Hi Coopers,

I don't post here much, but I am a long time lurker.

The roads in San Diego are so terrible that I can't stand the ride of my 2006 MCS. The ride also makes the cabin squeak and crack. It's pretty irritating. There are many times I want to get rid my car because of this. What have you done to overcome this harsh ride?

1. deflate tires
2. get rid of run-flat tires
3. get smaller wheels with higher profile tires
4. stick with 17's, but with higher profile tires (I don't like this because it doesn't good)
5. ?
6. ?

And by doing the any above changes, does it increase the comfort significantly? I want to say that I don't mind the handling being compromised. Anything to keep my car.

Thank you in advance,

Chris

 

The right tire choice will improve comfort and handling, at least steering response.

My theory is that the tread width needs to perfectly match the rim width, if the tire is too wide, it will become balloony and will be all wallowy. If the tire is the perfect width, then the sidewall is held vertical - more or less, and can perform better. Too narrow, and it could be angled which would cause you to roll onto the sidewall.

Some other things that I've heard eliminate squeaks are under body braces, like ones from Texas Speed Works, Ireland Engineering, or M7.

 

1. deflate tires
Being cost-minded *cough*cheap*cough this is the first thing *I* would try. Check your tire pressure on your runflats- they could be over-inflated to begin with. Although runflats can cope with lower PSIs (hence "run flat") I wouldn't suggest deflating them too much, as this will cause a whole different set of problems.

2. get rid of run-flat tires
I can all but guarantee that if you switch off the run-flats you will notice a much better ride and handling!

3. get smaller wheels with higher profile tires/4. stick with 17's, but with higher profile tires

I would try option 4 before option 3 (unless you wanted new wheels anyway). But also for the occasional spirited jaunt you'll want tires that can handle what the mini can put out and higher profiles effect cornering, etc. If you're going to get different tires, again option 2 is your best bet.

If you check the different forums you'll find a nice variety of tires that are a good balance of ride, performance, and value.

BTW- You didn't mention which run flats you have- some are better than others. Oh- and report back with whatever route you chose!

Hope that helps!

PS: I just thought of this: Perhaps the problem isn't with your tires but something more sinister like suspension issues? I would try swapping some seat time with a fellow motorer for comparison purposes and input.

 

Losing the run flats willl make a difference, but going to 16in wheels also be quite noticable. Rather than trying one and risk not being satisfied, find someone in the local mini club or someone you know with a mini and ask if you can ride or drive theirs.

 

You may not have to compromise your handling.

Here in NYC the roads can be pretty horrifying. Some roads make you feel like you're riding a jackhammer. I have had my MCS for only 2 weeks and the 16" runflats just came off today. I put on a set of Kumho Ecsta 205/50/16 high-performance all-season tires ($80 each at Tire Rack). I had to choose between the shorter 50s and the taller 55s, and I chose the shorter, stiffer sidewall. I wanted as little handling penalty as possible while significantly improving the bad roads experience. My first impression is that the harsh jolting over bad pavement is now significantly muted but still firm. Thumbs up. But the main thing that stood out was how much quieter these new tires are. I was enjoying listening to the exhaust because I could actually hear it. The stereo sounded more expensive suddenly. The car felt much more relaxed. And when I took a corner, there was loads of grip. I think I got what I was looking for. Of course I have had the tires not even 12 hours so I'll report back in a week or two. But moving from runflats to non-runflats looks like a godsend for living with the roads here.

I think it's pretty fair to say that the 16s will ride nicer than the 17s over bumps, so if you say, "anything to keep my car", then I say get some dope 16" wheels with non-runflat performance tires and call it a day. If you go all the way with 55s on a 16" wheel coming from 17" runflats, the difference in comfort over bad pavement should be enormous.

 

In the same boat here...

I have a MCSc with 17" Web Spokes. In Orange County it's not bad but the moment you head north to LA, man oh man. On bumpy roads and expansion joints, it feels like the interior panels would pop off and fly away. I've decided that the Mini will be excluded from service on certain freeways/highways so that the chassis doesn't sound like a 200k vehicle at 50k.

Here's what I've done / will do...

1. Got rid of the run-flats... I got Dunlop Direzza DZ101 (very quiet)

2. Lowered air pressure... Mine 33(F) / 28(R)... watch the sidewalls as you lower the pressure, some tires have stronger sidewalls than others.

So far I can handle the ride quality with these changes. However, the chassis takes a good beating on LA's 405 and surface streets.

3. Plan to replace the shocks/struts at 50-60k with Koni FSD, which improves ride comfort but maintains handling.

4. If that is still not enough... I will trade for 16" wheels.

 

Thanks guys!

I will try removing the runflats first, the cheaper route. I like how the road noise is also eliminated because a lot time I can't hear the radio.

Chris

 

I just replaced my runflats with Falken 452's last Friday and couldn't be happier. The difference in ride quality and cabin noise is night and day.

 

You forgot sell the car which is what I just did and got an SUv, shock horror!!!

But when I first got the car I posted a very similar thread, I was going to dump the car as it was actually painful to my kidneys to drive. I ditched the runflats which is what the majority told me to do and the difference was immediate and very apparent

I do believe changing to smaller rims and larger tyres would make a HUGE difference, If I had to keep the car I would do that, The exercise would be cheap as I would buy take offs from ebay and go from there.

Peter

 

Non runflats are an improvement, in my unscientific mind they improved life maybe 25%. Going to non runflat 16" tires, however, improved it by double that (using your definition of improvement). Also, a 16" tire gives improved on-center feel, as the 17's tend to tramline a bit (runflat or not), due to their lower sidewall height and smaller "slip angle".

For a good discussion on "plus" sizing and the tradeoffs between larger wheels/smaller sidewalls and larger sidewalls/smaller wheels, head over to www.tirerack.com.

 

Someone previous mentioned suspension - I have 59K miles on my 2005 MCS and just had the JCW Sport Suspension installed Friday and it made a huge difference for me. I had H-Sport lowering springs and my commute to work doubled about 6 months ago and I couldn't take the bumpy ride anymore. Depending on your mileage your shocks/struts could be just about worn out.

As others said I agree with swapping out the tires first. That may do it for you.

Good luck - I'd hate to see you get rid of it!

 

I just changed out from run flats to goodyear f1s... now im not sure if it is just me or what, but i notice a slight difference in ride.. and better handling.. im not sure if swapping out from run flats to these were my best idea, b ut for now its what i have done, and will have to stick with

 

Jeees, the roads anywhere in socal are like baby smooth compared to other eastern states, even Tijuana Mexico has smoother roads than say Philadelphia. And I drive with JCW suspension and 18 inch wheels on 35 series tires. But really a MINI, even Cooper without sport suspension is not a Lincoln Town car. Getting rid of it might be an option.

 

1. Tires are the obvious first attempt.
2. Buying a Lexus would be the second.
3. Thirdly would be driving my MCS with 18s 40 sidewalls and runflats on Boston roads after a long winter. This will make you greatly appreciate your current setup/situation.
4. In regards to squeaks and rattles, if the car is under warranty, have the dealership deal with them. I just took mine in for an unrelated issue and mentioned a squeak that was coming from the driver-side rear roof area and the dealership removed and reseated the C-pillar covers and fixed another rattle. I swear the car rides quieter than when I first got it! MINIs are known to settle with time, but these noises can then be fixed/adjusted.
5. If all else fails and you try non-runflat higher-sidewall tires and didn't like my lexus suggestion, you could try a lower strut-brace as nabeshin mentioned or changing shocks/springs. The Mini-Madness branded lower strut-brace stiffens the front end and is reported to help with the ride and noise (I specifically mentioned Mini-Madness as their lower brace goes further forward under the car and actually helps with NVH, while the TXWerks X-brace design bolts in further back and although being sportier has been known to exacerbate noise.) Other upgrades could be to Koni FSD shocks which are supposed to improve the ride in addition to handling. TexasSpeedWerks's springs, while lowering the car have actually added some compliance to the ride, although you could discuss it with them directly.

 

There are SO MANY tire choices out there. I, too, am planning to switch out of my RFs. Does anyone actually have the Magic Answer on which tires to purchase? Comfort, Handling, Noise?

Also, I'm currently running on 195/55/16. 205 offers many more choices than the 215; would you suggest going 55 - 50 - 45 with 205s? How does tire Width affect ride and handling?

One last question: Can a car be lowered without negatively affecting its ride? I love the "tightness" of the Sport mode, I just don't like breaking my teeth from the rough ride (tires). From what I've read, Tightness and Ride comfort can be two exclusive issues, correct?

Thanks gang!~

 

Just switched from Goodyear RSA run flats to General Exclaim UHP's, I chose a slightly taller tire with the idea of a smoother ride. Went from 205/45 17 to 205/50 17's. Huge difference in ride and steering!!!! I can't begin to tell you the difference it made. I used to slalom around manhole covers just to avoid the jarring, now I cruise through and barely notice them. Turn in is definately not as sharp as it was with the stiffer tires, the handling is somewhat pillowy. Straight line stability has shown a big improvement as well. I have noticed the I do get a bit of tire rub in the back over big bumps with the larger tires. Can't say enough good about these tires, quieter, smoother, what an improvement! I would definately make the switch, but go with a quality tire if you're going to spend some $$, although the generals are very inexpensive compared to just about anything else.

 

215/45-17 Non-run flats

 

@Howsoonisnow1985: Having lived in Philadelphia, the Tijuana area, and San Diego, you're correct! San Diego has, by-far, the best roads I've ever been on.

I've got the Kumho runflats and am very happy with them. Good grip. Quiet. No side-of-freeway chemistry experiments...

 

germany has the best roads...they pour twice the amount of asphalt thickness. in the US we like to come back and replace the asphalt every 3 years after it swallows up a bus.

I think my car rides rough, i dont have runflats,and i also went with a larger profile tire. i do have sport suspension though.

 

Chicago's roads are terrible: deep pot holes, ruts, you-name-it!

Here's what I did: ditched the run flats and 17" wheels; got 16" wheels and mounted a set of 205-50-16 Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 tires.

Result: Much better ride (but not too cushy), excellent handling (the Exaltos are great), and no more grimmacing waiting for the next pot hole to surprise me. Highly recommended

 

Germany's roads are very good but hop the border to Switzerland, where they'll spend 1/2 a night filling and leveling a 2" pothole to perfection.

 

Man. I could go for some of that. Sigh.

 

LOL
WOw I lived on Kearney Mesa off Aero and in North East Philly off Frankford(not called the "Badlands" for nothing) And yes I drove the GP into TJ!! Now in Santa Cruz area, great roads here.

For the US, I was impressed with West Virginia/VIrginia area roads, they were smoother than CA.