I'm coming from a 05 MC to a 07 MCS and I have found that the steering doesn't feel as good as it did on the MC. My problem is that the steering seems to be really loose compared to my old car. I turn on the sports button everytime I get in the car, but I find myself checking to see if it's on because the steering just doesn't feel right. Is there anything I can do about this? upgrade suspension, different wheels, future ECU tweak? or is this just something I will have to get used to?

Also wanted to see if anyone else had similar feelings.

 

I don't notice the difference between my former R53 and my R56 when I have the sport button turned on. Now I can tell a difference when it isn't on, but I hardly motor without turning on the sport button.

 

You may have to see if you can get used to it. I find R56's steering, sport mode off, is easier than my R50 Cooper's. With sport mode on the steering feels tighter. My R50 has the standard suspension though, so that may make a difference.

The thing is w/ R56 to me is that, yes, the car will feel different...much more tame. Yet, when pushed it is perfectly capable and far less jittery that my R50 Cooper was. I loved that R50 edginess, but I've come to appreciate that corners that my R50 would come unglued on, the R56 (at the same speed) takes right in stride. It's deceiving, really, but I like it!!!

I can see in this regard that some will always want and prefer the raw, visceral feel of R50/53, but for a car that doubles as a daily driver, occasionally carries passengers, and does some highway miles, R56 does offer some great real-world benefits while sacrificing less performance-wise than might initially meet the eye.

 

I guess it really depends on what you're accustomed to. I just bought a MC after driving a BMW 328i for 11 years. The BMW had good steering, but the MC steering is so tight I find myself occasionally weaving on the interstate even though I've never turned the sport button on yet.

 

You might double check your tire pressure. The R56 needs higher pressure than my 03 Mini.

 

Yup, I had that experience. My R56 MCS came with 17" wheels. I bought an extra set of 16" wheels for a more comfortable ride. When I first had 205/55-16 tires installed, they only put 32 lbs. in them. The steering seemed sluggish and not as responsive as the 205/45-17s. I put 37 lbs. in front and 36 in back. They are much better now.

I've read that the JCW Stage 1 tuning kit changes steering response. So, an ECU modification might help.

 

I will definitely check my tire pressure. But what I'm trying to refer to, which I'm not doing a good job of, is just the tightness of the steering wheel itself. I feel like it's too easy to move the wheel, so it's like a little pressure and the steering wheel just turns so easy. maybe it's a bad thing, but I preferred needing a little muscle to turn the wheel.

 

That would be controlled by the ECU. IIRC, the JCW kit actually makes it lighter. You may have to get used to it, or find someone who does custom ECU mods.

 

Ah, I think what you are talking about is the steering feeling overboosted and light, right? I understand completely it is a peeve of mine. I don't like the feel of boosted steering myself either. Years ago at a Mercedes event the overboosted feel of their steering really put me off, and recently with an Audi A3 I hated it until it was changed via VAG software to be stiffer.

Kinda scary how it is all electronic controlled now and how they can't correct computer settings and feel sometimes with programming for the steering, drive by wire, transmission, etc - it can be a real crapshoot on how the car turns out. The feedback on the steering and non dbw throttle were so positive and direct on on the pre-01 BMWs, since then the cars we have had and loaners driven have exhibited all kinds of programming symptoms and issues (and can be inconsistent even in the same model it seems). It is too bad, makes ordering a car 'iffy' since you can't be sure of how it will feel really

 

Over-boosted indeed! I'd much rather have the assist cut to half of what it is. Even in sport mode, it's just too light - not enough road feedback.

 

Wow, the JCW boosts it more? Sounds like there is a market for someone to offer some programming changes - hope they do for the original poster' sake.

 

I won't drive mine without the sport button on. Here's a thread on modding the button to come on automatically.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=103258

 

On my test drive, i realised the not tight enough part right away. I just felt i needed to get used to it

 

Mine feels fine when the button is on. Maybe the later production cars have lighter steering. Mine is early June production and it is tight enough for me.

 

my gf has a 06 and yes the steering feels tighter...maybe its because the car weighs more....