Hi Everyone,

I'd like to start about thanking you for all of the knowledge that is shared on this community. I have lurked this community since I began my Countryman evaluation and have found it very helpful.

Here is my issue -
I am ready to buy a Countryman S All4 with the JCW exterior package. However, the dealer is saying that the JCW exterior package requires Sport Suspension even though the website provides it as an option.

I live in San Francisco where it seems like they dig the streets up for fun and I was already concerned about the ride stiffness with the combination of 18" wheels and run flats but if I have to have sport suspension, it makes it a deal breaker.

Here are my questions -
Is the dealer accurate when they say that I have to equip the sport suspension?

It sounds like no matter what suspension I get I will need to get rid of the of the run flats and I am fine with that. What about replacing the sport springs for stock ones?

What would you do in my scenario?

Thanks in advance!

MC

 

Yeah, I see that there is a tick-box for the the sport suspension option (at zero cost) when you choose the JCW exterior package. I'm in SF, too. Did you confirm with other dealers in the area? Stevens Creek, East Bay, Concord.

I have the sport suspension option with 19" rims with 245/40/19 tires. Going over rough roads, potholes, and those large steel plates that you often see in the city, the ride is REALLY jarring with my setup (the factory-sized 225/40/19 tires can only be worse). Also you can feel every single bump in the road.

If I had to do it over again, I'd do 18" rims with 245/45/18 tires (as opposed to the OEM 225/45/18), but even then it would still be quite jarring. I think 17" rims and tires would be the right amount of stiffness, but they don't look as nice.

My suggestion is to test drive a JCW since it comes standard with the sport suspension and 18" rims (225/45/18). Try driving over some really rough roads and see how you feel about the ride.

 

I had the sales rep call Mini USA and they said that the sport suspension has to be included for clearance (which doesn't make sense because it actually lowers the car).

So switching out the tires to non-flats would be like putting a band aid on a flesh wound? Do you think there is there any feasibility in tracking down some OEM springs?

 

We have springs, I can get you springs that are for the stock suspension ( Non Sport ) with the VIN. Don't know how much lift and ride comfort that will give you with the Sport Suspension Struts paring. Run flats are the hardest feeling item, get the P zero RF versions and they are about the softest. Otherwise switch them out for non RF.

 

i have the sport suspension on my 2012 all4 and 18 inch wheels

i put 225/50R18 michelin pilot super sports tires on and the ride is fine

my sister has a 2012 all4 with stock suspension and stock 17 inch wheels with stock pirelli p7 all-seasons and my car is a smoother ride on rough chicago roads PLUS handles much better

 

Having just switched from a 2012 R60 Cooper S with standard suspension to a new R60 with the sport pack, I can honestly say I haven't noticed any difference whatsoever, and the roads here in the UK are pretty bad too.

 

sport pack is not sport suspension, 2 different options

 

The sport pack comes with sport suspension in the UK

 

I've got all4 SD with no sports suspension , but lowered 35mm all round on normal 19s . The ride is way better than with 18s on run flats