Just to confirm, the sport suspension on the '09 Cooper just adds bigger front/rear sway bars, correct?

I didn't opt for it, thinking that I could do better aftermarket for the $$$, but if it's more than just the bars, I don't want to regret not getting it!

-Ben

 

I have an '07 with sport suspension. In a discussion I've now forgotten, I think there are other components that are "beefed" up. A quick call to ALTA would get you some great information and advise.

Hands down, ALTA is the best auto parts/mod company I've ever dealt with.

 

The SS is a 2mm thicker front/rear sway bar, that's it. Comes to 18mm in the rear. Bad news is that if you thicken both the rear and front the understeer that you lose with the thicker rear bar is negated with the thicker front bar. Since the purpose of the sway bar is to reduce understeer you've basically bought nothing for $500. The springs and shocks are the same. There's reason that many companies sell thicker rear bars and noone sells a thicker front bar.

 

springs and shocks are the same? I'm not sure about the spring rate as it also depends on the options you get but the shocks for sport and non-sport package have 2 different part numbers. which would lead me to believe that they aren't the same.

 

They do supposedly have different part numbers, but I've yet to find one person who thinks they are different. I think the assembly line folks get a box of parts for the SS option and the stuff has different numbers on them even though some is the same. Just my .02

 

in my experience that's not how BMW does the part numbering. they do have master part numbers for group of parts but the individual parts in the kits (if they are the same) have the same part number.

in the e46 323i, it's easy to tell the difference between sport and non sports. sports being much stiffer. i think it's just that the mini with the runflats and fairly stiff springs makes it more difficult to tell the difference between the shocks by the butt measurement method.

 

argh!!!!

I can believe it got asked again - that's no problem.

What I can't believe is how people keep giving the WRONG answer.


Sports suspension changes front and rear sways, and also DOES change the springs and shocks.

Although I base this on technical knowledge, a quick ride over a bumpy road in both versions will make it obvious the springs and shocks are different.

 

Thanks MotorMouth.

If the information is out there, or to be had, I'd like to get some data on the factory, SS and JCW spring rates, if they are linear/progressive and the valving differences if any.

 

So do I hear y'all right, that the SS is more than just sway bars? For $500 extra I was hoping for more. Getting ready to order an 2010 MCCS.

 

Can't speak much louder over the internet.

 

Your post is chock full o' mistakes. The thicker bars to NOT cancel each other out. Both the front and rear have different functions. Most companies don't produce front sway bars are because of how much of a pain they are to install. Most people don't want to tear apart the front end of their MINI just for a change that can be almost replicated by a strut bar.

 

I would think the MINI site would be the definitive source:

http://www.miniusa.com/feature-sport-suspension.html

"You can also choose the Sport Suspension option, with stiffer springs and stronger anti-sway bars for even more aggressive performance. ..."

 

Agreed.

Although you don't want to go TOO big up front, it does serve a function.

- Andrew

 

Shocks are different for sure (they have a big label on them that says SPORT which is not on a reg suspension MINI), and by the feel of it, I believe the springs are different as well.

I have an 08 Cooper with the Sport Suspension. I love the handling of the car, a bit rough sometimes (but I have read many times once I get rid of the Run flats it will be awesome). I recommend the sport suspension!

 

+1!!

 

I ordered the Sport Suspension and 15" non-runflat tires. I have high hopes for this setup. Actually, I have high hopes for the whole car.

 

Okay, so this morning I got a loaner car. I think it is an 09 Cooper (non-s), no sport suspension, 15" non-runflat tires. IT IS A DOG for handling. I jerk the wheel and the body starts rolling long before it starts turning, AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL compared to my Cooper's 16" (run flats) and sport suspension!!!!

You did the RIGHT thing getting the sport suspension! It always very easy (and relatively inexpensive) to upgrade your wheels later if they don't give you the handling you desire. :-)

 

Mine is with SS, and the ride is definitely stiffer and it handles a lot more aggressive. After two days with my MINI I was given a Cooper S 6 speed loaner without the SS and the difference was very noticeable. Like someone mentioned it handled like a dog. You can tell the spring/shocks are different because it was also a lot smoother over bumps.