[wwwebber]

Come on folks, lets gather your opinions.

My main concerns are that I'm gonna find the ride too harsh during everyday driving. I'm not a sports car veteran and I'm afraid that it's gonna difiicult to get used too. How about you ?.

Vote & discuss.

[motoring]

I've put in 12,000 miles of western US highway miles, including 3 very long (1800+ miles in under 36 hours) very quick trips and don't have any complaints about the Plus suspension. It is rough over potholes, but most cars are.

[Cape Cod MINI]

Not too harsh or hard in my estimation. There are a few roads I would prefer to avoid but I think that's more fear of ruining a tire or wheel because of low profile rubber.

[Humourl3ss]

I find the 17" run flats to be a far greater culprit than the suspension. Switching to 15" winter rubber made all the difference in the world and turned my MCS into a slightly softer, yet rather sweeter ride.

-CW

[Logan5]

I don't mind so much... i like a stiffer ride. Wait. That sounded SO wrong. Let me put it another way. I like the stiff suspension and don't generally find it overly harsh. For the record, I'm running the 16" rims with run flats.

That said, there are a couple stretches of highway around here that are pretty rough. I-5 South between Kent and the Pierce County border is just awful. When the roads are decent or better, it's fine....

[Ady]

So far i like it, i used to drive an Original mini and sports plus is softer than than that in my opinion.

Ady (R50)

[rich]

Not too hard. I'm on 16" wheels. Sure you feel every major bump or pothole... but that's the nature of the beast & it's not OTT IMO

[R1]

I have recently been driving a ONE with 15" wheels and standard suspension. Not impressed! It still handled better than most but it wouldn't stay with my Cooper with the 17" and SSP!

My last MINI had SSP and 16" wheels. I think that this is the optimal package. The 16" gives a slightly more supple ride than the 17".

Which do I prefer?
SSP and 17" 'S' spokes because they look the part and there is more grip when "going for it".

[Martin L]

I'd say no, but there is quite a difference between whether you're driving a Cooper or MCS.
My Cooper had SS+ and was a much harder ride then my MCS probably down to it been lighter.
Nothing that you don't get used to. Admittedly it is a hard ride but no worse then I good BMW set-up

[Damo]

Nah not to harsh at all Love it to pieces.

SSP+ 17" wheels and Sports seats on a Cooper, can't get much harder than that (on a MINI that is).

Done 13k now aswell.

Just got in a One while my car is fixed uder warranty and it feels luxurious due to the soft ride. Wouldn't give up the suspension on my Cooper for love nor Money though.

[BI GAL]

I never found my MC with 16' runflats and ss+ was too harsh.

Must say though that my MCS with 17' runflats feels a bit more supple - maybe it's the leather seats?? Didn't have them on the old MC.

Go for the SS+; once you've hammered around one fast corner you'll never want anything else!

[SoggyCornFlakes]

I opted not to have the plus on my Cooper even though I've got the chili pack. The standard SS gives me all I need, the plus just seemed too harsh for normal driving conditions.

[GordonD]

I believe any harshness can be compensated for by keeping tire pressures around 33lbs (17" runflats) and only putting them up to 38lbs on track or similar days (or when you have four people and luggage - assuming midgets need much in the way of luggage)

[Bad Ess]

I have 16's with RF's. So nice on the highway compared to the 17's on my test drive. The car is stiff but it feels so good.

[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??

[Tom F.]

I've heard -perhaps mistakenly - that MCS cars outside of the United States can order a SSP+ package that is stiffer than the stock MCS. Or do the US cars all get SSP+, and in Europe you have to order it?

Anyway, my MCS with 16" wheels and runflats is firm and omfortable in my extremely urban driving environment. I would not want it to be any firmer, though.

Next spring I'll pull the all season RFs, and put on Falken or Kumhos for the summer, that should also improve the ride, handling and unsprung weight.

So I vote no!

[Bad Ess]

I think the S gets the stiff suspension here in the US. My friend had to order it as an upgrade for his Cooper.

17's look great, ride bad. I have not found the limits of the 16's at any (illegal) speed.

One guy found the 16's faster off the line. The wheels are lighter. Like Tom F I will not use RF's next time and get an even better ride.

[XZQTGO]

A SS is not such a problem on itself, but it takes its toll after a couple of 1000 km on the chassis. You start hearing all kinds of little creaks and rattles and that's something I don't like. My brother owns a Cooper 17" without SS, and he suffers from a rattle in his left door.

[BruceK]

I don't SS+ with the 17" wheels is too hard at all. Just right for me. (7,000 miles, 11,000+ kilometers and no creaks or groans from the body either)

[DEye]

Hey Trick Question !!!
I came in thinking " SportS+ Get it or Not"
I jumped in picked Yes and then read the question !!!
I want a recount ! ( re-Vote ! )