While adjusting to the newer 2013 Mini it doesn't handle as well as the '07 we lost. Found out it had a smaller than stock rear sway and replaced it with a larger aftermarket.

Still it doesn't corner flat. Same tires/wheels removed from the '07. Mechanic is wondering if the rear sway was smaller for a softer ride if the springs and or shocks were also affected and aren't the same as a '07 Cooper S.

Does anyone know the answer? We couldn't find anything on Real OEM.

 

I just replaced all four struts on my 2013 a couple of months ago. It requires you to select either "sport" or "regular" suspenension. Maybe do a VIN search of your 13 to check the original specs. Also, your tires can greatly effect the handling, esp going from runflats to standard tires.

 

If your in the NJ/NY area you can pick up my 2013 OEM sport springs for 50$. 50k miles on them.

I upgraded the RSB, Struts, Springs, control arms, and wheels....rides flat. I also added a frame x-brace though ..so that helps too. R57.

 

S-2013 : Ordered the 2007 new and did not order the Sports Suspension.

wtorres : Thanks for the kind offer. I'm on the opposite coast in Oregon.

Plan to eventually put new shocks/struts on the car. But need to find out about the springs first. The car only had 14.5K on it when we got it. Just not sure if the shocks are softer than the 07 or the springs are also the issue...

 

The standard S sway bar was 17mm with or without sport suspension. Then the JCW could have either a 17 or 18.5.

But the bigger difference is likely springs and shocks as they had many combinations and MINI put different springs on based on options such as trans, sunroof, nav and so on because of the weight difference on the car. Hard to say was is the difference without me personally driving them back to back. But new shocks for sure can improve it. But you may also need tires, are they the same? And also could be bushing wear difference too.

 

Took the newish tires off the '07 when they insurance company totaled it. Never ordered the sports suspension in the '07 but it had a larger rear sway. This one now has a 22mm which was put on. Still it doesn't corner like the '07 and trying to figure it out.

 

I would highly recommend getting aftermarket springs. I have the Swift Spec R Springs on my 2013 MCS and they eliminate all of the body roll. Its so much better than stock springs, even though I still have stock oem shocks. Plus the ride height is perfect

 

Thanks Kevin! I'll look into those. Did you change shocks at the same time or only springs?

 

I just replaced the springs and kept the stock shocks