Does the sport suspension only stiffen the suspension or lower the car as well? Many people have told me the ride would be too rough with the sport suspension and the road noise would be louder with it.

My major concern is the ground clearance. If it lowers the car too much, I would have to pass it since there are many speed bumpers in my area. Some people told me it does not lower the car at all.

If you have the experience with the sport suspension, please help with this question in terms of ground clearance, stiffness, and road noise. Thank You.

 

Plenty of clearance - practically same as non-sport.

 

i have the sports suspension.. the ground clearance is heaps. i had to drive up onto a gutter (kerb for you yankee folk) the other day and no problem.

i was worried about the stiffness/road noise as well.. seems fine to me. my dad even liked it, and that surprised me as he's not into a harsh riding car.. so yeah, it's not harsh at all. i did a 2 hour straight drive yesterday and it was quite comfortable.

 

We love our Sport suspension!

 

Compared to sports cars the MINI rides like an SUV (in terms of clearance).

 

I drove a non sport suspension Mini while mine was in the shop for a few days and i did NOT like it. I could not feel the road like i do with the sport suspension. Yes it is a little rougher but not anything like my old dodge pickup. And the extra feel you get from the road is a good thing.

Also i have noticed that the suspension "wears in" a little so after a few miles the ride will soften and be different from the day you take it home.

Edit: BTW mine is almost a full two inched higher off the ground than my 03 BMW 525iT wagon.