I am just about ready to order my new MCS, but I had some questions about some of the handling options..

None of the cars that I test drove had Dynamic Stability Control, Limited Slip Differential, or the sport suspension.. apparently these are not options that any dealer here wants to stock on their on the lot inventory.

I was looking for some feed-back for the pros and cons of these features..
I was also curious about wheel size options.. 16" vs. 17"...

I greatly appreciate any feedback

 

i have the sport package which includes the
stability control and the sport suspension.

I really like it. But I didn't drive one that didn't have it.
I have sat in one without the sport seats and I like
the sport seats much better. (my option buying on the
lot was premium or sport package)

I would not buy another car new or almost new that
does not have stability control.

BIG difference when swerving for maniacs.

 

Oops, I was mistaken, i did drive a sport optioned cooper that had the stability control and sport suspension..

Condor,
You have the 17" wheels too correct? I have heard some say that the sport suspension coupled with the 17" wheels makes for a rough ride.. Whats your take?

 

I have 17" wheels as well, which along with the sport suspension and the runflat tires, make the ride "rougher" than other options. The ride is definately sportier, and not as bad as you may think. I live in Mexico and roads down here are awful, and stil manage to enjoy the ride.

 

I'm just wondering, what part of Mexico do you live at? I also live in Mexico but commute to the US everyday, I'm getting my first MINI S in a few weeks...

 

The DSC is for emergencies. LSD is for lessening torque steer and it does, but if you're not an agressive driver it may not matter. The runflat tires are what make the car's ride rougher, not the sport suspension. In fact the SS probably doesn't do a whole lot of anything, just a little thicker sway bars. You can add a better rear one for less $$ (I did). I think a runflat's a runflat, 16 or 17 just get what looks better. Some people get the cheapest wheels/tires and get aftermarket wheels with regular tires that ride better. i don't think my tires are that bad, but I never tried nonRFs to compare.

 

Mexico City, where are you at?

 

I see, I'm in Tijuana.. I've been wondering about what gas to use on my upcoming MINI, it's so much cheaper to fill up "Red" in Mexico than even 87oct. in the US, but I think I will stick with US premium gas since I'm not to sure what kind of gas I get every time I pump up down there.. As a joke I always ask the Gas person for the one with less water lol

 

It is amazing how things have changed down here. The red stuff is similar to mid grade in the US. We don't get the most expensive down here. Red has been working wonderfully for me, and it is cheaper as you say! At least for now, word is the gas will stop being subsidized by the government soon!

 

Thanks for the info This answered most of my questions perfectly.

I think I'll opt for the DSC and the LSD, jury is still out for the SS..

CHEERS!

 

The DSC also provides "hill assist".....prevent car from rolling backwards on any incline (for about 5 secs) or until you engage the clutch. I had this on another car, but I find this system in Mini works really well. Another reason for DSC.