Question about sport suspension

[jalain]

I'm in Canada. I'm considering buying a new Cooper S with the sports package, but I only want the 17" wheels not the tighter suspension. I feel the ride is already tight enough. Just curious to know if anyone has every done this.

Sincerely,

Jalain

[Lawrothegreat]

Hi Jalain,

I have a November 07 Cooper S with 17" alloys and standard suspension. I cannot confirm whether the UK spec standard suspension is the same as that in Canada, but I did not specify the optional sports suspension.

The 17" alloys are fitted with the runflat tyres, and currently pumped up to 40 psi. You would expect a bone shaking ride, but it has a surprisingly good ride instead. It is firm, you will feel potholes, bumps etc, but it is very good at dampening out small vibrations and bumps (e.g. road texture). On a good road, it almost feels like it is floating at 70mph - I guess it is tuned to work with the runflats. Of course this is all subjective as it depends on what you are used to?

In terms of handling, the set up isn't the best MINI ever, with hard cornering some body roll is noticeable but the chassis copes well with high speed cornering feeling very fluid. In my opinion it's a good compromise between good handling, and a good ride.

If you are keen driver and like to press on out of corners (full throttle in 1st and 2nd gear) you might want to consider the limited slip differential (I guess this is an option in Canada?). I don't have it but I've only missed it if driving very hard. The standard traction control systems are very effective anyway.

Good luck!

[jalain]

Hi Lawrothegreat,
I'll have to decide between sport suspension or no sport suspension. Which will contribute more to a harder ride the 17" wheels or the sport suspension. Maybe the sport suspension is just for better cornering.
Jalain

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by Lawrothegreat (original)

The 17" alloys are fitted with the runflat tyres, and currently pumped up to 40 psi.

I didn't realize the recommended tire pressure was that high on an R56

[caesar]

My July 07 MCS has 17" wheels and runflats and standard suspension. The tyre pressures are 35 psi front and 33 psi rear. On the roads we have in my part of the world it's OK. If the pressures were higher then the suspension would be too hard.

[grodenglaive]

the Canadian owners manual lists 38 psi for the 17" high performance runflats.
I have those and also the sport suspension. I didn't find the ride too harsh myself, but that is a subjective opinion! I did find however, that when I switched to 16" rims for the winter (with non-runflats) the ride was MUCH smoother.

[caesar]

Quote: Originally Posted by grodenglaive (original)

the Canadian owners manual lists 38 psi for the 17" high performance runflats.
I have those and also the sport suspension. I didn't find the ride too harsh myself, but that is a subjective opinion! I did find however, that when I switched to 16" rims for the winter (with non-runflats) the ride was MUCH smoother.

I did not specify Sports Suspension as I heard it made the ride too harsh with 17" Runflats. I have since learned that Sports Suspension provides slightly thicker Anti-Roll bars, but the shock absorber springs are as per Standard

I did try 38 psi which was OK on good surfaces but on some of the rural roads in the UK my teeth almost fell out Hence me using 35 psi.

[kevkbuk]

Quote: Originally Posted by caesar (original)

I did not specify Sports Suspension as I heard it made the ride too harsh with 17" Runflats. I have since learned that Sports Suspension provides slightly thicker Anti-Roll bars, but the shock absorber springs are as per Standard

I did try 38 psi which was OK on good surfaces but on some of the rural roads in the UK my teeth almost fell out Hence me using 35 psi.

We've already discussed this on here, but I'm sure the sports suspension is more than just different roll bars, I think the springs are different and wouldn't be surprised if the shocks are too. After driving both suspension setups I don't believe the roll bars are the only difference...

Its funny how subjective this kind of thing is! I don't mean to pick on this post in particular, but I have 17" runflats with sports suspension and yes its firm, but in no way does it ever rattle your teeth, so I've no idea how the standard suspension could manage it. I do 60 miles a day in it and its not the kind of suspension that tires you.

At the end of the day you've just gotta try the cars out, if you drive one with standard suspension and your happy with it then great, if not go for the sport its much better

[Lawrothegreat]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINIAC (original)

I didn't realize the recommended tire pressure was that high on an R56

The tyre pressure sticker on the inside of the driver's door states maximum 2.8 bar for four passengers and luggage. I believe this equates to 41psi?

[caesar]

Quote: Originally Posted by Lawrothegreat (original)

The tyre pressure sticker on the inside of the driver's door states maximum 2.8 bar for four passengers and luggage. I believe this equates to 41psi?

If I remember correctly 2.5 bar = 36 psi, therefore 2.8 bar equals 40.3 psi which is almost 41 psi. The pressure should be lower dependent on the number of passengers.

I run on 35 psi front and 34 rear for driver plus one passenger. Higher pressures give better MPG at the expense of comfort

[TheBigNewt]

IMO the SS isn't worth it. You get 1mm thicker ASBs, that's about it. Some say the springs/dampers are different, but you can't tell the difference. That's why the SS ride feels about like the reg. susp ride. If you want better handling you'll have to add a 19 or 21mm rear ASB to start with, and if you want more you can swap out the springs and dampers. The RF tires are what make the ride a bit harsh, not the SS.

[grodenglaive]

Sorry my bad, I just checked the manual - it's 36 psi (not 38) for the MCS on 17's with one passenger and 41psi with 4 people.

[boyband]

I have had mine for over a year now (March 07 S) and compared to my old R53 S I think there is a vast difference between the old and new. I opted for sports suspension but I find the R56 is very sensitive to bumps and drain covers in the road, so much so that sometimes it feels like its going to send the car off in the opposite direction.

Has anyone else found this? I know someone else mentioned limited slip diff would eliminate this which I don't have. It makes the ride interesting if not a bit scary sometimes.

[caesar]

Quote: Originally Posted by boyband (original)

I have had mine for over a year now (March 07 S) and compared to my old R53 S I think there is a vast difference between the old and new. I opted for sports suspension but I find the R56 is very sensitive to bumps and drain covers in the road, so much so that sometimes it feels like its going to send the car off in the opposite direction.

Has anyone else found this? I know someone else mentioned limited slip diff would eliminate this which I don't have. It makes the ride interesting if not a bit scary sometimes.

Turning on the Sports Button will help as it reduces the cars reaction to bumps etc. I have LSD and Standard Suspension rather than Sports for the very reason you have mentioned i.e too hard on rough sufaces. LSD is excellent for reducing torque steer and traction in the wet and would probably help with your problem.

[kevkbuk]

Quote: Originally Posted by boyband (original)

I have had mine for over a year now (March 07 S) and compared to my old R53 S I think there is a vast difference between the old and new. I opted for sports suspension but I find the R56 is very sensitive to bumps and drain covers in the road, so much so that sometimes it feels like its going to send the car off in the opposite direction.

Has anyone else found this? I know someone else mentioned limited slip diff would eliminate this which I don't have. It makes the ride interesting if not a bit scary sometimes.

I find mine can be a little sensitive of large bumps, but only at high speed. Mine has 17s, SS and no LSD. Does your R56 have wider wheels than your prev Mini? Some of what your feeling could be tram lining....

The Mini alloys and runflats are heavy, I will probably change to lighter alloys and standard tyres at some point and expect this to help. If its as scary as you suggest I'd get the car looked at.

Putting the sport button only changes the steering feel, so it shouldn't change the cars behavior. LSDs can also pull and tug at the wheel, not sure if it help with this issue.

May be worth lowering your tyre pressures just a little?