I just ordered a clubman S with the sport suspension. However, I keep hearing how rough the ride is. Can anyone comments on the standard suspension versus the sport suspension. Is the ride really that bad? If I get rid of the run-flat tires, will that make a difference? Or, should I call the dealer and cancel the sport suspension option?

 

I don't know for sure but I had read the same thing. My dealer said he didn't have any Countryman in stock with the sport suspension, so I couldn't test drive one. That's why I ended up ordering with the standard suspension.
I'd say call the dealer and find out if it's too late. If not, then see if he's got 1 of each type on the lot to test drive.

 

The difference is noticeable but not huge. Add Sports Suspension AND 17" run flats and you may find the ride too harsh - but again I found it bearable on the beat up Toronto streets and I even considered the lower/harsher JCW Suspension package. Some people can't even stand the standard suspension - for which I say maybe you should not be driving a MINI then! ;-) I was OK with it during my test drive and I am planning to get non run-flat summer tires later anyways. The run flats just give a harsh ride without improving the handling and have a nasty habit of skipping over bumps on corners and/or causing bump steer.

For my JCW order in Canada, Sports Susp was only a $250 option so it was an easy option for me to choose.

If you want my honest opinion, the fact that you are concerned about a harsh ride, you probably don't want the sports suspension... and you probably want to ditch the run flat tires.

 

The Clubman rides better than the R-56 but that being said then here s my observation.

I have both on my 2 R-56's. The 16" wheeled Justa Cooper is regular suspension and rides fairly smoothly. The 17" wheeled "S" with Sport Suspension rides pretty rough and neither of my vehicles have run-flats. Considering changing to KONI-FSD's for a better ride.

I suspect the more harsh ride would generate rattles in the car more quickly.

Stephen

 

Even with the stock 15" wheels and no sport suspension, our Justa has a pretty firm ride. It rides more smoothly than a stock E46 M3 or Honda S2000, but that's not saying too much. I haven't ridden in an S but imagine that it's as stiff or stiffer than the aforementioned cars.

Maybe the OEM ContiSportContacts are to blame. We'll see how it rides when studless snow tires are on.

 

It's not that I'm not used to a rough ride. My last 2 cars were an Acura RSX-S and a Subaru STI and both of them had sport suspensions. I just don't want a teeth rattling ride. I drove a Corvette once and when I hit a pothole, the entire car's body shook. It felt like a bomb went off under the car. That's what I'm trying to avoid.

And I'm definitely going to change wheels and tires. I had Michelin Pilot Sport PS2's on my Acura and they were fantastic. I'm thinking about getting them for my mini once the winter is over.