The problem is the straight-back exhaust pipes.

 

There is no place to stash a spare in the MCS other than in the boot, or behind the front seats if you lower one of the backseats, which is what a lot of us do.

According to earlier posts in this thread, the 10 gallon tank of the MC is European spec, not North American.

I have a 2003 MCS and at more than 72,000 miles on the odo, I'm on my third set of 16-inch Dunlop Performance Runflats. I am one of the few that love them! I keep them inflated at 34-36 PSI and the ride is fine. But one person's "harsh" is another's "road-feel." I like to feel the road.

 

The RF's definitely make for a harsh ride. Try it on the autobahn at 120mph! Once the run-flats wear out, I'll buy something else.

 

Despite the literature, both the MC and MCS have 13.2 gal. gas tanks (for the R56).

 

Don't know about the autobahn, but 'round here, the run-flats do make the ride harder, but I wouldn't call it harsh. If you think the ride is harsh, run-flats aren't for you... and, maybe, the MINI isn't either.

 

Just throw a can of fix-a-flat in the boot and call it a day. I've taken the spare off every vehicle I've ever owned and fix-a-flat has always been enough to get me to the nearest gas station to add air.

 

... i wish i lived in germany

I <3 AUTOBAHN

 

I just put an order to get new tires and dump the RF's.. I'll post first impressions coming off run flats....

 

I loved the autombahn when I had my VW Vanagon. Can imagine how fun it is in the MINI.

 

Bigger/heavier cars will have better ride. MINI is one of the lightest cars on the road. If comfy ride is top priority, I would look elsewhere. Butt....
if you're mad about the MINI's.... I hope you would become used to it. It is not bone jarring anyhow.

 

WELL... I just re-test drove the MCS and MC at my local dealer. The MCS I drove was missing the Sport Suspension and I loved the ride. It was still solid, but not bone jarring at all over the bumps. I test drove it in the city too, so it was a real good test. I can see now why everyone is saying the R56 has a compliant ride, and this was exactly what I imagined. The MA agreed with my past experience and reassured me that the sport suspension was too solid for the city.

I was there to decide b/w the MC and MCS, and while they are both awesome, the MCS stole the show. I will be getting the 17's without the sport suspension, since I know I can live with the ride. When its time to replace the tires, I'll probably go for non-RF and roll with a can of fix-a-flat (as rattmobbins suggested). Right now I am just stoked on making a decision and I'm going to order my MCS on Friday... now what color should I order?

 

Chili Red/White

 

There's another option: Tirerack.com Kumho Ecsta tires pretty cheap and damn good tires, that's what I have on my MINI now. You can sell the runflats for more on ebay than the Kumho Ecsta tires cost.

 

I've had my R56 MCS for about three months now and I'll admit that at times the ride is a bit bumpy. The handling more than compensates for that though. My wife on the other hand, feels the ride is way too harsh for her. I doubt she'll willingly drop her 50ish bones for any kind of long trip. Me, I'd take her across country if I could afford the gas and time.

 

Yah... i definitely like that option. I have Ecsta SPT's on my Lexus and they are sticky as all hell. Love those tires.

 

I just picked up my 07 MCS w/17" w/sport suspension about two weeks ago. I find the ride not harsh at all, in fact it could be a bit firmer. But all in all I think it's just about spot on.

 

The handling more than makes up for any minor discomfort. The MINI is comfortable--the RF's are not. Part of the charm is the feel of the road. I find I go out of my way to drive S-curves and roundabouts. PURE FUN!