I am planning on trading in or selling my 04 Mini for an 05 S. Haven't test driven an S yet but I am wondering how I will adjust to the tighter suspension. Anyone?

 

I have the SS+ with a MC, which is about the same ride as the MCS. I like it, but it is rough on rough freeways and potholed streets, but does handle big bumps with composure -- but rough is still rough and jarring and bounces you around a lot. If you try to talk to someone while riding on a rough road, you will have difficulty as the bumps will take your breath away (making it hard to speak), and if you try to tune the radio, you will have trouble holding your hand steady. But that is the way sports cars are, and the payoff is great handling, and turn on a dime responsiveness. On smooth roads it is first rate, and most of the time, the roads are not that bad, but it does depend on where you live. Again, I really like it, any my wife hangs in there and says it is ok. She loves the MINI.

 

I went from a Cooper with SS+ to an 05 S Cabrio and found that getting rid of the run flats will give you a ride that you will enjoy. I have M7 lowering springs and the R-Speed 22mm rear sway bar and feel that the ride is still smoother than stock with the runflats.

Mick