R56 Harsh ride of the MCS ???
#1
Harsh ride of the MCS ???
I've read just about every MCS review and all they talk about is how pleased they are with the ride. I test drove the Cooper S w/ Sport Suspension and 17's and I was extremely disappointed with the harshness of the ride. I then drove a regular cooper with 15's running regular tires. That ride was much more what I expected. So I was wondering... what is causeing the harsh ride? Was it the 17's, the Sport Suspension, the Run Flats?
#4
I've read just about every MCS review and all they talk about is how pleased they are with the ride. I test drove the Cooper S w/ Sport Suspension and 17's and I was extremely disappointed with the harshness of the ride. I then drove a regular cooper with 15's running regular tires. That ride was much more what I expected. So I was wondering... what is causeing the harsh ride? Was it the 17's, the Sport Suspension, the Run Flats?
#5
#6
I've read just about every MCS review and all they talk about is how pleased they are with the ride. I test drove the Cooper S w/ Sport Suspension and 17's and I was extremely disappointed with the harshness of the ride. I then drove a regular cooper with 15's running regular tires. That ride was much more what I expected. So I was wondering... what is causeing the harsh ride? Was it the 17's, the Sport Suspension, the Run Flats?
I just don't know how you can call the ride harsh. Go buy a lincoln town car and take the turns at 10 MPH.
#7
I drive a Lexus IS300 with performance suspension and the ride is very compliant. Compared to my car, the MCS I test drove was definitely harsh. I just expected a more civilized ride. This will be my daily driver and I need to be able to live with it.
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#9
Coming from my CRX with coilovers on big ole 15s, I have to agree with ChrisW and cooper99 that the MCS feels like a Caddy (then again, so did the R53s that I drove). The roads around here are generally horrid and I have no issues on a day-to-day basis with my MCS with SS and 17" run-flats. I'll ditching the run-flats and going to coilovers soon to drop things down and firm things up a little.
#11
Yup, all 3 add to the rough ride. Our '06 MCS has ss, 17" and runflats. Sometimes i want a kidney belt when on rough roads. BUT with that said, I would do it again. I think as many others have pointed out, the runflats are the biggest culprit. We are going to lose those for non rfs. I expect to maintain the handling and lessen the roughness a bit. You have to believe a low profile tire with a couple of inches on the sidewall of stiff/hard rubber will make for a bumpy ride.
#12
#13
I have an 02 MCS. Purchased it used a year ago. It had 15" non runflats. Quite a nice ride. I now have 17" run-flats. Yep, I can definetly tell the difference, much harsher. I'll try with non-runflats in the future, but, I love it either way. When I drove the new 07 I thought it was too much of a soft BMW for my taste - at least for now. I do have another car for "comfortable" driving (custom flamed PT Crusier turbo). I refer to it as the pillow car because of its ride. I haven't driven it since the weather turned nice except to get buckets of gravel for the yard. My husband drives it since I won't let him drive my MINI.
#14
I test drove 2 MC's last week, one with 15's and the other with the run flat 16's. There was a significant increase in the amount of chatter even on good surfaces with the 16's.
The thing is that the MC handled very well even with the 15's, so I wouldn't choose to live with the chatter for the minute improvement in handling, although I do think the 16's are more attractive.
The thing is that the MC handled very well even with the 15's, so I wouldn't choose to live with the chatter for the minute improvement in handling, although I do think the 16's are more attractive.
#16
Seems to be a matter of perspective.
As a first time Mini owner, I found the Sport Suspension far more than I needed for a daily driver. The standard suspension rides like my Lexus IS250 does. Firm, but not harsh.
I also find the base suspension to be far more competent on the road, than most cars.
To the original poster, just test drive the various combinations and find what you like. It is the way of the Mini.
As a first time Mini owner, I found the Sport Suspension far more than I needed for a daily driver. The standard suspension rides like my Lexus IS250 does. Firm, but not harsh.
I also find the base suspension to be far more competent on the road, than most cars.
To the original poster, just test drive the various combinations and find what you like. It is the way of the Mini.
#17
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#19
I test drove 2 MC's last week, one with 15's and the other with the run flat 16's. There was a significant increase in the amount of chatter even on good surfaces with the 16's.
The thing is that the MC handled very well even with the 15's, so I wouldn't choose to live with the chatter for the minute improvement in handling, although I do think the 16's are more attractive.
The thing is that the MC handled very well even with the 15's, so I wouldn't choose to live with the chatter for the minute improvement in handling, although I do think the 16's are more attractive.
Here is a question, does the Sport Suspension option add upgraded springs as well as sway bars? All the literature I've read suggests its only sways.
#20
Duffer, I'm with you. I thought the Mini on 15's handled exceptionally well without the sacrifice. My problem is I am leaning towards the "S", so there is no non runflat option. So my best option would be a MCS w/16 RF no Sport Suspension.
Here is a question, does the Sport Suspension option add upgraded springs as well as sway bars? All the literature I've read suggests its only sways.
Here is a question, does the Sport Suspension option add upgraded springs as well as sway bars? All the literature I've read suggests its only sways.
Reader: robble: what is the exact physical difference between the sports and sports suspension. Is it anti-sway bar, shocks, springs or a combination ?
MF: Great great question. Here’s the official answer straight from MINI product manager Jeff Stracco:
The sport suspension is made up of thicker sways and different springs vs the standard suspension. Incidentally, STOCK ride heights are: Cooper = 134mm / Cooper S = 130mm. Fully loaded both are at 105mm. Keep in mind that the "height" or clearance typically varies along the length of the car…some parts hang lower, so this is a bit of a generalization.
#21
When comparing MINIs to other cars, though, another big factor is the wheelbase. The IS300 doesn't have a particularly long wheelbase, but it's still eight inches longer than the MINI. The shorter wheelbase on the MINI means that upward forces at either end of the car are much more likely to cause the car to pitch forward and backward.
#22
I've read just about every MCS review and all they talk about is how pleased they are with the ride. I test drove the Cooper S w/ Sport Suspension and 17's and I was extremely disappointed with the harshness of the ride. I then drove a regular cooper with 15's running regular tires. That ride was much more what I expected. So I was wondering... what is causeing the harsh ride? Was it the 17's, the Sport Suspension, the Run Flats?
If harshness is too much for you then-
Order the stock suspension (don't upgrade it- not useful for daily street use for most owners).
Order the 16" stock wheels with runflats- they are more comfortable than the 17" with runflats.
If you must get the 17" wheels then switch them when ready to non runflat tires in 205/45-17 or 215/45-17 sizes. Look for a good Ultra High Performance All Season tire- better on balance of handling and comfort with good wear. Something like Kumho Ecsta ASX is worth considering.
(In 215/45-17 it's $86 each from tirerack.com).
(If using stock 16" rims then 205/55-16 is $67 each and offers even more comfort due to 55 series sidewall which is less stiff and taller but still offers good handling for daily use).
#24
My R-53 was very harsh but my R-56 with the 17's, ss and everything actually rides better than a couple of bmw 330I 's i've ridden in & drove. I think the new Mini ride is alot smoother and more controlled than the R-53 and it's not really a comparison with any model Lexus. The Mini is in it's own class. It will definatelly out handle the IS300 anyday but if you ditch the run flats it will ride about 50% smoother. I think the IS300 is a fine car but still no comparison to a Mini. Good luck with your decision.
#25
Spot on Trinity! The R56 is a comfy cruiser compared to the R53. Some people will still complain it's rougher than their Lexus LS600h though