Just curious if anyone opted for the sport suspension and 18" wheels and how it feels - is it jarring over rough surfaces due to the thicker anti-sway bars? Does it change the steering on cornering (under/over steer)? I have it checked in my list of options but thinking I don't need it. Thx.

 

I did exactly this-but my CM won't be in my possession for 2 more weeks.

I'd be curious as well to hear others' experiences with the Sport Suspension and 18" wheels.

 

I've got it, and yes, it's stiff. However, I had read that the CM was a little more roly-poly than the other Coopers so I went with it.

To me it's been fine, but I actively avoid potholes.

Does anyone know exactly what how the SS differs from stock?

 

Answered your own question? Or, from the web . . .

 

Thanks Sealy. Yeah, knew what MINI said, just didn't know the specific changes of the springs/dampers, etc.

Regardless, I would only get the car with the sport suspension as I prefer that type of ride. The car is pretty well planted in corners and the steering is lightning quick.

 

I test drove everything. I was going from a 06 330i to the CM. The S was okay, but I was gonna miss my car. I drove the manual, and that was better. I drove the manual with all4 and I was sold. I ordered manual all4 with sport package and it is SO fun to drive. My hubby insists I don't use it during the break in period, but I have played with it some. I couldn't help it. I don't find it rough over pot holes or speed bumps at all. My 330 had run flats, and so does this one. The 330 was HORRIBLE over bumps and potholes. I literally would barely crawl over speed bumps because it was so jarring. I don't find the CM is jarring at all. Not at all. I don't know much about describing how it drives, but my hubby is a performance driving instructor, and he wouldn't have built the car any other way. He has hopes of getting me out on the track with it. He said I'm a poser with my checkerboard rear view mirror if I don't. I was on the track with him during a NASA event this past weekend, and I couldn't imagine putting my cute little guy, (my CM is definitely male), out there. I feel like he would be scared to death.

 

I'll be curious to see exactly HOW stiff it is, too! I ordered my CM with the sport suspension "sight unseen". Apparently, CMs with the sport suspension aren't very common - my dealership has not had ANY. (I did test drive various CMs, however.)

But given that my previous vehicles have been an R32, a Passat W8 with sport suspension, and a JCW Convertible (for a few months - don't ask), and I liked the ride in all of them, I figured the sport suspension on the CM shouldn't be overly teeth-chattering!

And I may find out as soon as tomorrow, since my car is supposed to be in, although not sure when prep will be done.

 

You tried the automatic with the paddle shifters? I thought that was pretty cool, but I could see how a manual would be really fun too. Did you think the All4 handled better than the non-All4?

 

The all4 definitely handles soooo much better. I loved the look of the car, and really wanted it, but after driving it, I was afraid I wouldn't like it for the long term because of how it drove in comparison to what I had. It felt a little leany and loose on corners. That was before I drove the all4. I did drive the one with the paddle shifters, and initially that was what I was going to do, but I'm telling you, when I drove the all4 manual I was just sold. I like to drive my car. You know, when I turn the steering wheel or push the gas, I want it to respond. I drive my parents little Chrysler SUV sometimes, and I feel like I have no control. I wish I had more technical words to explain the feel of it. I live in Atlanta where there are so many people who don't know how to drive at all. It really is crazy. I love being able to maneuver and accelerate quickly when needed. My other car was really fun to drive, but this one is too. I don't really recall how the CM's without the sport suspension felt, but I just don't understand how someone could think it was jarring. I mean, compared to a Lexus maybe. idk People are all different, and are used to so many other rides. So, I loved it even before the sport suspension, and I love it with the sport suspension. I can't really be specific about those differences until I go drive one without it again.

 

Just making sure we're talking apples to apples. Or, in my case, oranges to oranges. You have the CM All4 with Sport Package (lights and tires) or with Sport Suspension (dampers and sway bars)? Or both (18" tires and stiffer suspension)? I'm so confused.

 

I have all of the above. I'm the one who keeps using the wrong terms. It is the sport suspension I'm referring to as far as handling goes. I like the lights and bonnet stripes too, though.

 

OK. After dealing with my E90 (BMW 328xi Touring), I'm real skittish about anything stiffer than it - even though it's standard BMW, it's been 3 years of heck in DC.

Thanks!

 

If you can't tolerate the xi, definitely test drive the CM extensively before getting it.

Everyone is different. Especially in terms of preference for suspension settings.

 

Thanks, that helps a lot. When I test drove the automatic, I tried the paddle shifters and put it into sport mode, and it felt pretty good, but I just felt that it would be really be better with a manual. And this is coming from someone that's never owned a manual transmission car and hasn't driven one in 20 years. So...I guess it will be more work to drive but that's what you're supposed to do, not inhale food and yak on a cell phone. I'm really leaning toward the manual now with sport suspension and 18" wheels with sport tires (or should I opt for the all seasons?). Did you get the driving lights too? I guess what I really want is a little rally car.

 

Remember, if you choose the 18 inch wheels, you cannot get all-season tires. That is not a choice that MINI gives buyers, unfortunately.

And it's funny that you say that the manual transmission would prevent you from yakking on the phone or eating and driving. I had the exact same thought! It is such a nice manual transmission!

 

Well, after about 26 hours of ownership, I am still very happy with my decision to have gotten the Sport Suspension!

Yes, it's firm. But I don't think it's harsh. Love the ride.

My car came with the 18 inch Pirelli's.

Greg

 

Well, I can lose the sport package and piecemeal the options so I can get 17 wheels and all seasons. It would save me $750 to not do the 18s. What do the 18s do for you anyway? Does it make the car look more balanced?