I'm wanting to improve the ride on my R56 MCS. I have two basic complaints:

1. Getting moved off line when I hit a bump through the turn. It is a bit unerving.

2. Reducing torque steer.

I want to know how to accomplish this. I'm up for upgrading my suspension, but I want to it smartly. Thanks in advance

 

I am full of opinions

May I ask if you are running stock runflat tires and also which suspension do you currently have (OEM base, OEM Sport, modified, etc)?

 

Stock everything...but looking to upgrade. I've read on varying threads that lowering the car will reduce the torque steer. But dampening would help with the bumping off line.

I know these questions are general...but I'm wondering if there is a way to reduce both of these inherent problems with the R56.

 

both of these are more damping problems than spring height problems. Progressive rate lowering springs are cheap and will help with torque steer but they'll make the bumping problem worse. improving damping will help with both issues but won't lower the car. Koni Yellows are supposed to be out in February.

Keep in mind the trade off of lowering the car - unless you get coilovers that retain full suspension travel regardless of ride height you will be giving up suspension travel when you lower. Stock your car has about 2" total suspension travel and you subtract from there. Coilovers are another option but much more expensive but can offer some great features like adjustable ride height and damping strength. The better ones include control arms and camber plates so you can really dial in your alignment which is very important after lowering the car.

The middle price option that is factory warrantied is the JCW suspension kit. You get the benefit of a full package designed to work together and designed for your car. I can't tell you how much it will help yet. Mine arrives in the mail today and I'll have it installed Friday.

 

Cool beans...be sure to let me know what the major differences are between the JCW and Stock setups...especially interms of the bumping off line and torque steer.

I'm wondering...if MINI/BMW must know that these are problems...why not design the suspension to minimize these characteristics?

And...lets suppose I get my suspension installed...I'm assuming a good alignment shop can my package dialed in correctly?

 

it's highly recommended to get an alignment done after any suspension work.

I don't think those are so much problems that BMW needs to fix as nature of the beast. The stock car wasn't designed to be pushed very hard before getting squirrely. Thats why they offer several packages to take more of your money away