Aren't the brakes the same on the MC as on the MCS? I see some road test reports that show the MCS stopping shorter, is this simply because of the wider tires?

Just curious. Seems like a MC could stop just as well as a MCS.

 

The MCS actually uses different pads than the MC.

 

What?? I'm pretty sure they take the same pads...the aftermarket pads
are the same for both at least (Hawk HPS's for instance.)

Actually, though, the MCS has a different brake booster check valve than
the MC.

 

BMW ETK shows
MC and MCS front pad kits are both
Jurid 612
34 11 6 761 287 or
34 11 1 503 676

and MC and MCS back pad kits are both
Ferodo 4088F
34 21 6 761 288 or
34 21 6 762 871 or
34 21 1 503 077

 

Ah, the plot thickens. So if the pads are the same, the calipers and rotors are the same, and just the check valve is different, then it would only be a function of the suspension and the tires. I guess a MC is a tad lighter maybe, so it still seems to me that they would be about the same as far as braking ability goes. Brakes get over looked a lot, to me they're the best thing about my MINI. Stops straight, true, and hard, every time. I just got to wondering one day if I could out-brake my buddy's MCS. I guess we could try it!

 

Suspension and tire compound perhaps.

Or just a tester who wanted to show his ability to judge one better than another since he got to drive the S back to the motel?

 

My guess would be that it is the tire size, width, compound. Tires can make a huge difference in handling/braking stats, when all else is the same spec - perhaps the tests were of an MC on 175 section all seasons, vs. an MCS on 195 or larger section performance tires. If you're looking at tests on cars by different mags on different dates (& temps, road conditions, drivers) the comparison isn't apples 'n apples anyway.

 

Rotors, Calipers ands Pads are all interchangeable between the MC and MCS.

Steve

 

The MINI press release from the 2002 US launch had a paragraph on the differences from the MC to the MCS from the factory. One of those differences listed was different compounds for the brake pads. Obviously the pads and the brake components are interchangable but according to this press release the factory pads were different (at least at that time).

However having driven both extensively I have never felt a real difference.

 

How weird - I was just going to post the same question here! So you can, in theory, fit a MINI spare donut tire on an S, right?

 

You bet you betcha can... No difference in rotor or caliper size between the S and Cooper, etc.