My new Clubman rides "harder" than my 7 year old Pathfinder. This is my first performance (fun?) car. I've driven SUV's for 20 years.
I have a Clubman S with the 16" run-flats with the standard suspension.
Is this something I need to get used to, or should I have the suspesion looked at?

 

It's pretty typical of MINI's to have a slightly stiffer ride. It may also have a lot to do with the runflats which have much stiffer sidewalls than your average tire which results in a stiffer ride.

 

Ride them out till you get non-runflats like I'm doing.

 

just finished our first 300 miles on our clubman s and yes is rougher,, kinda like our streetrods... Torque steer when I get on it but I will get used to it also.... 17 inch runflats... First dont worry as it is a new girlfriend and you will get use to her soon... enjoy... my actually likes the mini better then her new benz... I say she should have bought the mini rather then the benz...

 

Ditto. Those tires ride hard! The way they look already, I don't see them turning 30k on my car.....and theres only 4k on them so far.

 

The run flats take some adjusting to and as others have said above, when it's replacement time, don't get runflats. You'll need to buy a donut wheel and drop it in the sub-trunk area. There's a spot for it.

 

Yep, ditch the RF's. I went to 18" non-runflats and I constantly get compliments from passengers about how well my car rides.

 

Do only S's come with run flats?

 

... with the Sports package. And, yes, it's extra firm on bumpy city streets. I'm glad to hear people say that regular tires will help it, when I can get them. First I need to get snow tires with wheels. They say not to take the run flats off the wheels as you would normal side walls. My 'Justa' Clubman does come with a spare wheel, which is now in the garage to save space and weight while I enjoy my secure, but stiff, ride.

 

I think the key here is not the run-flats but the reference point. The Pathfinder, because it's a body on frame construction and an SUV with some off road ability, is by nature a vehicle that's going to feel pretty insulated from road irregularities. Any MINI will seem tautly sprung by comparison.

It will take a little getting used to and ditching the run-flats will help but the pay-off is soooo worth it in terms of driver involvement.

Congrats on the new Clubbie!

 

.

 

I stand corrected on the body on frame but... I quote "In mid-1999 Pathfinder assumed its present form. No longer truck-based, Pathfinder features a unique MonoFrame construction that delivers a smoother, quieter ride." (source MSN Autos)

 

My ride was very stiff when I first picked up my Clubman - but it has softened as its been broken in a bit. Granted, I have the sport suspension which is a rougher ride in and of itself. But it is an immensely more comfortable ride now after six weeks than it was the first week after I picked it up (and it's not all just getting used to it). I would definitely give it a little time to get broken in.

 

Congrats on winning that Clubman lease!

 

I dropped the pressure on my 17" all season runflats from 38psi to 34 and it did help.

 

Thanks for all the responses.
Today I took my Clubman up Angeles Crest Highway, north of Pasadena, Ca and it was great fun! Driving I've never experienced before.
After the run, I got back on the freeway and the ride was a bit harsh.
No worries.

 

Got rid of my runflats the day it was delivered, riding on Falkens now, the ride is actually 10x better!

 

Do non-runflats make it quieter?

 

Chilao, the tires will soften a bit and your seat will get used to your butt's shape, too.

Run flats aren't the smoothest ride.
Plenty of us plan on getting non-run flats and a 16" donut when we replace our tires.

I was in an 8 year old Suburban a week ago and its ride was really smooth compared to the Clubman.
I look at it this way. Am I riding in a Clubman or DRIVING a Clubman? I'm doing the latter and don't notice bumps much after three months.

 

It definitely rides rough, but I was driving a Suburban before, so what do I know. As I said before, I drove over children, hobos, and bikes in that thing. I crushed my mailbox and didn't even realize it.

So rough compared to....?

I still don't get runflats. So I can drive safely home with a nail, which may never happen, but when I need new tires they are $300 a piece? I would rather have cheaper tires and take my chances. Calling a tow truck is cheaper than $1200 for tires.

 

Too true, and a can of fix-a-flat is how much along with roadside service??
On the OP subject, just took delivery and my car is stiff as well. Seems mostly to be harsh over sharp irregularities. Will see if it settles in.
Don't really care, too much fun to drive so I can live with the harshness. Definately want lighter wheels and non-runflats, that should help some as well. Bonus of even better handling too.
WOOT!
John

 

That's the kicker, MINI gives me free roadside assistance. Why do I want the added cost of runflats?

DUH!

 

While I certainly haven't "lived" with a Clubman I can say after spending time behind the wheel the ride -I felt- was PERFRECT. Stiff but not too jittery as with the Cooper when going over broken pavement. Maybe my spine is made of steel? I wonder what the dfiffences are between the sports suspension and non-sports.