Just wondering if anyone can suggest on how to soften the MINI's suspension by giving it a less harsh ride. I have the Sport package with 195/55-16" run flat tires.

Besides changing to all-season or summer tires and changing the shocks are there any other ideas?

Some may actually like the current suspension, but it sure is a pain on bad city streets and numerous asphalt expansion joints in pavements.

 

First I just like to say you love a go-cart, but want the ride of… what a Cadillac. If you have a mid 03 or later you have the oil filled shocks to dampen the harshness so many like you complain about. Next thing would be non run flats, after that I’d have to say get a different car.

 

Just going to a non-runflat tire will make a big difference in the harshness. With the 16s, the difference is more noticeable than if you had the 17s.

 

I just switched from runflats to non-runflats today (same 16" wheels); did not notice a BIG difference ... small bumps on the road are a little better but the larger potholes are no better - and there are lots around this area.

I wonder if the "improved" shocks can be purchased and retrofitted ...

 

>>Just wondering if anyone can suggest on how to soften the MINI's suspension by giving it a less harsh ride. I have the Sport package with 195/55-16" run flat tires.
>>
>>Besides changing to all-season or summer tires and changing the shocks are there any other ideas?
>>
>>Some may actually like the current suspension, but it sure is a pain on bad city streets and numerous asphalt expansion joints in pavements.

Do you have the Standard Sports Suspension or the optional (In the Cooper) SS+ suspension?

 

The suspension's perfect, but if you must; get a bunch of those marshmallow bunnies and pack them on your tires for a ride that's smooth and sticky...

 

A lot of the harshness can be taken out by simply disconnecting the sway bars if you've got them. Pretty simple operation, one allen wrench and a 17 mm open end will do the trick. just do it on one side and use a tie wrap to tie up the link. alternatively, remove the complete link. That should help a lot. If you are willing to spend money on new shocks, get with KONI, tell them your problem and I am sure they can supply with the shocks you want.

 

Expansion joints and other big bumps will always be a problem for a vehicle with a very short wheelbase. . . . .

How about switching to 15" rims and slightly oversized tires run at slightly lower than recommended pressures? That could make it pleasantly squishy

 

>>Just wondering if anyone can suggest on how to soften the MINI's suspension by giving it a less harsh ride. I have the Sport package with 195/55-16" run flat tires.

You have an MC hopefully with the stock suspension and not the sport suspension plus or SS+ (it is optional and you'll have to pay more for it). The idea of removing the rear swaybar is possible but don't try to corner too hard once you do that and be prepared for understeer like an economy car.

The biggest problem is your tires- the runflats are harsh and rough riding. 55 series is not too bad but 60 or 65 series tires would be better for smoothing out the ride.

>>Besides changing to all-season or summer tires and changing the shocks are there any other ideas?

Non-runflat tires in 195/60-16 ,185/60-16 or similar might be good if you were willing to change from the runflats. The idea of the 15" rim also helps since that size rim allows you to consider 65 series tires like the stock 175/65-15 which is pretty smooth but doesn't corner as well.

>>Some may actually like the current suspension, but it sure is a pain on bad city streets and numerous asphalt expansion joints in pavements.

Buying a set of stock 15x5.5" holies (only 12 pounds each rim) or 8 spoke (15 pounds each rim) and putting comfortable inexpensive non runflats in 175/65-15 or 185/60-15 would be probably the best option.

Letting out air lowers the load your tires can handle plus cornering might be worsened.

Your request is an interesting one. If you really have that bad road conditions, I'm sorry to hear about it. You need to elect politicians that are aware of the problem streets and willing to do something to improve them. I'd start with the Mayor and go to your city councilman.

 

Wanda was a March 2003 build, so I guess she has the gushier suspension. She has the 16-inch runflats on v-spokes, and I can say that after 33K+ miles, she is VERY comfy! I must have the oily suspension..... What is your build date, z? Unfortunately, the worst roads in the US are in California....so we are stuck with the bouncy ride.


Clo/Wanda

 

>>Wanda was a March 2003 build, so I guess she has the gushier suspension. She has the 16-inch runflats on v-spokes, and I can say that after 33K+ miles, she is VERY comfy! I must have the oily suspension..... What is your build date, z? Unfortunately, the worst roads in the US are in California....so we are stuck with the bouncy ride.
>>
>>
>>Clo/Wanda
>> >
>> come on up to the great white north if you want
bad roads to play on

 

Seriously, I'd consider a different car, or a second car for long trips. I have 17" run flats and I think the car rides great. Of course, I'm coming from a 911 with 295/30/18s on the rear :smile:

Start by getting rid of the run flats, and if you don't mind the grip compromise, get some touring tires instead of performance tires.

 

The ride became flatter and more comfortable when I switched over to the
H-sport springs due to its progressive spring rate.

You might want to give those a try. Going with aftermarket struts will
usually make your ride even harsher (not really harsher, but firmer).

I thought the factory sport setup with 17" SP9000 runflats were pretty comfy.

 

>>Besides changing to all-season or summer tires and changing the shocks are there any other ideas?
>>

ummmm....tires and suspension is the ride. I would suggest trading in for a cooper with 15" wheels no SS+ and no sport seats.

 

Thanks for all the good feedback.
Sndwave: I have the May 02 build, so the Sport (not +SS) suspension shocks are not the same as the newer build. Ride is great on good highways, my complaint is where the car hits potholes, manhole covers and expansion joints every 10 feet of highway. And thanks for the advice on getting a Cadillac. The CTS would make a GREAT second car.

_________________
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Don't hassle me. I'm driving as fast as I possibly can</P>

 

Best ride in the universe is afforded by the Chevrolet Suburban........you could haul the MINI in the back if you remove the third seat......

 

LOL! Haul a MINI in the back of your suburban. Drive city to city, then when you get there back the MINI out and do your running around in town. Not a bad plan.

This reminds me of a yacht I saw at the yacht show in Monte Carlo a few years ago. There was what most would consider a very large boat on the back of a HUGE boat. On the very large boat was a dinghi. So, there was a boat on a boat that was on a boat. Additionally there was an Ultra Light airplane on top. If that's not a display of wealth I don't know what is.

spokart,

I have a standard Mini Cooper with standard suspension and 175 65 15's. I will be putting MCS springs on it, but will be keeping the wheels. You are welcome to the springs for the shipping cost if you would like them. Then go to the same 15's and you will have an improved ride. I personally think that this would be a safer plan than disconnecting the sway bars. If you did that, it could be dangerous if you got into an emergency maneuver situation.

Good luck,