Hi All!

I'm a recent grad (Convocation is actually today!) and I'm looking to pick up a Cooper for my first car.

This seems like a great community, so I would like to learn as much as I can.

I was told the suspension on the Cooper and the Cooper S are identical. Is this a fact, or is this just the salesperson trying to salvage a sale when I told him that the S was out of my budget?

Rail-like handling is the first thing that drew me to the Cooper, and though the 170hp+ in such a small car would be wicked fun ... I would rather have the funds to pay down my student debts =) I drive like a Grandma anyway shifting at <3k rpm....

In Canada, the Mini Cooper has a "Sport Package" that includes 17" Alloys, Sport Seats, White Indicator Lights, and Sport Suspension for $990. Though nice, all but the Sport Suspension don't interest me (though it does seem like a steal for $990). I was told that this Sport Suspension includes a stiffer ride (likely more aggressive dampers and springs).

As I said before, carving corners is my priority. I took a quick look around, and Koni FSD dampers were well regarded. If I had $990, I would rather spend it ALL on suspension, rather than having nice seats, nice lights, and bigger wheels. Would it be safe to say non-Sport OEM springs and Koni FSD dampers would prefer a more aggressive/engaging experience (and better handling) than the OEM "Sport Suspension"?

I will also consider a Rear Sway bar to have the car handle even more neutrally.

One last question ... on the 16" stock alloys, the recommended tire size is 195/55R16. Using the Miata Tires Size Calculator, a tire of 205/50R16 is only 1.5% too fast, but gives us a bit more width for grip. It also opens up the options of more aggressive tires (like the Dunlop Direzza Star Specs :D) Would the stock alloys be wide enough to wrap these around? or do I need to look aftermarket wheels (which cost a lot more .... )

Regards! I will definitely post pictures of my new Mini if/when I get one =)

Cheers!
-k

 

Have you tried the Canadian web page for building your MINI?
http://www.mini.ca/en/Model_Range/MI...I/default.aspx

In the MINIUSA.com version, you can order the sport suspension for $500 (USA $). Also, USA dealers have a more flexibility in configuring MINIs than the USA web page Configurator does. However, the stock suspension handles quite well. I would send the money on DTC, which gives you more control over the electronic traction systems, and includes a better drive wheel traction control system than the stock ASC. You can change suspension parts later, but you can't change the electronics.

As is, the MINI is pretty neutral. You can swing the rear around by braking into the curve and transfering weight to the front wheels. Better have plenty of room when you try to learn this technique.

A stiffer rear swaybar will increase oversteer if not matched by a stiffer front swaybar. People find this useful for autox, but might not be so great in snow and ice.

I run 205/55-16 tires on Rota Slipstream 16x7 wheels ($170 ea). They are 0.4" oversize where 205/50-16 are 0.4" undersize. So, take your pick. The Star Spec and most others in 205/50-16 will fit the factory 16x6.5" wheels. See TireRack specs. If you can afford it, use the factory wheels for snow tires, and get something lightweight like the Slipstream 16x7 for summer.

You should also consider putting your money into cold weather options, like heated seats, that you can't add later.

 

In Canada, Sport Suspension only comes in a package, and only on S models. Non-S get get the "regular" suspension components (which are still pretty good)

I run my Clubman on 17s, with the regular suspension and I like the ride and cornering. I tried an S (with and without the Sport Suspension). With the SS, the ride is pretty harsh. Try a few at the dealer, with combination of 16 or 17 tires. You'll fell the difference.

 

Yes, stock alloys will accept 205/50-16 tires. I'm actually using that same size with the DUnlop Star Spec right now on my stock S-Winder wheels. Not as harsh as the stock runflats, but you can still feel the road which I like and needs less input for turn in as opposed to the run flats. It also grips like crazy. As for suspension, unless your going for the JCW suspension, I'd just stick to stock and go after market if the ride isn't to your needs.

 

That sport package seems like a pretty good value to me, though the only thing I'd really want in it is the seats.

I'm of the opinion that the MINI in base form is pretty damn good, though I'd want heated seats if I was in Canada. DTC might be good so you can turn DSC off (I think you need DTC to turn it off?) but if you drive slow and don't drive too agressively, then maybe it's a waste of money. You probably don't need DSC since the speed limit is so low in Canada.

Like Robin said, just get the options you (really) want but can't add later (heated seats, xenons, dtc, cruise, ect), just don't go overboard.

By the way, the Dunlop Direzza Star Specs are amazing! I'm running a +1 size on 17's and I'm never at a loss of grip even in the wet. They're quiet and very confidence inspiring. I don't have DSC and am running the base suspension.

 

Since DTC includes a superior version of electronic traction control for the drive wheels, I think it would be quite useful in ice and snow, even at low speeds.

DSC is a safety feature to help maintain control of the car. With black ice, it could be useful at very low speeds. Or, when some idiot in an SUV doesn't see you. In the USA, I believe that DSC is now standard on all MINIs. Not sure about Canada.

I'm running Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 205/45-17 on a set of 17x7 light-weight aftermarket wheels. They are excellent tires in rain and shine, but the Star Specs seem to beat them slightly in the TireRack.com tests -- except on road noise and wet track.

My 16x7 wheels have Pirelli P-Zero Nero M&S (all season). They were bought because they are fairly quiet, but the handling is disappointing. Wish I had PE2s on the 16x7 and Star Specs on the 17x7 wheels.

 

The ability to disable DSC (DTC) is pretty important I think if you want to do any performance driving. I had a Mazda 3S with DSC before the MINI and the DSC totally killed any spirited driving. I don't think you really even need DSC based on my driving up there during the winter, you just need decent tires.

I currently have Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus on my R32 and they're pretty good in Wet/Dry, but not as grippy in the Dry as the Star Specs. I haven't had a chance to drive them in the snow yet. I'd highly recommend them for A/S tires, but they're no Star Specs for sure.