Greetings!

I have been a fan of the MINI for years and am presently considering the purchase of a used one. I've driven several (Cooper and S) and have my sights set on a low mileage '03 Cooper w/ Sport Package. However, it is located far enough away where I won't be able to test drive it.

My question which numerous searches have failed to answer:
I know the features that are part of the Sport Package (seats, DSC, 16" runflats, etc) but can't determine whether the package uses different suspension (springs/shocks/struts/bushings etc) than the standard Cooper. I am not interested in an S due to the harsh ride. This particular car has regular tires which should eliminate one source of harshness. But does the Sport package ride on a stiffer suspension? If so, how does it compare between a Cooper without the Sport package and an MCS? Or is it the same as an S?

Thanks in advance,
Tony

 

I'm pretty sure the sport package has stiffer springs and a stiffer sway bar, the same as the S. Does the car you're looking at have runflats? That will probably be the biggest factor for rough ride, luckily easily swapped out.

 

I have an 08 MC with the sport package and runflats and I feel the ride is great, a bit towards the stiff side, but nothing that has been complained about by my wife or my kids. I have never had soft cars, but by no means is this too harsh, it's responsive and solid, but not harsh.

 

Hey, the "rough ride" is MUCH better than my brother's honda civic--now talk about a rough skateboard ride! BMW has it down..they don't cut corners like other auto makers

 

To put my "harsh ride" comments in perspective;

We recently sold an e36 318ti with M suspension as it was way too harsh for our driving style. Keep in mind we live in Maine where the roads in recent years have become unbearable (granted, I'm biased as I work for the MaineDOT). Add to that, I'm approaching retirement age and the body requires a bit more cushion than it once did. And on top of all that, I still have my handling toy, a Triumph TR8 with the appropriate suspension bits for when the desire to slide around a corner arises. We're looking at MINIs for fair weather daily driving, hence the need for a "smooth" ride.

 

From what I know the sport suspension on a Cooper uses the same suspension as the Cooper S. Not having runflats will help a lot. That being said the only way to know if it is too harsh for you is to actually drive that car. No way I would ever buy any car without driving it first. Not doing so is a huge gamble on your part.

Good luck.

 

If you search for the sport suspension package on the Realoem.com you will find that the the sport suspension option S228A has unique front struts, a larger diameter stabilizer bar at 24 mm versus 22.5 with matching bushings. The spring part numbers are not available from the Realoem. I wanted the sport package on my 06 Mini Cooper but ended up without the sport package but for Michigan's and New York's bad roads the base suspension has been just right in my experience. Also, Chrysler's 1.6l naturally aspirated Tritec engine has been surprisingly capable with a 5 speed manual transmission.

 

I have a 2006 MCS with the sports package (see signature details below) and it does have the stiffer suspension and runflats. If you want a cushiony ride, the sports package isn't the route.

 

Please note the trans in early MC non S's are the Midland and have not had the best reliablity. I also, went to an MC 2005 regular suspension for better ride. Enjoy it greatly. Quick and not too harsh, I would not call it soft though. After 5 years, now I am looking to upgrade the car for more speed, including the suspension.

 

To answer your original question, the Sport Package on the 2003 MINI does not include the sport suspension. That was available separately. As far as the ride, I don't think it's too different than a Cooper S (again, the sport suspension is optional), but the Run Flats do make it ride rougher. For reference, I have a 2003 Cooper with the sport package and my mother has a 2005 Cooper S without it. I've driven her S and noticed little difference. If you drive on rutted streets like the ones I do in DC, it'll definitely be rough. On smoother roads, it's a treat to drive and the handling is awesome!

Regarding the manual transmission, at 72k miles, mine is still running strong. However, I would DEFINITELY recommend getting some type of warranty on it. I did, and it saved me tons of money. Best of luck with the purchase and enjoy the car!

 

if it is the suspension from the std MCS I suspect you will be very happy with it. The ride is fantastic.

 

Does the Sport Package include a different muffler and pipe?


I ask because I have to replace the muffler and pipe on my 2003 R50, and I do have the Sport Package.


When I look up the MINI part numbers, I find that P/N 18100141760 for "base w/sport", and P/N 18307537083 for "base w/o sport". The latter seems to be the far more available P/N.

 

The Sport Package did not include a sport exhaust.

P/N 18100141760 was the exhaust in the JCW Engine Tuning Kit and was superceded by P/N 18100398918.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/part...&q=18100141760

 

To tame the harshness you can do the following:

Regular tires - 16" or 15" on a Justa on light wheels
Koni FSD struts - the originals are likely shot anyway
New control arm bushings
New front sway bar bushings while you are in there
New strut bearings/bushes

If it were my money I would hold out for a 2005 or 2006.

 

It's no where near as stiff as STI suspension. I find it completely tolerable without being floaty. If you hit a pot hole it is going to jolt all the cheapy plastics in the car though.