Really, my '12 Mini S Hardtop test drive didn't seem so jarring of a ride before I bought it!

So, I'm feeling EVERY bump and pebble in the road to the point that I feel a bit DIZZY when I get out of the car.

Step #1 : I've swapped out the Run-Flats for non Run-Flats. This has helped to remove the jarring quality of the ride. Better, but not a panacea.

Step #2: I've dropped the PSI a few lbs. No big change.

Step#3: I've looked into Koni FSDs, BUT they are not available for such a new model as my '12.

HELP! Any suggestions?

 

Were the shipping blocks removed from your suspension prior to delivery? (There's a pic on page 2):

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-delivery.html

 

What DrewN said. This happens all the time.

 

The suspension hasn't changed throughout the life of the R56 (since 2007). If you were looking at the Koni website and literature, they are probably just out of date. Check with a vendor such as Way Motor Works.

 

RKW, I'll check it out...thanks.

 

Dump the run-flats, that will help a bunch.

 

Try reading the original post. He already did.

As already stated, A R56 shock/strut is a strut. They will all fit.

The FSD is a great shock, for the stock springs. They will not play well if you lower the car. I've put Koni sport shocks with TSW springs, (thanks Way!) on and the ride was better than stock. After changing the worn out OE RFT's to Star Specs, it's better still. But, it's still a short wheel base car that transmits a lot of movement over bumps. Just the nature of the beast.

OP, you are just going to have to come to terms with the fact that the MINI will never ride like a Camry. It's a short wheel base, relatively light car.

 

Wait a minute, my tire is a R55, so isn't my shock R55 for a 2012 Mini S hardtop?

 

I did read it but it can't be thaaaat bad on regular tires. What kind of ride is the OP expecting, a Cadillac? Getting to the point of dizziness from a rough ride, maybe time for a different car.

If such high standards were held for the ride why would one buy a car like this, with a sport suspension no-less?

Sounds harsh, maybe but what is the ultimate goal here in comfort...what is this car being compared to in the past?


OP, what PSI were you at and what did you try?

 

Interesting comment about the shipping blocks. Certainly worth checking. If that's not it, then I think you simply bought the wrong car. Maybe the streets you test drove the dealer's car on smoother than the ones you drive every day. And which car did you test drive? S or regular? What size tires and wheels did it have? And were they at the proper pressure.

In general, the Mini, even the standard Mini, is a sporty little car with stiffer than usual suspension. It is what it is.

What size tires are you running and how much pressure?

 

ditto the shipping block comment, sad but it happens

what wheels do you have? 17's or 18's will be on low profile tires so even when you go to 'regular' tires the ride can still be hard to some. A smaller diameter wheel will call for a higher profile tire and an associated 'softening' of the ride. (sorry, are you saying you are on 195/55R 16? Then never mind that suggestion, you have the tall tires already)

If you think your 12 is hard, you would have LOVED my early 02-S ... MINI immediately started softening the ride after sales began in the US due to buyer feedback (too hard). My 02 was STIFF - which I liked alot - I laughed for years after as buyers immediately began modding the susp' to stiffen what the factory was working hard to softening . . . while mine was juuusssssttttt right!

 

Just ordered the Koni FSDs...

 

Thanks again, RKW. I thought I was out of luck, given the newness of the car...just ordered the KONI FSDs.