Speaking from experience, I have it on my Non-S and the SO has the active suspension, I like it. I like that fact that it's ALWAYS there, and that the stiffness is quite considerable compared to the active dampening. The car feels more planted and solid, but it feels a bit harsher to passengers. The SO says my car feels sturdier than hers when driving.As per the title, just curious on peoples view on the sports suspension? Ive got it coming on my S and super excited to see what its like.
I remember thinking dammit reading the forums then realised it was a US issue, not a UK issue before ordering.In the USA after the '15 model, the only way to get the Sport Suspension is on the JCW. Not available on the S any more.
I originally had the active suspension changed but swapped it at the last minute as it was described as kidney breaker but makes the handling almost go kart like, it's going to be fun.Speaking from experience, I have it on my Non-S and the SO has the active suspension, I like it. I like that fact that it's ALWAYS there, and that the stiffness is quite considerable compared to the active dampening. The car feels more planted and solid, but it feels a bit harsher to passengers. The SO says my car feels sturdier than hers when driving.As per the title, just curious on peoples view on the sports suspension? Ive got it coming on my S and super excited to see what its like.
I like it a lot
I replied on NAM to this....well covered above as well. I vote Sport Suspension! I have lived with mine for 1.5 years and it still makes me smile...no regrets!Hopefully I can put this question to bed (at least for me). I have driven a JCW with sports suspension and thought it was pretty compliant. I have an appointment this weekend with my closest dealer and have asked for an extended test with a JCW with sports suspension and and a comparison with a car equipped with DDC.
Finally, I was able to drive two cars (one with sport suspension and one with DDC) back to back over the same route, which featured a combination of smooth pavement, rough pavement, bricks, and freeway. Both cars had 17" wheels so it was a good comparison.Hopefully I can put this question to bed (at least for me). I have driven a JCW with sports suspension and thought it was pretty compliant. I have an appointment this weekend with my closest dealer and have asked for an extended test with a JCW with sports suspension and and a comparison with a car equipped with DDC.
Thanks very much for your valuable feedback. :XFinally, I was able to drive two cars (one with sport suspension and one with DDC) back to back over the same route, which featured a combination of smooth pavement, rough pavement, bricks, and freeway. Both cars had 17" wheels so it was a good comparison.
Honestly, I could live with either. Neither was harsh, even on bricks and rough pavement. However, since I live in FL and twisty roads are rare, I think the DDC wins out for my use and environment. It was noticeably smoother over rough patches in Normal mode, and plenty tight in sport mode (in fact, pretty close to sport suspension in feel). For day-to-day driving, I'm now a convert to DDC.
Yes, better performance, better ride, less expensive, less noise, and tires should be a buyer option on any vehicle at the time of purchase. At the very least available when you order a vehicle!My order will definitely include DDC. I appreciate good handling ... I have raced vintage cars since 1999, including a Mk 1 Mini Cooper. However, on the street, comfort is important.
I do agree; however, that the Sport Suspension is very good and not at all terrible. Having driven the two back-to-back on the same roads, I have to say that the DDC is right for me, which is not the answer I expected to come away with ... it is much better than I expected.
I do plan to stick with the 17" wheels and dump the run-flats as soon as possible. That alone makes a hug difference.
I will never understand BMW's defense of run-flat tires. When my MA started to explain, I reminded him that none of the M-cars have run-flats nor do the THP cars. Why MINI puts run-flats on a JCW is well beyond me. It is just something I have to replace on Day 1.