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I've read the Sport has 1mm thicker sways front and rear. There is some evidence it has different springs and damping also. The initial press releases claimed that the MCS has a sportier standard suspension than the MC. We should soon start to get some part numbers on all this?

Though sways will affect your ride as Karl said the equivalent roll reduction with just springs would affect it more. The flexible arm type of sways commonly used in passenger cars tend to moderate the transient bump effects vs. the stiff rigid arms often used in racing cars, but as Karl said you do loose a degree of the independent suspension function, though it's so small compared to the roll reduction you may not notice or care.

There is a balance to have somewhere but I doubt the MINI sport sways alone would be a cause to make for an overly harsh ride.

 

Great post...I am seriously considering getting an R56 (my first)...Thanks for all of the insights.

 

R56MCS

Thanks for your great comments and evaluation of the R56!!!

 

And this is one reason why I might consider something like LoJack. The key is likely RFID, and with the pushbutton start and the convenience pack, there's the risk that someone could clone the RFID in the key and make off with the car. Not sure how likely that is, given that the MINI isn't a high-end car.

-W-

 

Here's an exerpt from an Autoweek Magazine review of the 2007 MCS:

"The Cooper S is more what we’re talking about, particularly with the Sport Package. The Sport Package gets an extra millimeter of front and rear antiroll bar, as well as stiffer springs and shocks. Standard tires in the Cooper S are 195/55R-16 V-rated runflats, but the Sport Package comes with 16- or 17-inch performance or all-season runflats.

Any vestige of base-model sponge is gone in the S. There is precious little roll and no residual bounce going over bumps. Like the previous model, you will seek out and drive this car whenever you have a sunny day and a nice road. Or whenever the hell you feel like it. It’s still a classic."

 

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Great Write up, Thanks!! Really makes me think about the sport suspension.

 

My MA at eastbaymini.com, Robert Mathews, assures me that the sport suspension adds thicker sway bars and different (stiffer) springs and spring rates. It's on my build order for the MCS. BTW, eastbaymini.com, in Pleasanton CA, is taking owner spec'd 07 MC and MCS orders, if any of you are considering. These folks have terrific service and a great rep.
Tom

 

Did you ever post pics of the rear suspension/exhaust? Maybe I missed it...

 

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I just noticed that the underbody looks like they added some flat covers, or flattened it out... this will help it to reach a higher speed, get better gas mileage, and add stability at high speeds... Good stuff!

Drew

 

So R56MCS, would you say then that trading in a R53 for a R56 would be a good idea then? I've had Egan for over 6 months now and still enjoy it, but it's coming to the point where I think I might want to "upgrade" per se.

 

any chance that exhaust system is stainless?

 

Yes, I was wondering about the pros/cons of the Chrome Exhaust accessory. Anyone have thoughts on that?

 

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hi,

may i ask what is the circular 'disc' below the air con vent beside the speedometer?

we wont be getting our 07 MINI till march 07 in Singapore;

thanks in advance;

 

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Looking at the black grilles, front & rear, I am wondering how they drain water? Does the water just collect in the honeycombs (some of which look closed) with rain and washing?

Thanks !

dean.

 

Hmmm, at least in the US, the Chrome Dual Exhaust Tips are a dealer-installed option, with no qualification that they're not available for the MCS.

-W-

 

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drive faster to remove water in the honeycombs....