Hi all, I have a very specific question relating to the optional Sports Suspension on the R56, and it is this:
If I order an R56 Cooper (or maybe R55 Clubman) with the optional Sports Suspension (op. 226,) will I experience a very similar ride to that offered by my current R50 Cooper with Sports Suspension Plus??
I currently run on 16" non-runflat, and realize that there will be a certain difference due to the new car coming with 16" runflats, but can anyone confirm the similarity (or lack of it) between the SPS and the new SS ???
It's hard to compare any of the suspension set ups like for like, as the 2nd gen MINIs have a totally different feel. The Sport Suspension is the closest to the SS+, but is still more compliant, softer, than the SS+ used to be.
Thanks for the quick response! I'm quite gutted actually, because I am so close to putting in an order for a new MINI (probably Clubman) but I'd cry my heart out if I lost any of the fun aspect by the car being too "compliant". It's the only thing that's holding me back at all. I couldn't be happier with the overall setup of my current R50, and don't want to regret changing over.
I had a very VERY brief spin (around a carpark) in a Cooper D with SS today. I would agree with Paul at the moment that while it seems as rigid as the SSP on my R50, and sportiER than the standard setup, it is still quite a bit more comfort-orientated than mine. I'd need to to have a better try at it, but I think I could get used to it
Hi! I took home my R56 MCS yesterday in laser blue, white roof, black mirrors, white stripes. I had to go for a big family dinner, so I couldn't stay at the dealership long enough for them to explain everything about the car.
1) what is the Sport button that's just in front of the gear shifter?
2) the car comes with 16" run-flats - are they prone to puncturing? how does it affect the ride over a non-runflat tire. was it a good idea to get that package that replaces any run-flats for free within 5 years or 100K. apparently 96% of people buy into this thing. and are run-flats really that expense to fix/ or repair.
Hi Smurf,
1. The sport button makes the gas pedal more sensitive and also makes the steering even firmer. I prefer it on, it does give the car a sportier feel. Unfortunately it is off by default, you have to turn it on again each time you start the car. Try it out.
2. The run flats aren't any more prone to punctures than other tires, but since there's no spare tire it is a desirable feature. Many people complain that runflats give a harsher ride and are not as good as normal tires. I find the dunlop sp01 that came with my mini fine for street use and actually quite good in the rain. They cost about 50% more than an equivalent non-runflat, so the 5 year replacement insurance maybe wasn't a bad choice (providing you like the tires). If you are into autocross, they are certainly not the grippiest tire out there.
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