[uua]

SS+ is standard on the MCS in north america.

I do not find the ride too hard. After a suggestion on one thread, I lowered my tire pressures to 34 psi for a couple of weeks. Not a noticable ride difference, but I found the cornering ever so slightly less crisp. I put the pressures back up to 38 psi. If you are worried about the harshness, I would go for the SS+ and the 16" rims.

[aus-tim powers]

I don't think my sports suspensions too hard.Its personal preference so people like it some don't! personally i think it depends on where you live and which roads you drive.I had a mini cooper loan car the other day from my dealer which did'nt have SS+ and i was glad to get my coop back with it (defimately a much sportier feel to it!IMO).

[Paul]

I think SS+ with 16" wheels is the 'optimum' set up for the MINI. It is fairly stiff, some people I know don't like it, but if you want that 'mini' feel, it's a must. In my opinion, the 17's detract from the ride far more than the SS+ does.

[Bad Ess]

Quote:

Originally posted by Paul_Mullett
I think SS+ with 16" wheels is the 'optimum' set up for the MINI. It is fairly stiff, some people I know don't like it, but if you want that 'mini' feel, it's a must. In my opinion, the 17's detract from the ride far more than the SS+ does.

That's what I thought I said too.

[Paul]

Quote:

Originally posted by Bad Ess


That's what I thought I said too.

I think that's the general consensus.

[Washy]

I would agree with the last couple of comments. I love the look of the 17's, but after 6000 miles I have come to the conclusion that they make the steering heavier and the handling is not as sharp as it was in my cooper with SSP+ and 16's.
The SSP is not the issue for me although it can be jarring on some surfaces.

[lightbody]

I think if you want "that Mini feel", SS+ on 15" is the must have combination!

[uua]

Gosh, at this rate I'll be trying to push my old 10" wheels over those brake rotors.

-uu

[Washy]

Quote:

Originally posted by uua
Gosh, at this rate I'll be trying to push my old 10" wheels over those brake rotors.

-uu

I reckon it would look a bit underwheeled It would look like it was on casters...

[Newbs49]

HARSH!!!!!!

Come on. I can't wait to get the car in the garage to really make the S handle. That's what sport suspension is all about.

[alexcroft]

The SS+ is great fun to drive...

But if you go over potholes, they;re gonna feel queezy in the back!

Alex.

[richhamer]

Decision made, getting SSP and 17".

Drove one on 16"s and a Cooper S with 17" and the S followed ruts and kicked back through the steering while the Cooper on 16"s didn't.

So really I should be getting 16"s, I'm clearly a fashion victim.

[BI GAL]

Quote:

Originally posted by richhamer
Blimey!
Came to the forum to ask just this question, you're reading my mind.

Trying to decide on SSP and 17"s. I'm looking more for fun than a Jaguar ride quality but does this set up rattle all your teeth out? Even the sales guy winced when I told him what I wanted.

If it does, what would sacrifce, the SSP or the 17" wheels??

Hi richhamer,

I just noticed you're from huddersfield....

Having driven my Cooper all around holmfirth and huddersfield, I think I would stick to 16's and scrap the SS+ too. The roads in Kirklees are so bloody dreadful that I never got that much pleasure driving my MINI there.
It had 16's AND SS+.

I suggest you try to demo the various setups before deciding. Nobody else takes my advice, so why should you?

I did the sensible thing and moved to nottingham!
(and swapped my MC for an MCS )

[richhamer]

Cheers BI GAL

you're not kidding, the roads are cr@p here. They'd be amazing with a decent surface, just the thing for Mini. Some fantastic corners on the test route Almondbury Mini use. I've driven a few set ups on the test route and I probably should go for 16's.

However I just followed a MCS in Indi and white with 17's and I can't bear to not have it!!

Just need to find some decent surface to drive on. Driving holiday to Europe once its born then!

[Silverstone]

I have a 12 month old Chili Cooper and am really getting tired of commuting to and from work in the MINI

The SS+ is great when you are "pressing-on" and looking to have some fun.

But simply "travelling" on back roads, I find myself bouncing up and down in the seat with the windscreen / mirrors / view ahead becoming blurred!!

Am seriously considering fitting softer suspension in the near future.

[AidenL]

I'm glad I didn't go with SS+, I erred on the side of caution, and I find I'm perfectly happy with standard SS now......it is a happy compromise, for me anyway !

[Bilbo Baggins]

MCS w/16"------Feels GREAT! Very connected to the road. Even great on wet roads. I'll let you know what it is like in the snow when nature provides.

Much better ride than my old TR-3.

[Ziggy]

I'm changing (upgrading?) from a 1999 MX5 (Miata in the US) to a MCS with 17" S-spokes (and SS+ of course). Any one any experience of how the suspension compares? I live in London which has a lot of potholes and the MX5 feels pretty firm at times.

Cheers.

[minizzin]

i love the ssp and iv got 17's, it makes the drive more fun, although people in the back complain, but as im never goona be in the back when im driving i dont really care.

[Paul]

Now I'm back in my Cooper (SS+ with 16's) and got rid of the loaner (SS with 15's) I have to say I MUCH prefer the SS+ AND the 16" wheels, but the 15's are quite fun!