I haven't really pushed this mini yet as I am breaking it in per mini's recommendation. I am impatiently waiting for some decent weather which is rare in the Ohio Valley this time of year. I can take it out in the crap, but you are severely limited by leaves on slippery roads, etc. and I detailed it last week and I don't want to muck it up this soon! When I push it I will see how it does with the stock sway bars before going with the stiffer ones. I am really impressed with it so far. The adjustable dampers are great from what driving I have done so far and it seems quicker than my R56. My biggest dislike with the F is the big snout required for the European pedestrian crash standards. However, that is a minor issue as this car is the real deal. I still miss the manual tranny, but the paddles on this one have made a believer of me in the automatic. It is a better mouse trap.