After 3 years out of the MINI family, I'm considering switching into an F56 later this year. The BMW has been great, but I miss the handling of my MCS. My main complaint about the R56 was the day-to-day ride quality. It really knocked the heck out of you on crappy city streets. Ironically, my main complaint about the BMW is the floaty/numb suspension. How does the F56 compare? I'm hoping for a happy medium.

 

I drove an R50 for several years that was very stiff. I test drove an R56, that was pretty soft by comparison. The F56 I test drove was softer still and had much more body roll. I bought an F56 cooper with a sports suspension which still has a bit too much body roll, but is otherwise similar to the R50.

You should like the F56, if you don't mind the body roll. I don't think a small car ever really gets floaty.

Be sure to test the adjustable suspension, that may be perfect for you.

 

Great, thank you so much for your thoughts. I'm still a way off from my lease-end on the BMW but trying to really sort through my options this go round. I need to drop by my dealer and drive a couple F56's. The BMW was such an impulse decision and now I regret it. I know that the standard X-Drive suspension is soft, but the thing feels like a Buick when you go over a dip in the freeway!

 

I traded my 2013 328i xDrive for a 2016 F56. (Almost exactly what you have!) I was so tired of the BMW I actually paid off my lease early to get into something more enjoyable. The F56 is a great everyday drive. I love the 3 cylinder engine, and the manual transmission. And yet it still has many of the qualities that I had come to appreciate from BMW. I think you will start to see more BMW drivers switching. Lots more fun to drive, great quality, and a much better price!

 

I went from an e46 straight to the f56. :D I love these new MINIs

 

Maybe I should rename this thread "Ditched my 3 Series for an F56 and never looked back!". Seriously though - I appreciate all of the feedback.

 

The ride quality is much improved over the R56. My Dad has a bad back and never wanted to ride in the R56. The first ride my Dad took in the F56 he was impressed. I have the standard suspension and I've been quite happy with it.