Methods to Reduce Suspension Hardness
I know this is probably going to sound sacrilegious, but the stiff suspension on my base 5 door model from 2021 is just too much. I would like to make the journey easier, but I'm not sure if I need years of psychotherapy. Will softer shock absorbers be enough to accomplish that? My best guess is that it's the springs that make it so stiff, so the answer is probably no. I'm actually stuck in a pickle because I could go for a Countryman or even a Clubman, but that's just not happening right now. I could get a small SUV from a brand like Hyundai or Kia, but the additional 10 inches or so would be too much for my cramped garage. Some ideas? Much obliged.
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DivineStripe
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Do you have ranflat tires? Switching to non-runflat tires greatly enhances the quality of the ride. The ride quality is improved with smaller wheels, so I was wondering what size they are on your car now. Is the suspension active or standard on your car?
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craigstomer
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For extra padding, you can also attach a small piece of sidewall to your tires.
I just acquired a Certified Pre-Owned 2024 Cooper SE with 9,000 miles on the odometer. A big pothole had smashed one of the OE tires and severely damaged the OE 17-inch wheels. I got these four OE MINI 17" wheels from a guy in town who was selling them for $200. They were in pristine condition.
After that, I replaced the factory 205/45R17 tires with a set of 215/45R17. The latter are 0.3 inches taller and 10 mm wider than the originals. With this additional sidewall, the vehicle rides more comfortably and the wheels and tires are better protected.
I just acquired a Certified Pre-Owned 2024 Cooper SE with 9,000 miles on the odometer. A big pothole had smashed one of the OE tires and severely damaged the OE 17-inch wheels. I got these four OE MINI 17" wheels from a guy in town who was selling them for $200. They were in pristine condition.
After that, I replaced the factory 205/45R17 tires with a set of 215/45R17. The latter are 0.3 inches taller and 10 mm wider than the originals. With this additional sidewall, the vehicle rides more comfortably and the wheels and tires are better protected.
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craigstomer
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Germancars
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Changing to a smaller wheel has additional advantages, though:
Less weight means a more comfortable ride on smaller wheels.
Affordable tires with smaller rim sizes
Less weight means a more comfortable ride on smaller wheels.
Affordable tires with smaller rim sizes
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vendimoto55
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Progressive damping is something that these suspensions don't have. It would be ideal if the spring rate could be changed during the initial stroke. That is how I perceive it, at least. Every little bump in the road has a significant impact on the MINI's handling. Contrarily, it manages bigger bumps admirably.
But I am clueless as to which suspension manufacturer provides such a service.
But I am clueless as to which suspension manufacturer provides such a service.
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vendimoto55
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