You might want to search the forum for some info on DTC before you skip it. I live in southern california so driving in rain or snow isn't an issue for me

And as for the suspension, I probably would have got it if it lowered the ride height, but it doesn't. During the ~8 min test drive with each suspension, the regular suspension was smoother but I thought it still handled amazing (it is a MINI afterall) so it wasn't worth it to me. The sport suspension had a firmer ride. But driving around town for a couple minutes that's the only thing I noticed different. Like you said, try to make it out to your dealer and test drive a few for yourself.