I'm almost scared of the flak I may hear after writing this,
but I'm actually wondering if there's any way to SOFTEN the suspension on a 2005 MCS?

I know this is not the normal request, but as a daily driver on rough New England roads, I've found that even moving to 16" non-runflats tires is still a pretty harsh ride.

So is there any way to install something along the lines of the MC's "Sports Suspension" as a replacement for the MCS's "Sport Suspension PLUS"?

I should say that this is my second new mini cooper. My first was a first-model-year, 2002 MC, and although I LOVE the HP increase on my new 2005 MCS, I do find the ride pretty uncomfortable at times.

Thanks for any advice you can give me?

-=RR=-

P.S. Uhm...defenders of the tight--and tighter--suspensions, please don't yell!

 

I'm almost scared of the flak I may hear after writing this,
but I'm actually wondering if there's any way to SOFTEN the suspension on a 2005 MCS?

I know this is not the normal request, but as a daily driver on rough New England roads, I've found that even moving to 16" non-runflats tires is still a pretty harsh ride.

So is there any way to install something along the lines of the MC's "Sports Suspension" as a replacement for the MCS's "Sport Suspension PLUS"?

I should say that this is my second new mini cooper. My first was a first-model-year, 2002 MC, and although I LOVE the HP increase on my new 2005 MCS, I do find the ride pretty uncomfortable at times.

Thanks for any advice you can give me?

-=RR=-

P.S. Uhm...defenders of a tight--and even tighter--suspensions, please don't yell!

 

M7 Springs

 

Try a lightweight 15" wheel and tire. I use a 205x55x15" tire, and the ride is much more acceptable than stock on my `05 MCS.

 

have you tried tire pressure in the 32-33 range (for 1-2 people on board)?

 

best way I know is to trade in for a honda or vw.

 

You can try the MC Convertible suspension set up.

It's different from the hatch version.....maybe "softer".

 

how about a Caddy?

 

I'm not sure how easy it is to go to a softer ride if the non-runflats haven't solved the problem. I imagine it's more difficult that just trading springs with an MC.

Maybe go to a 15" wheel. You'd have a taller sidewall so that should improve the ride - and if you order non-performance tires that would be another step toward softer, I think. Plus, I think 15s look cool on MINIs.

You'll be a heretic, of course, but you'd have a smoother ride.

 

For most it just takes getting used to. It bugged me at first and still does from time to time on those truly awful roads. But now I find myself so used to it. Then I drive my wife's VW and it's like butter. Get back in the MINI and it's like I have no suspension, lol.

 

could you use the regular stock cooper springs?

 

You could consider Koni FSD shocks: http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?t=100952. Someone is currently selling a set here in the Marketplace forum.

 

M7 Springs, they have a softer ride the the stock MCS springs.

 

i teen djoo buy dee wrone car, mayn.

 

the problem with softening the springs is you won't have enough suspension travel left

 

I agree- M7s are much softer, you'll think you are in a Cadillac! Well, maybe not THAT soft...

 

Before ordering our S convertible I test drove a hardtop S with the SS+ suspension and the 17" S-lites and almost convinced myself to 'downgrade' to the 16" wheels. I didn't realize at the time that S convertibles with the sport package don't get the SS+, only the SS package. When the ragtop arrived I took it for a spin and noticed the ragtop was not nearly as harsh. We also traded in a 2003 Cooper with the standard suspension and 15"/65 series tires so this was still a big upgrade for us.
The problem is going to be cost as aftermarket suspension components aren't cheap and most are much harsher than stock. Swapping with someone who wants to upgrade to an SS+ wouldn't be hard to find though, although there's a LOT of man-hours in replacing a suspension.
One other thing, we noticed that although there was a big difference in the ride around town when hitting bumps and potholes, there was little difference in ride quality on the highway at 60+ mph in the ragtop vs our old Cooper.

 

I think the previous posts have touched upon the best way to soften the ride.

1. Taller profile 'non-funflat' tires, if you have 17's, you can improve the ride by going to 16's or 15's.
2. Get the Cooper (non-S) springs. They are slightly softer and will raise ride height slightly.
3. KONI FSD - these shocks will take the 'edge' or 'harshness' out of the MCS suspension.

Try any 'one' of the above or combine them.

Good luck!
Ken

 

i have a better idea...You could install some airbags (air ride system).

 

You might be surprised by how big a difference comfortable non-runflats and air pressure management can feel.

I recently wrote about Michelin's Pilot Exalt PE2 - very very comfortable at 32 psi, although 35psi is my norm.

 

I agree with above comment about switching to 15 inch and 205 55 15 tires, selected with help of knowlegable tire sales person... or could you get 195/60-15....

I drive in new england also, and commute into boston daily, and the roads, well could be much better. I use 205/55-15 and ride is pretty nice.

 

first get rid of your run flats. It amazing how much road they transfer into the car.

 

Yes yes and yes. After having my fillings rattled by LA's pot holes, I put a set of 15" holeys on to replace my 17" runflats. The ride difference was night and day. No it doesn't handle quiet as good, but thats why I keep my tall runflats around. As an added bonus the lighter tires improves my gas milage about 2 mpg.

 

Or the best of both worlds!


I am going to be purchasing the following to correct this issue:

Team Dynamics PR1's in 15X7 with 225/50/R15 Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2's!

You get even more traction than stock 17" runflats with a MUCH better ride!

It'd be my first suggestion, after that get some Bilstein PSS9 coilovers and go Full-Caddy!

RM2k5

 

What PSI were you running in your runflats and now nonrunflats? Quite possibly you're using too high tire inflation. You should be using 30 PSI all-round, unless you've got the car loaded to the max and are traveling in excess of 100 MPH. Even 33 PSI in my 17" runflats was pretty acceptable to me, and I'm like you in that I like a suspension that knows how to absorb a bump. I'd say your best bet is to install the Koni FSD shocks, leave everything else alone.