I'm coming from a BMW 328 Manual sedan. It's a lease, so I've been stuck with the stock run-flat tires on my sport optioned BMW. On glass smooth pavement the ride is perfectly smooth, but frost heaves, expansion joints, and potholes send cracks, shudders, shimmies, and transmits a rather terrible ride too.

I'm going to downsize to the MINI Cabrio Cooper S, and was wondering how the stock ride would compare, or if there's any thoughts on the sport package. I'm assuming since they're both BMW products they'll both gonna be pretty firm and I won't be disappointed if its equal to the BMW, just not sure I can take much worse.

Also, here's what I'm thinking about ordering. Tell me what you think.

Black Mini Cooper S Cabrio--manual of course
Premium
Convenience
Sport--with web spoke wheels
Cold
Stereo Upgrade
Black jack side scuttles
Piano black
White Bonnet stripes

And undecided on upholstery upgrade--Carbon versus gravity versus standard black

 

If you keep the run flats that come one the MINI you will still have the same bumpy ride. Except you will have that bumpy ride on smooth roads as well as poorly paved ones. The MINI has a very harsh ride due to low ride height, short wheel base, big rims, low profile tires, and the OEM runflats. Ditching the run flats does help considerably, but you will still be getting nice massage from your seat as you motor about town.

As far as your build, you aren't missing anything, as you have just about every possible factory option. So I'm not sure what you are looking for in regards to that.

 

You'll need to ditch the runflats to be happy most likely. The only reason i am excited for winter is I plan on getting some snow tires on smaller rims. Should finally ride nice!

Just get your Cabrio, then swap out the tires and sell the RFs in the Marketplace.

 

Does anyone know if you substitute all season tires, which tires those are exactly?

And, sports package doesn't denote sports suspension. Is it notably different with the thicker sway bars?

 

I have the sport suspension (and sport package) on my R57. My ride is certainly stiffer then the quick ride I took in a lot R57.

 

I had the dealer remove the runflats before I took delivery of my '09 MCS Convertible and install the relatively new Michelin Pilot Sport A/S PLUS non runflat tires (205-45-17). I am very pleased with this tire.

I have the sports package but not the sports suspension which firms everything up with springs, shocks and swaybars.

I sold my BMW 323 convertible (2000) and the ride on my MCS Convertible with the Michelins is a little firmer but my 323 did not have run flats or the sports package so it was relatively soft sprung. The MINI is short wheelbase and a little more pitchy but I don't find the ride objectionable and the handling is tremendously better than the 323.

I have not looked back and love the MINI. You can see my build list in my signature below. Before taking delivery I thought the comfort access was silly but I love not having to take the key out of my pocket. I like the gravity leather and I am glad I have the sport seats with the lumbar. Had a loaner that did not have this and I missed my seat.

 

I too was reviewing the Michelin Pilot A/S and it looks like a great tire.

My 328 does have the RFT and Sport Package, and it is firm to say the least, and I've driven some pretty race ready cars.

I figured the short wheelbase would make the car a bit more pitchy, just didn't want something markedly worse then my 328 in comfort and thanks for all the feedback, as no one thinks it will be a big step in the wrong direction.

 

the only problem ive noted with the short wheelbase and the runflats is that the rear doesnt feel very planted in slippery conditions...like over that tar stuff they put down on highways when it is raining or snowy.


but sounds like your going the right direction. post pics when it gets here!

 

I've been really pleased that the MINI rides as well as it does. I figured that I would drive the Tundra occasionally if I tired of the MINI's ride. Had the MINI for 3 months and the only time the Tundra has been fired up is on trips to Home Depot for lumber.

I do think the non run flats are an important part of the good ride quality. The Michelin's are not cheap (I believe $185 EACH @ tirerack) but when I bought mine you got a $60 dollar debit card if you bought 4. The 45k mile tread warranty is incredible for a tire that handles like this. This PLUS has 3 different tred compounds and it really sticks well wet or dry and it is quiet too. I was swayed by the survey results own owners at Tirerack.

I think you will find the R57 with non run flats will have a very acceptable ride compared to the BMW with runflats and sports suspension. The MINI has the stability of the 3 series on the highway but the tossability over a go cart. It definitely shows its BMW roots in every drive. I love taking the MINI on trips on the highway but it really shines on a set of good twisties.