I'm sure this has been covered, but so what ? I avoided the Sport suspension for several reasons: I couldn't tell the diff in test drives, and with the stock RF tires I figured the sidewalls are so stiff I'd have a hard time telling much difference until I wore them out and got regular tires. My skeptical side told me that whatever they provide for $500 couldn't be worth much (I think they charge that much for floormats and a car cover) and aftermarket tweaks would be way better/cheaper. What's the first thing(s) to go after? I'm not wanting to race it, just have it handle a little tighter.

 

lowering.... there are sacrifices to make but lowering with stiffer shocks and springs is the best thing for the handling.

 

Sorry, you missed the best option by not specifying "sport suspension." Most posts here and on Motoringfile say this is a must option. I suspect you will need to wait some time for the aftermarket folks to come up with "suspension mods." I will bet that you will end up spending considerably more that $500.

 

Tire Rack is selling the new H&R lower springs for $199 on their website, I have an order in for my Mini when I get her in June-ish time frame.
I think lower it by 1.4" will definately give it a more aggressive stance and feel. I did get the Sport Suspension as per Motoring File's recommendation. But I feel the ride height on the new R56 is still a tad too tall for me still.

You might consider the lowering springs from Tire Rack. I think there is a thread on the Mod's section where some NAMers have it already installed on their R56's.

 

Doh...might've helped had I posted a link to Tire Rack:
http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/s...452&perfCode=S

 

The sport suspension is a real bargain out of the box: stiffer front and rear sways, different shocks and springs for only $500 is unheard of in the aftermarket. That said, it is non-adjustable and will limit you to stock ride height. I went with the regular suspension because I want adjustability, but that means coilovers, camber plates, and an adjustable rear bar, which will cost more than 4x what the Mini SS costs. The strength of the aftermarket will be increased quality and adjustability, not decreased price.

 

Maybe so, but somehow increasing the sway bar thickness from 22 to 23mm (5%) doesn't sound like a substantial difference to me. Maybe I just don't know the tech. I think the front goes from 17 to 18mm or something (they are about 1mm thicker for the MCS than they are for the MC). My gut feeling is that tires will make way more difference in handling for most people, and the stock 17" tires don't thrill too many people.

 

Hey Newt, interesting spec with the Tuscan Biege with Sparkling Silver. Any pics? I have Sparkling Silver with Redwood Lounge Leather.

 

Interior pix are on this thread. Exterior pix are on another thread somewhere, when I bought it.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...t=97802&page=3
I like the Sparkling Silver with Redwood Lounge second best when I bought, it's a great combo.

 

I bought my 07 MCS right off the showroom floor. I had always liked the MINI's and had a friend who had one (he later upgraded to a Lotus Elise - lucky dog) and he had nothing but good things to say about his Cooper. I look back now and wish I had been able to read posts on this website but I didn't even now about NAM back then. My R56 only came with the Premium and Cold Weather packages. I added 18" Enkei Performance WDM rims after asking for handling advice from Gabe at MotoringFile. He told me that was the best place to start (I had 16" rims on it before with run flats). My question is should I spend the money on the JCW suspension kit or go aftermarket for further suspension improvements (I know, I know the rims are not a suspension mod)? Any help would be greatly appreciated.