Comments on: Ask MF: Which Suspension for the R56? http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/ MotoringFile | MINI news, reviews and opinion. MINI Cooper, Cooper S, Clubman, Countryman Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:14:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Soner http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/comment-page-1/#comment-211474 Soner Tue, 11 Mar 2008 06:21:29 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/#comment-211474 <p>I would not get the SS since I think it is too harsh for daily driving. I never track or abuse my cars. However, I am definitly a big fan of 17" alloys. So my combo would be Standard Suspension with 17" alloys.</p> I would not get the SS since I think it is too harsh for daily driving. I never track or abuse my cars. However, I am definitly a big fan of 17″ alloys. So my combo would be Standard Suspension with 17″ alloys.

]]> By: LSD and SS advice - MINI2 - MINI Forum http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/comment-page-1/#comment-199254 LSD and SS advice - MINI2 - MINI Forum Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:24:44 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/#comment-199254 <p>[...] Quote: Originally Posted by caesar (original) This was discussed on another thread last year, evidently the part no's for the front and rear shocks/springs are the same for both, but the rear roll bar has a different number. I don't think the bar alone would change the overall ride so much on its own... Anyway, here's a good discussion of the options: MotoringFile » Archive » Ask MF: Which Suspension for the R56? [...]</p> [...] Quote: Originally Posted by caesar (original) This was discussed on another thread last year, evidently the part no’s for the front and rear shocks/springs are the same for both, but the rear roll bar has a different number. I don’t think the bar alone would change the overall ride so much on its own… Anyway, here’s a good discussion of the options: MotoringFile » Archive » Ask MF: Which Suspension for the R56? [...]

]]> By: Mark http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/comment-page-1/#comment-105884 Mark Thu, 22 Mar 2007 14:51:01 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/#comment-105884 <p>All this talk promoting the SS+ makes the standard suspension sound inadequate. The standard suspension is an awesome combination of a bit more comfort with a bit less sport (this coming from a guy that has owned a 2002 MCS and a 2005 MCS, currently driving a 2006 MC with the JCW Sound Kit). If most people are like me, they plan to do most of their driving on regular roads (not on a closed-corse racetrack). That is where the standard suspension would be a benefit. Keep in mind that you will be driving the car behind a Honda Accord more often than behind a pace car (although the Accord can feel like your pace car at times)</p> All this talk promoting the SS+ makes the standard suspension sound inadequate. The standard suspension is an awesome combination of a bit more comfort with a bit less sport (this coming from a guy that has owned a 2002 MCS and a 2005 MCS, currently driving a 2006 MC with the JCW Sound Kit). If most people are like me, they plan to do most of their driving on regular roads (not on a closed-corse racetrack). That is where the standard suspension would be a benefit. Keep in mind that you will be driving the car behind a Honda Accord more often than behind a pace car (although the Accord can feel like your pace car at times)

]]> By: nate http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/comment-page-1/#comment-105762 nate Wed, 21 Mar 2007 22:27:52 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/#comment-105762 <p>wooo cant wait to get my r56... laser blue cooper s w/ premium package, hi fi soundsystem + white stripes... but its most likely going to be auto =S..</p> wooo cant wait to get my r56… laser blue cooper s w/ premium package, hi fi soundsystem + white stripes… but its most likely going to be auto =S..

]]> By: Gabe http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/comment-page-1/#comment-105682 Gabe Wed, 21 Mar 2007 14:16:25 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/#comment-105682 <blockquote> <p>Gabe. Are you saying there is a JCW suspension availabe NOW for R56?</p> </blockquote> <p>Yes - later this spring.</p> <blockquote> <p>How much?</p> </blockquote> <p>Talk to your dealer in a few months - they'll have info then.</p> <blockquote> <p>How does it compare to SS+?</p> </blockquote> <p>SS+ was only available on the R50/R53 (previous Cooper/Cooper S. The current R56 has an optional SS or sport suspension. How does it compare? JCW isn't out yet so I have no idea unfortunately.</p>

Gabe. Are you saying there is a JCW suspension availabe NOW for R56?

Yes – later this spring.

How much?

Talk to your dealer in a few months – they’ll have info then.

How does it compare to SS+?

SS+ was only available on the R50/R53 (previous Cooper/Cooper S. The current R56 has an optional SS or sport suspension. How does it compare? JCW isn’t out yet so I have no idea unfortunately.

]]> By: GZ http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/comment-page-1/#comment-105680 GZ Wed, 21 Mar 2007 14:10:57 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/#comment-105680 <p>Gabe. Are you saying there is a JCW suspension availabe NOW for R56? How much? How does it compare to SS+?</p> Gabe. Are you saying there is a JCW suspension availabe NOW for R56? How much? How does it compare to SS+?

]]> By: scott http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/comment-page-1/#comment-105625 scott Wed, 21 Mar 2007 00:46:33 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/#comment-105625 <p>When the JCW suspension for the R56 S comes out, most likely gonna get it. But just to get an idea on the affect it will have, can anyone explain the effects of the JCW suspension on the R53 S as compared to stock.</p> When the JCW suspension for the R56 S comes out, most likely gonna get it. But just to get an idea on the affect it will have, can anyone explain the effects of the JCW suspension on the R53 S as compared to stock.

]]> By: Gabe http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/comment-page-1/#comment-105580 Gabe Tue, 20 Mar 2007 17:43:42 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/#comment-105580 <p>For semantics sake here are MINI's available suspensions over the years:</p> <p>The R50/R53 had three factory suspensions:</p> <ul> <li>standard (n/a in the US market)</li> <li>sport</li> <li>sport plus (standard on the MCS)</li> </ul> <p>JCW suspension is a dealer accessory available for both the R50/R53</p> <p>The R56 has two factory suspensions:</p> <ul> <li>standard (standard across the R56 range)</li> <li>sport (optional across the R56 range)</li> </ul> <p>JCW suspension is a dealer accessory available for the R56</p> <p>The <em><strong>Sport Suspension</strong></em> on the R50/R53 roughly translates as the <em><strong>Standard Suspension</strong></em> on the R56. The <em><strong>Sport Suspension Plus</strong></em> on the R50/R53 roughly translates as the the <em><strong>Sports Suspension</strong></em> on the R56.</p> For semantics sake here are MINI’s available suspensions over the years:

The R50/R53 had three factory suspensions:

  • standard (n/a in the US market)
  • sport
  • sport plus (standard on the MCS)

JCW suspension is a dealer accessory available for both the R50/R53

The R56 has two factory suspensions:

  • standard (standard across the R56 range)
  • sport (optional across the R56 range)

JCW suspension is a dealer accessory available for the R56

The Sport Suspension on the R50/R53 roughly translates as the Standard Suspension on the R56. The Sport Suspension Plus on the R50/R53 roughly translates as the the Sports Suspension on the R56.

]]> By: Gabe http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/comment-page-1/#comment-105579 Gabe Tue, 20 Mar 2007 17:38:54 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/#comment-105579 <blockquote> <p>Gabe, just ordered an R56 S, but without that $500 sport suspension option(just 1mm bigger sway bars?), would you recommend the 19mm Alta rear bar? And if so, how much of an effect does it really have?</p> </blockquote> <p>Actually the sport suspension gives you both a thicker rear sway bar and <a href="http://motoringfile.com/2007/02/13/2007-sport-suspension-details/" rel="nofollow">more aggressive springs</a> The effect (as written about above) is well worth the $500 if you're not going aftermarket.</p>

Gabe, just ordered an R56 S, but without that $500 sport suspension option(just 1mm bigger sway bars?), would you recommend the 19mm Alta rear bar? And if so, how much of an effect does it really have?

Actually the sport suspension gives you both a thicker rear sway bar and more aggressive springs The effect (as written about above) is well worth the $500 if you’re not going aftermarket.

]]> By: scott http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/comment-page-1/#comment-105576 scott Tue, 20 Mar 2007 17:04:53 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/#comment-105576 <p>Gabe, just ordered an R56 S, but without that $500 sport suspension option(just 1mm bigger sway bars?), would you recommend the 19mm Alta rear bar? And if so, how much of an effect does it really have?</p> Gabe, just ordered an R56 S, but without that $500 sport suspension option(just 1mm bigger sway bars?), would you recommend the 19mm Alta rear bar? And if so, how much of an effect does it really have?

]]> By: LL http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/comment-page-1/#comment-105575 LL Tue, 20 Mar 2007 17:03:18 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/#comment-105575 <p>I ordered mine with both of those options (LSD & SS+). I wasn't sure about the SS+ until I drove my car when it finally came. For the cornering performance it provides, I think it is well worth the slightly rougher ride.</p> <p>I traded in my Honda Civic Si for the R56 -- in my opinion, the ride on the R56 with SS+ is surprisingly good. Yes, you'll feel the potholes and the rough edges of the road, but it's very much controlled and not at all unpleasant. I bet much of the rough edges of the road will be smoothed out once I move to non-runflat tires (not to mention even better cornering performance!)</p> I ordered mine with both of those options (LSD & SS+). I wasn’t sure about the SS+ until I drove my car when it finally came. For the cornering performance it provides, I think it is well worth the slightly rougher ride.

I traded in my Honda Civic Si for the R56 — in my opinion, the ride on the R56 with SS+ is surprisingly good. Yes, you’ll feel the potholes and the rough edges of the road, but it’s very much controlled and not at all unpleasant. I bet much of the rough edges of the road will be smoothed out once I move to non-runflat tires (not to mention even better cornering performance!)

]]> By: Rob Livesey http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/comment-page-1/#comment-105569 Rob Livesey Tue, 20 Mar 2007 15:29:41 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/#comment-105569 <p>I've read that the choice of suspension, wheel size and even brand and compound of the tyre can have a profound impact on the feel of the steering, which some say lacks the feel of the previous generation.</p> I’ve read that the choice of suspension, wheel size and even brand and compound of the tyre can have a profound impact on the feel of the steering, which some say lacks the feel of the previous generation.

]]> By: Gabe http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/comment-page-1/#comment-105557 Gabe Tue, 20 Mar 2007 12:38:22 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/#comment-105557 <blockquote> <p>But I recommend: If you want maximum comfort, get the standard suspension and the smallest standard wheel size. If you want all out performance, get the standard suspension and buy some aftermarket parts. Anything else, test drive both the standard and Sport Suspension options with as many size wheels as are available.</p> </blockquote> <p>Couldn't agree more.</p> <blockquote> <p>Gabe, you also recommend the 17″ wheels/tires without reservations?</p> </blockquote> <p>Yes. I'd definitely recommend 17" or 18" wheels on the R56 if you like the look. My personal preference would be towards lightweight aftermarket 18"s :)</p>

But I recommend: If you want maximum comfort, get the standard suspension and the smallest standard wheel size. If you want all out performance, get the standard suspension and buy some aftermarket parts. Anything else, test drive both the standard and Sport Suspension options with as many size wheels as are available.

Couldn’t agree more.

Gabe, you also recommend the 17″ wheels/tires without reservations?

Yes. I’d definitely recommend 17″ or 18″ wheels on the R56 if you like the look. My personal preference would be towards lightweight aftermarket 18″s :)

]]> By: robble http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/comment-page-1/#comment-105508 robble Tue, 20 Mar 2007 07:15:20 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/#comment-105508 <blockquote>scott Mar 20th, 2007 Link Wouldn’t the Alta 19mm adjustable rear sway bar(for only $190) upgrade be as good, if not better?? </blockquote> <p>Depends on what you are looking for. the SS+ upgrade also give you stiffer springs.</p> scott Mar 20th, 2007 Link Wouldn’t the Alta 19mm adjustable rear sway bar(for only $190) upgrade be as good, if not better??

Depends on what you are looking for. the SS+ upgrade also give you stiffer springs.

]]> By: scott http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/comment-page-1/#comment-105476 scott Tue, 20 Mar 2007 05:16:03 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/#comment-105476 <p>Wouldn't the Alta 19mm adjustable rear sway bar(for only $190) upgrade be as good, if not better??</p> Wouldn’t the Alta 19mm adjustable rear sway bar(for only $190) upgrade be as good, if not better??

]]> By: robble http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/comment-page-1/#comment-105466 robble Tue, 20 Mar 2007 03:18:44 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/#comment-105466 <blockquote>my R56 MCS is on order now. ill have it in april.seriously, i can take corners (city, freeway) at almost full speed already. and the MINI has hardly any body roll stock. </blockquote> <p>you have an r53 right now. The new suspension is considerably softer and there is some body roll. It still handles great.</p> <p>It depends on what you want - max comfort or best cornering (from factory).</p> my R56 MCS is on order now. ill have it in april.seriously, i can take corners (city, freeway) at almost full speed already. and the MINI has hardly any body roll stock.

you have an r53 right now. The new suspension is considerably softer and there is some body roll. It still handles great.

It depends on what you want – max comfort or best cornering (from factory).

]]> By: GZ http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/comment-page-1/#comment-105395 GZ Mon, 19 Mar 2007 19:44:03 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/#comment-105395 <p>This is a great idea to have Q&A for people ordering the R56. I drove MCSs with and w/o the sport suspension. I agree it's the first and best option to get followed by 17"/18" wheels and interior chrome.</p> <p>What I need to know is how different color combinations look in person as the configurator doesn't quite cut it. I want the black LL seats and white color line/piano and black headliner. Other than black or white what exterior would that look good in?</p> <p>Any JCW news??</p> This is a great idea to have Q&A for people ordering the R56. I drove MCSs with and w/o the sport suspension. I agree it’s the first and best option to get followed by 17″/18″ wheels and interior chrome.

What I need to know is how different color combinations look in person as the configurator doesn’t quite cut it. I want the black LL seats and white color line/piano and black headliner. Other than black or white what exterior would that look good in?

Any JCW news??

]]> By: mini vanilli http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/comment-page-1/#comment-105388 mini vanilli Mon, 19 Mar 2007 18:43:57 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/#comment-105388 <p>my R56 MCS is on order now. ill have it in april. i actually never even thought of getting the sport suspension on any car, especially one that handles and corners like the MINI (this will be my 3rd MINI). is it really THAT good??!! seriously, i can take corners (city, freeway) at almost full speed already. and the MINI has hardly any body roll stock. is this option really that good that someone who doesnt track their car would consider it a must have?</p> my R56 MCS is on order now. ill have it in april. i actually never even thought of getting the sport suspension on any car, especially one that handles and corners like the MINI (this will be my 3rd MINI). is it really THAT good??!! seriously, i can take corners (city, freeway) at almost full speed already. and the MINI has hardly any body roll stock. is this option really that good that someone who doesnt track their car would consider it a must have?

]]> By: Brendan http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/comment-page-1/#comment-105385 Brendan Mon, 19 Mar 2007 18:23:29 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/#comment-105385 <p>I've driven cars with both. Now my personal preference is to get the sport suspension definitely. I still think suspension is a very subjective personal preference type of thing. I recommend doing whatever it takes to drive both before ordering. The reviewer may not have the same mind set you do, or demands more from his car.</p> I’ve driven cars with both. Now my personal preference is to get the sport suspension definitely. I still think suspension is a very subjective personal preference type of thing. I recommend doing whatever it takes to drive both before ordering. The reviewer may not have the same mind set you do, or demands more from his car.

]]> By: iNomis http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/comment-page-1/#comment-105384 iNomis Mon, 19 Mar 2007 18:19:03 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2007/03/19/ask-mf-which-suspension-for-the-r56/#comment-105384 <p>Gabe's review makes me wish test driving was an option I had before ordering my car, sounds like I may have wanted this option.</p> <p>But I recommend: If you want maximum comfort, get the standard suspension and the smallest standard wheel size. If you want all out performance, get the standard suspension and buy some aftermarket parts. Anything else, test drive both the standard and Sport Suspension options with as many size wheels as are available.</p> <p>Gabe, you also recommend the 17" wheels/tires without reservations?</p> Gabe’s review makes me wish test driving was an option I had before ordering my car, sounds like I may have wanted this option.

But I recommend: If you want maximum comfort, get the standard suspension and the smallest standard wheel size. If you want all out performance, get the standard suspension and buy some aftermarket parts. Anything else, test drive both the standard and Sport Suspension options with as many size wheels as are available.

Gabe, you also recommend the 17″ wheels/tires without reservations?

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