I'm new to mini's. Been looking to purchase one. Was wanting some input on what to look for and all, I was looking for a Cooper S, Do they all come with the sport suspinsion?

 

It's standard on the cabrio "S" -- assume it is on the hardtop.

By the way, I recommend looking through this if you haven't already:
http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

 

Thanks, I'll check it out and yes, looking for a hardtop

 

EDIT - Sequence told me I'm full of CRAP - so I deleted the wrong stuff (I think)

Also, the Sport package included the 17" wheels as well as the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) - so the quick way to see if it has the package is to check for the DSC toggly switch (NOT ASC, they all have the Acceleration Slip Control i.e. traction control) and/or see if it has 16" wheels.

Frankly, if you're not going to be autocrossing it, I wouldn't recommend the sport suspension.

The 16" wheels and standard suspension do a great job and my little bro who has one with the Sport Package after driving both ours and his wishes he hadn't gotten the package. Seems the even LESS sidewall of the 17" combined with the stiff suspension REALLY makes the ride more firm than he wants (his other cars are mostly BMWs with sport suspensions).

 

Jeez talk about disinformation...

what you just described was the Sport "package" for R53, which did not have a suspension upgrade, just bigger wheels, Xenons, DSC, stripes. This is because sports-tuned suspension was standard on the 02-06 S's, and an *option* on the base Coopers.

y're thinking of the 07-08 S, where sport-tuned suspension is an option.

 

yes OP all 2002-2006 R53s (Cooper S) come with sports suspension.

 

YOU SURE?

OK, I haven't shopped the options since we configured our 2003 - so mea-culpa if I'm wrong.

You're saying the 02-06 S models ALL came with the same suspension, and the only difference in the sport package was the wheels, DSC etc????

Mea-culpa.

WOW then those wheels REALLY make a big difference in ride quality.

Another reason to skip anything with that Sport "package."

Thanks for setting me straight - I'll shut up now.

 

dude, Im positive. and upgrade seats were not part of the SP either, all S's came with sports seats.

the only items from the sport pak I put on my car were the Xenons and the stripes.

And when I was demo'ing an 04 S with 17" wheels and the r-fs it was like driving a lumbering gravel truck. That's why I opted for the smaller and lighter 16" wheels (and no sport package.)

 

yep -- and that's exactly what the options were for the cabrio also (not that that helps the OP).

BUT I would recommend the sports package without the runflats. Get the package and then sell the RFs and switch to non-RFs.

 

Seats too --- jezus - ARE YOU SURE - yeah, of course you're sure.

I was sure the seats were different in my little bros.

Hey, don't get me wrong, I'm glad we don't have the Sport package - I'll leave it at that.

 

The official name of the 2002-2006 R53 hardtop suspension was "Sports PLUS suspension". It was standard factory equipment on the MCS and optional ($500) on the MC. You could configure a MC to have the same exact suspension as any MCS. You can not get Sports PLUS suspension on the R52 MCS Cabrio or MC Cabrio. This suspension is too stiff for this vehicle, hence both models (2005-2008) come with the "Standard suspension". For the R56 hardtop and R55 Clubman, both vehicles come standard with the regular suspension (Whether it is MC or MCS trim levels). However, here is the interesting tid bit.... The standard suspension in the R56 MC or R55 MC is DIFFERENT from the standard suspension found in the R56 MCS and R55 MCS. If you want the "Sports Suspension" (akin to the old Sports suspension PLUS) in both R56 MC/MCS and R55 MC/MCS you have to pay extra for it as a standalone option or as part of the Sport Package.

 

In the 2002-2006 R50 Cooper hardtop, the Sport Package gave you the MCS Sports seats, DSC, 16 inch 5 star R83 wheels and the rear spoiler. The 2002-2006 R53 Cooper S hardtop sport package gave you DSC, bonnet stripes, 17" wheels/tires, front fogs. Sport seats have always been standard equipment in all S models regardless of body style.

 

Thanks for the excellent lessons guys...

 

Nope. Both R52 MC and MCS convertibles have the standard Sports Suspension. The Sports PLUS Suspension is off limits and not offered in the R52 S cabrio. Unless MINI made a production change in recent times, the Sports PLUS suspension is not available. From reading your post I understand that there is a "Sports PLUS suspension"kind of in between for the R52 S?

 

Oh and you don't get the cool chrome gas cap on the R52 S cabrio either. You get the painted gas cap door of the Cooper.

 

OK, that makes sense. MINI did change this for the R52. When they first came out (Mid-2004) you did not have that suspension option on the MC convertible.

 

Sorry this might be a touch off topic, I have a 2006 MCS with limited slip, chile pack and 17 inch runflats. I am not near the car this instant and thought I had the DSC but now I hear there is ASC and am wondering if I have one and not the other. There is a switch on the dash that shuts off one or the other but I cannot remember which, Without going outside (I have only had the car a number of days) would the package I have show that I have DSC? I also have limited slip.

many thanks. Peter

 

I do not have fog lights nor bonnet striped. Also my car is UK spec. thanks. Peter

 

I don't think you have DSC. Are you in the UK/Europe? Here in the United States, you could order a new R53 S with limited slip and no DSC. ASC+T (All speeds traction control) was standard factory equipment for the Cooper S models. You will have a toggle switch labeled "ASC"instead. DSC is Dynamic Stability control and was optional for the Cooper S. You could get it as part of the US spec Sport Package or as a standalone option US$500. For example, the US spec Clubman (MC or MCS) comes standard with the sport button and DSC both of which are optional in the European market.

 

Okay, so I most probably have no DSC, I will look in the AM for the switch but if you are saying it would have 2 switches to turn either one off then I only have one, which would be the ASC.

What exactly does the DSC do?

I do know the car has some sort of braking control. puts the brakes on the outside wheel in a fast turn where you are about to slide? Something or other "brake control"

gosh now I am confusing myself.

Yes I am in the UK
cheers. Peter

 

The ASC switch will be right next to the toggle switch for the front passenger window in your RHD configuration. ASC is on by default at all times. When you flick the switch, a yellow warning light (with a triangle and exclamation sign) will lit up to warn you about turning off the traction control. DSC is a little more sophisticated than ASC because it monitors steering yaw position and helps the driver correct the vehicle if a lack of stability and traction is detected at any of the wheels. DSC helps you prevent rolling over the car during an emergency road situation. Post a pic of your toggle switch panel. I am not very familiar with the configuration packs offered in UK/Europe spec MINIs.

 

Yes, the switch I have is where you mentioned

Mine goes something like this, pass window, ASC, fog lights, rear fog light (this and the other fog switch may be the other way around) then drivers window switch.

Bummer, no DSC.

I have to figure out what this brake control thing is. I can't remember the name,

peter

 

Ah, cornering brake control (CBC) and electronic brake control (EBC) are these options in the USA?

One thing I knew I wanted and talked myself out of needing upon purchase and wish to god I didn't was the controls on the steering wheel, you REALLY need them, I am a radio fiddler and I know it would save my bum from an accident one day,

Wish the car had cruise control as well.


Can't get everything you want in a used car though.

peter

 

CBC? Control braking cornering which is standard on all MINIs on all markets. EBD = Electronic Brake Force distribution, another BMW sourced safety bit that works very well. Your toggle switch panel is arranged identical to LHD cars.

 

Yes, the ASC I have is ASC+T

night! Cheers. peter