2003 (R50) Mini cooper S suspension

[Niffty951]

Probably I am the only one but has anyone ever swapped the Cooper S (SS) suspension for the standard not sporting units fitted to the One/Cooper?

They're apparently 8mm higher and from memory a little more compliant but still plenty sporty.

Also, where would you buy parts from? Are BMW the only distributor of original parts? Is there anyone who supplies original brand parts from the manufacturer without main dealer tax?

If you have a mini One in good condition and want Cooper S suspension then I'm happy to spend a day swapping them over.

[anonymous-user]

Where abouts are you? I have a R50 Cooper, no idea what the condition of the suspension is like though!

[Challo]

Niffty951 said:

Probably I am the only one but has anyone ever swapped the Cooper S (SS) suspension for the standard not sporting units fitted to the One/Cooper?

They're apparently 8mm higher and from memory a little more compliant but still plenty sporty.

Also, where would you buy parts from? Are BMW the only distributor of original parts? Is there anyone who supplies original brand parts from the manufacturer without main dealer tax?

If you have a mini One in good condition and want Cooper S suspension then I'm happy to spend a day swapping them over.

Could you not just order new springs and damper online for a standard Mini One / Cooper? Euro, GSF, Autodoc should provide those without going to the dealer.

If your swapping it out, go new rather than off another older car as you dont know what they will be like.

Quick question but are you running run-flats? Also what size alloys are you using?

[Jonstar]

I can't help you much but I like your car summaries in your profile, I wish more people filled them in.

I can however vouch that the ride on my r53 is pretty shocking too, I suspect a better option would be sensible coilovers like Bilsteins.

[E-bmw]

16" wheels & non RFT is the charm generally on these.

[Dave.]

E-bmw said:

16" wheels & non RFT is the charm generally on these.

This ^

Oh and coilovers… no, you don’t need to sit it on it’s arse, and no it won’t ruin the car.

Get decent ones set at a decent ride height.

[Niffty951]

I have to slightly sheepishly confess that further to my first drive I've now replaced both front top mounts that had totally perished and since done about 300 miles of 'avoid motorways' blatting in the car... I've rather fallen for the way it rides. I think the rock hard crashing that first made me think ohh christ! Was actually due to the front top mounts resting metal to metal on the bearings. It's now bearable and rather lovable.

Thank you for all the replies. Top advice too, was just trying to not go on a spending spree with the new 'sensible daily'

[Niffty951]

Jonstar said:

I can't help you much but I like your car summaries in your profile, I wish more people filled them in.

I can however vouch that the ride on my r53 is pretty shocking too, I suspect a better option would be sensible coilovers like Bilsteins.

A pleasure. As much as anything they are to remind me what I thought when I owned each car because enviably I get rose tinted specs years later and start searching the classifieds for cars I've already owned at some point in the past.

Nice to know someone else had read them too.