I am configuring and playing in anticipation of placing my order. My question is what is the handling and ride difference between the standard sport suspention in the sport package and the sport plus? Opinions of those who have it are very welcome. I plan on daily driving this car along with getting back into autocross and road course runs occasionally. 90% of it's duties will be for commuting.

 

Take an S for a spin. The SS+ suspension is stock on the S, so you can get a feel for it. Keep in mind that the S will have runflats, where it's possible that Coopers you drove didn't. The runflats add a fair amount of harshness to the ride.

...david

 

I'd say skip the SS+. If you find that autocross / track usage is fun, you'll probably wind up replacing the springs and swaybars anyway, so why pay more for a part you may remove?

 

Yeah skip SS+. I drive my MC hard and the SS has been a perfect balance of comfort and performance in both Canyon and street driving. I may do a larger sway bar or springs in the future, but go with SS, and decent non run flat tires, and that should be fine!

 

Are you sure the SS+ suspension is standard on the S? I bought the Sports package and I thought that was what I was getting (as well as the wheels, xenons and seats) over and above the "standard" S. I stand (well, sit in my Sports seat) to be corrected.

cheers,
philip

 

Yes SS+ is standard on the MCS and optional on the MC. The Sports package doesn't actually contain anything that affects the suspension.

 

I've got an MC with the SS+ and I like it. Doesn't feel harsh at all with 15" tires.

 

My MC has the standard suspension and it rides plenty stiff for me. Unless you are on a perfectly smooth road, (which is hard to find), I can't see how the SS+ suspension would improve the handling.

 

The Mini Cooper I test drove before ordering mine had the base suspension, but had 16" run-flats on it. The MC I ordered had 15" wheels, but I did order the SS+ package, and I'm glad I did. My MC handles better than the MC I test drove, and rides as well or better since I'm on 15's instead of the 16's with run-flats. I'm glad I ordered the SS+, it was money well spent IMHO.

A friend and I just got back from putting 1400 miles on the car with a 4-day roadtrip, and the ride wasn't bad at all, neither of us complained that it was too harsh, even on some of the crappy back roads we were on in Arkansas, Tennessee, Illinois, and Kentucky.

-Keith

 

FYI to any others that might read this thread, S convertibles come with Sports, not Sports +... My dealer had told me otherwise.

 

I think it's pretty clear that the SS+ suspension in conjunction with runflats is a pretty stiff ride. If you don't plan to run them, then you should be fine! Many of us dumped the runflats at the first available chance, just to improve our ride. I'm perfectly happy with SS and my non runflat Yokos!

 

My '04 MC with SS+ and 16" runflats rides fine. Some posts had me worried about a harsh ride with SS+ and/or runflats before I ordered my car, but I'm glad I got the SS+ (and the Sports Package with the runflats and other goodies). Only $500 for upgraded suspension pieces is a bargain. Don't be a girlie-man with a pampered bottom, be a hard-*** with the SS+ and take those corners flat!

 

I say don't. I regretted not getting it when I first got my MC, however, soon I was able to get a FREE set of SS+ springs and rear sway. All in all, costed me 12$ (shipping). Also, many, many people go aftermarket for better springs, so you might as well save your money and get aftermarket or SS+ from soneone who went aftermarket later. That is, unless you don't want to deal with installing it yourself or having anohter place install it.

 

I have an '02 MCS with the original SS+ suspension that is considerably firmer than the current SS+ and do not find it to be any problem as an everyday driver.

I also have used it for several 5+ hour, each way, vacation trips and the occassional auto-X. I still use the run-flats that, in themselves, make the ride stiffer.

You should also think about getting the Sport Seats also, they offer much more support and comfort. If you are planning on auto-Xing your new MINI, the cloth seat covers offer more grip to keep you firmly planted on the seat.

I don't think the SS+ will cause you any undue problems. Buy and enjoy.