Surprised me too. I usually put a few more psi than stock in my tires and when I did that to the run flats I was AMAZED how much the ride changed. You should try it, what have you got to lose? If you don't like it let the air back out.

I also speculate it takes you off the concrete sidewalls so you're actually riding on air instead.

Edit: Also note that you will sacrifice a little turn in sharpness when switching to non-run flats. Everything with cars is a trade-off...

 

We have an'04 S with 16" wheels that greatly benefitted from FSD's and non-rfts.
We also have an '08 Clubman S with 16s (non-rfts). It also has FSDs, but we didn't notice nearly as much of an improvement with the FSDs.

 

Just had the FSDs installed today at helix, and as I hoped, they made a HUGE difference. The tires in conjunction with the shocks make the car ride almost luxurious. Sharp bumps such as expansion joints are much more muted. Hitting a manhole cover dead on still results in a big thump, but again it is more muted vs stock where it would result in a huge crash that you feel in your kidneys. The car simply glides over smaller bumps and undulations.

The interior also seems slightly quieter as well, possibly because the shocks absorb small vibrations that were previously transmitted by the rock hard tires and overly soft stock shocks.

Overall I'm very happy with my investment in tires and shocks. If anyone is on the fence just do both right now. I think the shocks and tires were equally helpful in helping the ride. Together, they are amazing.

 

Would you happen to know the part number(s) of the shocks and what would someone be looking to pay for just the shocks?

Also....anyone know what the smallest rim I can run with JCW brakes?
Currently my mini has 18's and I'm debating whether to go none run flat tires for the 18's or downgrading a size or 2, but not sure what fits and doesn't.
Still 2 weeks new of owning my clubman

 

While the ride and impact harshness will be improved, you do lose turn in sharpness, transition feedback, and go cart like feel. Remember, everything is a trade off. I'm not saying it's a bad trade off, but there is no free lunch...

Oh and about the brakes, it depends on what size rotors you have. Usually the smallest you car go is 17", and even then you need enough offset and the contour of the rim has to be right.

 

I have, and the changes transformed the car. If you can't do both, I would change the tires out first.

 

Go to www.waymotorworks.com to order. I got my Koni FSD shocks on sale for $664 including shipping. They retail for about $800.

I believe the smallest size on a JCW is 17" because you need the wheel to clear the Brembo brakes up front. Call Tirerack for recommendations.

 

True, there is a slight trade off in transition feel. However the shocks do firm up quickly in the turns and hold the line. My initial impression is I do not lose very much sharpness. The stock suspension is not all that sharp to begin with. I got a fair amount of body roll with the stock suspension.

Plus if your turn is bumpy at all, the FSDs are far superior to stock in absorbing the bumps and allowing you to hold your line vs bumping and skipping thorough the turn.

For a daily driver there is no question any minor loss in transition feel is well worth it. If you want a race car get some Ohlins coilovers.

 

Coming back - did the FSDs - still have the runflats (mainly because there seem to be no buyers for them - I've been watching others for sale on this site).
My first impression: harshness down 60-70%. Loss of sharpness/feel 10%. And I agree with the above comment that in a turn with any bumps they're much better because you don't skip a bit sideways.
Very good tradeoff for me since I live in an area with at best average roads. Thank you everyone for your help with this!