I'm going to be ordering a new Mini soon and was wondering what everyone's thoughts are on the sport suspension option. Looks like its a free option. Does anyone know how much lower the car will sit and what to expect as far as rire comfort vs stock suspension? Thanks!

 

I have just the stock, Compared to an 2011 all4, its a lot stiffer..I think the sports are rough or u could go aftermarket

 

The sport suspension in only a free option if you order the JCW body kit option. Otherwise it's $500. I just went through all of that.

 

The sports suspension shows as a $500 option on all three versions of the Hardtop (Cooper, S, JCW).

It's only a slight lowering, but it feels noticeably stiffer. It also corners noticeably flatter.

It might be a bit too harsh if you have the 17s or 18s. I find that it's a reasonable ride on the base 15s with non-runflats. (My rear-seat passengers do seem to disagree, though.)

 

I don't know why you say its free, its always been $500 when I've ordered it. I like it, we've had it on all our R56 MINIs. As for ride, tire model has more effect on ride comfort than the suspension option. The ride with the sport suspension is alright if you get better tires, even with 17" wheels.

Also I didn't think the sport suspension lowered the car at all, you need the JCW sport suspension (dealer installed option) before you get any lowering.

 

Sorry guys, I'm getting the JCW body kit option that's why it's showing up as "free." I'm not sure I'll get it unless it lowers the car at least some. Does anyone know for sure?

 

It is a lot stiffer.. And you'll feel every bump on the road.. When not driving on asphalt, Its like dragging your *** down a flight of stairs..

Ok I'm exaggerating.. Its not that bad.. I got it cos I like my ride a little stiff..

 

haha, that sounds painful I already think the mini is rough on stock suspension. I think I would sacrifice comfort for a drop in height though.

 

Do you mean the "JCW Exterior package"? That includes the aero kit among other options. I never noticed before that it includes a "no-cost sports suspension option", it says so in the description. But it doesn't make it one of the package options, you have to go select it separately, weird.

As I said, I'm pretty sure it doesn't lower the car any.

 

Well.. the car would definitely handle better with the sport suspensions.. lesser body roll.. lower center of gravity.. and the works.. Corners would be more fun

And if you dont get it, just remember that there'll always be another mini faster than you through corners.. think you can live with that? :P

 

Prob not, but I think my gf could

 

hahahaha.. then don't tell her that you're getting it.. she'll think its part of the package and she'll learn to live with it while you still get to have your fun..

 

Oh!! Just hit me.. the harsh ride could be cos the Run Flat tires these things come with.. Swap 'em out for something else.. probably Hankooks (budget sport tires) or Pirellis if you want a better ride..

 

I hear a lot of people say that the Cooper is a hard ride that feels the texture of the road and every little bump, what psi are you running in those tires? All you need to do is lower your tires psi to around 34 pounds, I didn't notice any difference in MPG between 33-41 psi!

 

I haven't picked up my car yet. I'll be picking it up next week if everything goes well (fingers crossed). I'll check it out then

 

The sport suspension does not lower the car at all.
The JCW suspension lowers the car approximately 1/2".
Changing from runflats to non-runflats will reduce ride firmness (and road noise) more than any suspension changes will.

I am running Michelin Pilot Super Sports on JCW suspension and couldn't be happier.
J

 

Well for my 2 cents, I am extremely grateful I have the Sport Suspension. I love the firmer rates the springs provide. When Winnie was in for service the dealer gave me a R56S that did not have the Sport Suspension. After driving this car for a week-and-a-half getting back into my car was like a dream. If I am to drive a sports car might as well feel that way. I also had the Conti run-flats that made for a very firm ride. I then went to a 18" wheel that just made it that much better. It corner so much more flat than the non-Sport setup.

In short. If I had to do it all over the Sports Suspension would be checked if not the JCW suspension kit.

 

I think I might go with it, just kinda worried about the stiffness cause I drive a lot, about 15k a year.

Does anyone know if the JCW exterior package include the "red breaks"?

 

The red brake kit and aero kit are standard on the factory JCW model, but are independent options on all other models.

 

Thanks. Trying to decide between all black which is what I have now and green w/white stripes/roof/mirrors to try and recreate the JCW World Championship 50 model....

 

Buy your own better suspension.

 

Can't its a lease.

 

If your buying the car to fill the need of a sports car then it absolutely needs the sport suspension or better. My 2012 JCW was ordered with the standard suspension and to me it was boring and the car felt floaty around corners, even worse at high speed. I put the JCW suspension on and its great.

So yes, get at least the sport suspension.

 

It doesn't matter, as long as you change everything back to stock when the lease is up.

 

Exactly! Just because it's a lease doesn't mean a few bolts cant be removed and re-installed two times in the assumed 3 years you will own it. If you really want something special, just do it and then sell your aftermarket stuff for 1/2 of original or so 3 years later when you return the car to stock and turn it back in. I have a buddy on BC coil-overs on his lease.