november 2001).

Test driven a recent Cooper last weekend at BMW's with - the dealer says - the same spec as mine (SS+)
and..
It rocks like a boat (much softer suspension than mine), acceleration is linear/flat (no famous boost at 3900/4000).

Not half as fun as mine.
Is this the case for all new MINI Coopers?
I have friends drive mine that want to buy one, but as soon as they testdrive at the dealer their enthousiasm disappears..

I did read the suspension has changed and that early models were more powerful (Mine reads 123,7 and 126 with the cone air filter), but really, this new cooper handling is nothing like an improvement.
Why??

KenL · Oct 17th, 2003, 01:12 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by camini

I have a Cooper, first ride on Feb 2002 (built I thinkl november 2001).

Test driven a recent Cooper last weekend at BMW's with - the dealer says - the same spec as mine (SS+)
and..
It rocks like a boat (much softer suspension than mine), acceleration is linear/flat (no famous boost at 3900/4000).

Not half as fun as mine.
Is this the case for all new MINI Coopers?
I have friends drive mine that want to buy one, but as soon as they testdrive at the dealer their enthousiasm disappears..

I did read the suspension has changed and that early models were more powerful (Mine reads 123,7 and 126 with the cone air filter), but really, this new cooper handling is nothing like an improvement.
Why??

Well the suspension (SS+) has been softened slightly but is said not to affect the handling.

John Cooper was quoted in Evo magazine as having said that later Coopers are quicker than the earliest ones. Don't know why that should be the case though.

Was the one you test drove properly run in. My ONE is way quicker now with 16k miles than it was when it was on less miles.

Martin L · Oct 17th, 2003, 01:23 PM

I don't have a Cooper but an MCS on the new suspension set-up and it definately is duller then my old MCS.
It's like all character has been taken away. The car no longer feels alive.
Definately a change I don't approve

camini · Oct 19th, 2003, 05:50 PM

Indeed KenL, my MINI just got better and better up to about 30.000Km - now it's just great, delivering 126 on the dyno with an airfilter as only mod.
The MINI cooper I drove at the dealer was one of their own, I think one of their test models - so yes, I assume it was seriously broken (in) as well. 18.000 Km on the counter.

I just expected the boost at 4000 and nope, linear..

Thanks for the confirmation of suspension change - to both of you; I must admit I like mine far better, a little rough when the road is bad, but such good fun for all the rest.

So I guess I'll just hold on to my little 'classic' new MINI cooper

BartMack · Oct 19th, 2003, 06:28 PM

Mine is a July 03 build Cooper, it was done right before the suspension change.
I do feel a stong boost around 4k, but honestly I was interested in a review of the JCW Cooper package that is said to smooth that out- but it's not available in the US.

I don't have any intake mod yet, as I'm putting it in for an early oil change around 2500 miles (getting close now) then I'll decide which one, but I'm leaning toward PiperX.

I wasn't a MINI-know-it-all [yet]

when I ordered it, and I was thinking that SS+ was part of the US sport pack, but it's not- so I don't have SS+ like I thought at first, but that's ok too.
When I get back in a 'normal' car I'm always surprised how boat-like (most) US cars are. So I'd say even on a Monday this MINI ain't dull!

alfaman · Oct 21st, 2003, 06:34 PM

My Cooper is July 03 build too. It definitely has the boost at 4000rpm, it runs on SS, not SS+, but still feels very hard. I can't believe they've changed the spec to remove some of the fun, Why?

I'm just glad I got mine before the change!

smartbomb · Oct 21st, 2003, 09:13 PM

My Cooper is a March 02 build, with 17s and SS+. The ride is on the hard side of firm, but the trade off is worth it ! Can push it round the bends and it just hangs on. Did get the traction to kick in round a bend the other day !
Just an amazing car to drive !

SoggyCornFlakes · Oct 22nd, 2003, 07:43 AM

I went from August '02 build Cooper to an August '03 Cooper with prety much the same spec but had SS+ instead of SS on the new one. I found the ride totally different, it was like a different car but I found it better not worse.

With regard to power now I'm run in - 2500 miles - the car is loosening up nicely and is just as powerful, if not more so, than before - and it still has that 4000 rpm kick in

SteveBrass · Oct 22nd, 2003, 07:51 AM

April 03 build. Definite kick in the pants at 4000rpm. SS feels ok to me, but I've got no previous ride to compare it to.

randap · Oct 22nd, 2003, 08:33 AM

Maybe the demo car you had was running with Optimax fuel - I found this smoothed out the "blip" at 4000rpm. Or, with your different intake, you may have a more noticable "blip" than a standard car, and noticed that difference.

camini · Oct 23rd, 2003, 04:57 PM

Hmm, all happy cooper owners! I think that's what matters really!
And... there are no dull MINIs!! All, from my 850, 1100Special minis to my new MINI Cooper -> fantastic cars.

About the fuel, randap, here in Belgium we only seem to get unleaded 95 and unleaded 98 (which is what I use). I haven't found more than that yet, although I think there's a yellow brand that sells 99 can't remember which one.

The air filter did not really elmphasise the boost, just makes it more fun overalll

)

Now, if there are different types of suspensions, how can one identify it? I saw a thread about this ages ago, conc aftermarket springs and type identification, can't remember where or when.
Enjoy your MINI!

dansmini · Oct 23rd, 2003, 06:52 PM

The Cooper I test drove sucked. It drove like any other car you might drive. And this is coming from someone who had driven a 1989 s-10 pick-up for five years. But I still bought a Cooper, #1 because I needed a new vehicle desperately and #2 because I figured the test drive Cooper was probably run in like my grandma would run a car in. I think I was right, because my Cooper rocks, and I've run it in in an appropriate (4499 RPM

) fashion!

Loui · Oct 26th, 2003, 06:09 PM

My april 03 build cooper seems to roll a bit more than my march 02 build cooper but that can be sorted cant it

CooperS4us · Oct 29th, 2003, 04:05 AM

I love the new SS+ suspension setting in my new '04 MCS. It absorbs bumps and road dips much, much better than the Standard Suspension in my other '02 Cooper CVT. Those who say that the new suspension make the car rock like a "boat" need to spend some time in an American made Buick LeSabre...no comparison at all.

Claims that the new suspension tuning takes away characther from the MINI are pure and blatant exaggerations! My '04 MCS corners way flatter than the "Harder" tuned suspension in my '02 Cooper CVT with 15" Continental tires.

Aside from a better controlled ride I don't see the handling dynamics being changed radically from the old and new suspension tunings.

If you think the new suspension setting is soft, come and drive a Buick, oh and bring your barf bag in the process.

monica · Oct 29th, 2003, 02:50 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by CooperS4us

Those who say that the new suspension make the car rock like a "boat" need to spend some time in an American made Buick LeSabre...no comparison at all.

LOL. (well more like snicker). It's nice to see someone admit to driving big old AMerican steal. Seem like people outside the US drive lots of small cars that I am unfamiliar with or the Americans who seem to be suffering from a memory gap between 1979 to 2003 regarding there cars.

So how about it CooperS4us your Buick LeSabre against my mom's 1993 Ford Cougar.

CooperS4us · Oct 31st, 2003, 05:15 AM

Don't have a Buick and never owned one. I used to have a 2001 Impala LS which I sold 3 months ago to buy my new MCS. I had the factory sport suspension in the Impala and the car rode fairly firm for an American full size car. Very nice car. I am glad it found a new loving and happy home.

Oct 17th, 2003, 01:12 PM	#2 (permalink)
KenL MINI2 Master Join Date: May 2002 Location: Edinburgh Local Time: 10:03 AM Posts: 5,146 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by camini I have a Cooper, first ride on Feb 2002 (built I thinkl november 2001). Test driven a recent Cooper last weekend at BMW's with - the dealer says - the same spec as mine (SS+) and.. It rocks like a boat (much softer suspension than mine), acceleration is linear/flat (no famous boost at 3900/4000). Not half as fun as mine. Is this the case for all new MINI Coopers? I have friends drive mine that want to buy one, but as soon as they testdrive at the dealer their enthousiasm disappears.. I did read the suspension has changed and that early models were more powerful (Mine reads 123,7 and 126 with the cone air filter), but really, this new cooper handling is nothing like an improvement. Why?? Well the suspension (SS+) has been softened slightly but is said not to affect the handling. John Cooper was quoted in Evo magazine as having said that later Coopers are quicker than the earliest ones. Don't know why that should be the case though. Was the one you test drove properly run in. My ONE is way quicker now with 16k miles than it was when it was on less miles. Red/Black R56 Cooper

Oct 17th, 2003, 01:23 PM	#3 (permalink)
Martin L MINI defector Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Harefield Local Time: 10:03 AM Posts: 13,607 Offline	I don't have a Cooper but an MCS on the new suspension set-up and it definately is duller then my old MCS. It's like all character has been taken away. The car no longer feels alive. Definately a change I don't approve MINI, RX8 and MX5 - Done those............. It's now TTime Unofficial MINI2.com bean counter

Oct 21st, 2003, 06:34 PM	#6 (permalink)
alfaman MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: West Yorkshire Local Time: 10:03 AM Posts: 23 Offline	My Cooper is July 03 build too. It definitely has the boost at 4000rpm, it runs on SS, not SS+, but still feels very hard. I can't believe they've changed the spec to remove some of the fun, Why? I'm just glad I got mine before the change! Mini Cooper Black Solid / White - Sadly departed, waiting for R56 Cooper S.

Oct 22nd, 2003, 07:43 AM	#8 (permalink)
SoggyCornFlakes Awwww %%%% it! My Classifieds Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Northampton Local Time: 10:03 AM Posts: 31,668 Offline	I went from August '02 build Cooper to an August '03 Cooper with prety much the same spec but had SS+ instead of SS on the new one. I found the ride totally different, it was like a different car but I found it better not worse. With regard to power now I'm run in - 2500 miles - the car is loosening up nicely and is just as powerful, if not more so, than before - and it still has that 4000 rpm kick in Cotswolds 6, you sixy thing you, come join the fun MINI2 Charity Ball 2009 ....... Global Moderator

Oct 22nd, 2003, 07:51 AM	#9 (permalink)
SteveBrass MINI2 Senior My Classifieds Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: staffordshire (not a Local Time: 10:03 AM Posts: 381 Offline	April 03 build. Definite kick in the pants at 4000rpm. SS feels ok to me, but I've got no previous ride to compare it to. R56 AB Cooper

MINI2

Fuel for your MINI obsession

Discussions concerning the MINI Cooper

Oct 17th, 2003, 01:08 PM	#1
camini MINI2 Regular Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Brussels Local Time: 11:03 AM Posts: 194 Offline	Are new Coopers dull? I have a Cooper, first ride on Feb 2002 (built I thinkl november 2001). Test driven a recent Cooper last weekend at BMW's with - the dealer says - the same spec as mine (SS+) and.. It rocks like a boat (much softer suspension than mine), acceleration is linear/flat (no famous boost at 3900/4000). Not half as fun as mine. Is this the case for all new MINI Coopers? I have friends drive mine that want to buy one, but as soon as they testdrive at the dealer their enthousiasm disappears.. I did read the suspension has changed and that early models were more powerful (Mine reads 123,7 and 126 with the cone air filter), but really, this new cooper handling is nothing like an improvement. Why??

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

Oct 19th, 2003, 05:50 PM	#4 (permalink)
camini MINI2 Regular Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Brussels Local Time: 11:03 AM Posts: 194 Offline	Indeed KenL, my MINI just got better and better up to about 30.000Km - now it's just great, delivering 126 on the dyno with an airfilter as only mod. The MINI cooper I drove at the dealer was one of their own, I think one of their test models - so yes, I assume it was seriously broken (in) as well. 18.000 Km on the counter. I just expected the boost at 4000 and nope, linear.. Thanks for the confirmation of suspension change - to both of you; I must admit I like mine far better, a little rough when the road is bad, but such good fun for all the rest. So I guess I'll just hold on to my little 'classic' new MINI cooper

Oct 19th, 2003, 06:28 PM	#5 (permalink)
BartMack #1647 of 1960 Join Date: May 2003 Location: RS60ville Local Time: 05:03 AM Posts: 3,374 Offline	Mine is a July 03 build Cooper, it was done right before the suspension change. I do feel a stong boost around 4k, but honestly I was interested in a review of the JCW Cooper package that is said to smooth that out- but it's not available in the US. I don't have any intake mod yet, as I'm putting it in for an early oil change around 2500 miles (getting close now) then I'll decide which one, but I'm leaning toward PiperX. I wasn't a MINI-know-it-all [yet] when I ordered it, and I was thinking that SS+ was part of the US sport pack, but it's not- so I don't have SS+ like I thought at first, but that's ok too. When I get back in a 'normal' car I'm always surprised how boat-like (most) US cars are. So I'd say even on a Monday this MINI ain't dull!

Oct 21st, 2003, 09:13 PM	#7 (permalink)
smartbomb Bring the noise My Classifieds Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Trancentral Local Time: 09:03 AM Posts: 2,399 Offline	My Cooper is a March 02 build, with 17s and SS+. The ride is on the hard side of firm, but the trade off is worth it ! Can push it round the bends and it just hangs on. Did get the traction to kick in round a bend the other day ! Just an amazing car to drive !

Oct 22nd, 2003, 08:33 AM	#10 (permalink)
randap Hangin at the Krusty Krab My Classifieds Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Bikini Bottom Local Time: 10:03 AM Posts: 848 Offline	Maybe the demo car you had was running with Optimax fuel - I found this smoothed out the "blip" at 4000rpm. Or, with your different intake, you may have a more noticable "blip" than a standard car, and noticed that difference.

Oct 23rd, 2003, 04:57 PM	#11 (permalink)
camini MINI2 Regular Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Brussels Local Time: 11:03 AM Posts: 194 Offline	Hmm, all happy cooper owners! I think that's what matters really! And... there are no dull MINIs!! All, from my 850, 1100Special minis to my new MINI Cooper -> fantastic cars. About the fuel, randap, here in Belgium we only seem to get unleaded 95 and unleaded 98 (which is what I use). I haven't found more than that yet, although I think there's a yellow brand that sells 99 can't remember which one. The air filter did not really elmphasise the boost, just makes it more fun overalll ) Now, if there are different types of suspensions, how can one identify it? I saw a thread about this ages ago, conc aftermarket springs and type identification, can't remember where or when. Enjoy your MINI!

Oct 23rd, 2003, 06:52 PM	#12 (permalink)
dansmini Sullivan Racing Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Ohio Local Time: 05:03 AM Posts: 1,121 Offline	The Cooper I test drove sucked. It drove like any other car you might drive. And this is coming from someone who had driven a 1989 s-10 pick-up for five years. But I still bought a Cooper, #1 because I needed a new vehicle desperately and #2 because I figured the test drive Cooper was probably run in like my grandma would run a car in. I think I was right, because my Cooper rocks, and I've run it in in an appropriate (4499 RPM ) fashion!

Oct 26th, 2003, 06:09 PM	#13 (permalink)
Loui 230whp an counting My Classifieds Join Date: May 2002 Location: Mini Addiction Local Time: 10:03 AM Posts: 3,094 Offline	My april 03 build cooper seems to roll a bit more than my march 02 build cooper but that can be sorted cant it WWW.MINIADDICTION.CO.UK

Oct 29th, 2003, 04:05 AM	#14 (permalink)
CooperS4us MINI2 Master Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: South Florida Local Time: 05:03 AM Posts: 948 Offline	I love the new SS+ suspension setting in my new '04 MCS. It absorbs bumps and road dips much, much better than the Standard Suspension in my other '02 Cooper CVT. Those who say that the new suspension make the car rock like a "boat" need to spend some time in an American made Buick LeSabre...no comparison at all. Claims that the new suspension tuning takes away characther from the MINI are pure and blatant exaggerations! My '04 MCS corners way flatter than the "Harder" tuned suspension in my '02 Cooper CVT with 15" Continental tires. Aside from a better controlled ride I don't see the handling dynamics being changed radically from the old and new suspension tunings. If you think the new suspension setting is soft, come and drive a Buick, oh and bring your barf bag in the process. '02 Cooper CVT PW/B Leatherette, MFSW, 15" 8-spokes '05 MCS CR/W

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:

Oct 29th, 2003, 02:50 PM	#15 (permalink)
monica Moderator & Sponsor Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Edison, NJ Local Time: 05:03 AM Posts: 537 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by CooperS4us Those who say that the new suspension make the car rock like a "boat" need to spend some time in an American made Buick LeSabre...no comparison at all. LOL. (well more like snicker). It's nice to see someone admit to driving big old AMerican steal. Seem like people outside the US drive lots of small cars that I am unfamiliar with or the Americans who seem to be suffering from a memory gap between 1979 to 2003 regarding there cars. So how about it CooperS4us your Buick LeSabre against my mom's 1993 Ford Cougar.

Oct 31st, 2003, 05:15 AM	#16 (permalink)
CooperS4us MINI2 Master Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: South Florida Local Time: 05:03 AM Posts: 948 Offline	Don't have a Buick and never owned one. I used to have a 2001 Impala LS which I sold 3 months ago to buy my new MCS. I had the factory sport suspension in the Impala and the car rode fairly firm for an American full size car. Very nice car. I am glad it found a new loving and happy home. '02 Cooper CVT PW/B Leatherette, MFSW, 15" 8-spokes '05 MCS CR/W

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Plastic rims dull/wax removal	SadSack	Maintenance & MINI Care	5	Jun 16th, 2007 10:09 PM
Halogen headlights really dull?	Roofas	Exterior	16	Jan 9th, 2006 02:54 PM
Brits choose such dull Mini colo(u)rs!!	Shep	General Discussion	25	Oct 29th, 2002 09:12 PM