Hi folks. I have a standard MINI Cooper d on 16" wheels. When cornering hardish, the front sort of digs in the bend, making the car sway. And I have trouble holding on sometimes. If you have a series of bends, it sways from side to side quite badly. Is this a trait of minis, we're the older ones flatter in bends?
I have fitted AC Schnitzer springs to it, and these have helped a wee bit. Would a better rear sway bar cure the problem? Thanks in advance for any advice. Regards, Nick.

 

A heavier ADJUSTABLE RSB is the best bang for the buck when it comes to any mods made to a MINI. Absolutely replace it.
And, just for a reference on handling the curves of any shape:
Understeer: The front of the car hits the wall.
Oversteer: The rear of the car hits the wall.
Horsepower: How fast you hit the wall.
Torque: How far the wall moves.

 

thanks. ​​​​​​

 

I just upgraded from a 2008 Mini Cooper S to a 2019 Mini Cooper JCW 3dr hardtop with the sport suspension, no DDC. I have to say, I was a bit surprised how much swimming around and lean there is in the corners on the 2019 JCW compared to the 2008. The 2008 definitely felt flatter in initial turn in. Although the 2008 would pitch sideways like crazy on certain bumps, the 2019 doesn't at all. I ordered the NM rear sway bar (the 22- solid) with the intention to flatten up the cornering a bit. I haven't installed it yet. So we'll see.

That said, I'm super happy with the 2019. It's still great fun and way more refined than that rattle-basket 2008 of mine. So maybe it even translates as well to your feelings about the standard 2016 versus the older models.

 

Brick,
This is simplified to the publik-edukashun level. Well done!

 

I wish I could take credit but alas, that aphorism has been claimed by another.

 

It’s been around a long time, but no less true.

 

Just this afternoon in the golf course parking lot was a Gen 2 with a rookie owner. A lengthy conversation led to handling. I invited him to grasp the near side rear wheel well on his and lift, maybe 3 inches. Then over to mine. It didn't move. That's the difference a stiffer RSB makes.

 

Did you fit the NM sway bar end links as well? Over here in Scotland we can only really get a "Hardrace" rear sway bar. It's only 22mm, and hollow. But is said to be 25 per cent stiffer than the standard bar. It's £175.

But I have just found a company that can supply the NM bar now. But it's £331. And about $130 more than it costs in America. Would you still go for the NM in my position. I am on a very limited budget. :>(

 

The 22mm solid bar would be far superior to a 22mm hollow bar. If you can afford it go for the NM. Also, if you have an NM dealer, check the availability of their 25mm hollow bar. It’s stiffer than the 22 and comes with billet mounting brackets that have grease fittings for ease of future lubrications.
I have the 22mm on my car now, but have a new 25 to replace it with when I have a chance.

 

Yes they have the 25mm one, but it's £441. Way out of my league.

 

I'd start by playing around with air pressure first vs wholesale changes

 

Have you started by making air pressure adjustments ?

 

Yes, I have increased the tyre pressures. But only having 16" wheels, I was wondering if my first thing to do was to get some 18" ones, as the sidewall flex will be another problem. Would you do wheel size first before trying the sway bay? The AC Schnitzer springs cost £335. They improved things a bit.

 

I'd go swaybar first over wheels... 18s are heavy, more rotating mass and more unsprung weight. If anything is keep the 16s and get 205-50-16 tires with a good sidewall.

 

What size bar you got. 22mm solid or 25mm hollow. Sorry if you have mentioned it before. My BlackBerry doesn't show all the threads sometimes.

 

Any ideas on tyres with good sidewalls. I have Michelin pilot sport 4 on the front. And the original Michelin energy saver on the back. Fronts are 205/50/16 rear are 195/55/16. I have 20mm spacers on all four wheels.QUOTE=YULB48;4466346]I'd go swaybar first over wheels... 18s are heavy, more rotating mass and more unsprung weight. If anything is keep the 16s and get 205-50-16 tires with a good sidewall.[/QUOTE]

 

A rear ASB is a must on an F56. My R58 (with the SS) has almost no body lean, way stiffer frame and body (same as the convertible Roadster). I drove my friend's new F56 (2016) and the body lean was WAY different than my car. I had a 19mm solid bar from WMW on my 2007 MCS, it was $200 for bar, $100 installation.

 

19MM ALTA adjustable set to the stiffest option.

 

BLACKBERRY???? How old is it and what model? I used to love those things from 2006-2010 (Pearl and Curve).

 

Nick
youve already brought this subject up.

H&R is available in the U.K.
27 mm front 25 mm rear under 500£

 

Nick,
I just added the NM solid 22mm rear sway bar to my 2019 JCW. That's the only suspension mod I have. I have the Sport Suspension, not DDC. I went to full stiff and I'll keep it there for sure. After seeing the difference I'd say that should be the first mod you try to replicate the flatter go-cart feel. It definitely feels much more fun now when you are "half-way" sporty driving. That said, in faster, more aggressive corning, I would still say the car takes too long to take a set (fully plant the weight front-and rear) under cornering load. If I'm super critical, the front and back don't seem to take a set evenly, and that's what feels like it swims around a bit. In my opinion, the car didn't take a set evenly with the original sway bar either, so I'm not blaming the new NM bar. I would love to add a front sway bar, but it seems the option isn't out there. I'm not sure if stiffer springs or stiffer shocks would help the front set quicker. I still love the car.

 

https://www.tunershop.com/shop/h-r-s...-mini-f56.html
I installed these/
Along with H&R springs.

 

KONI FSD struts make a difference as opposed to OE. They've been re invented lately to KONI Special Active.