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 Posted: May 25, 2017 05:05AM
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Well, I was able to test drive an 2005 S convertible and a 2006 non-S convertible yesterday. Both rode too firmly for these old bones. So I guess I may be going back to a Boxster or looking at a BMW four seater. The car must have enough room for two bags and a set of golf clubs.

Thanks to all of those who posted. The hunt was fun while it lasted.

Jack

 Posted: May 24, 2017 04:13PM
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dan and dr mini.. yea it was NUKED..  I sure did NOT remove the great saying of the year...  are you STONED or STUPIC.  ??

 Posted: May 24, 2017 07:49AM
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For the record the classic mini was fitted with Dunlop Denovo run flat tyres as an option for the short while the tyres were in production.

Mini's are like buses they come along in a bunch

 Posted: May 24, 2017 07:33AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jborchel
Kenatminimania,

That's exactly the info I was looking for. I really like the Mini I have identified but driving it means spending an extra day on this trip. I will be able to test drive a plain non-S Cooper today. If I bought the S could I put the non-S springs and shocks on it? If so, what would that cost? 
Yes, the suspension components are interchangeable between the cooper and cooper s. 

Drop me an email on the springs and shocks <[email protected]>

k

 Posted: May 24, 2017 07:15AM
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Yes, BC's not STUPIC, that's just the way the message board people say it. Goes way back. Also, FWIW, BC doesn't go back and remove his threads, the Message Board administrator does that, but that's another Stoned or Stupic story.

"Retired:  No Job, No Money, Wife and I!  Will travel anywhere for Minis"

[email protected]

 Posted: May 24, 2017 06:23AM
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CA
Quote:
Originally Posted by jborchel
Quote:
Originally Posted by thewerewolf
jborchel.. run flats on classic mini?/ are you STONED or just plain STUPIC?? later bc
First of all, if you are going to flame me then at least learn to spell or type! Secondly, last time I looked a 2006 was not considered a classic.
jborchel:
You've met one of our (very) long-time members, otherwise known as BC or Bill. He can be cantankerous but generally well-meaning when it comes to Minis. Since he withdrew his remark, I suspect he missed the fact we were talking about new MINIS and assumed classic Mini, since this site is predominantly though not exclusively about the classics.
 The phrase "are you STONED or just plain STUPIC??" is another part of the vernacular around here.
(And "stupic" with a "c" is how it is spelled around here.)

Do not take it to heart.

.

"Hang on a minute lads....I've got a great idea."

 Posted: May 24, 2017 06:06AM
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Kenatminimania,

That's exactly the info I was looking for. I really like the Mini I have identified but driving it means spending an extra day on this trip. I will be able to test drive a plain non-S Cooper today. If I bought the S could I put the non-S springs and shocks on it? If so, what would that cost? 

 Posted: May 24, 2017 06:02AM
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CA
Didn't early 1275GT's have run flats? 

 

"Everybody should own a MINI at some point, or you are incomplete as a human being" - James May

"WET COOPER", Partsguy1 (Terry Snell of Penticton BC ) - Could you send the money for the unpaid parts and court fees.
Ordered so by a Judge

 

 

 

 Posted: May 24, 2017 05:49AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thewerewolf
jborchel.. run flats on classic mini?/ are you STONED or just plain STUPIC?? later bc
First of all, if you are going to flame me then at least learn to spell or type! Secondly, last time I looked a 2006 was not considered a classic.

 Posted: May 24, 2017 05:44AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jborchel
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dan Moffet
Spitz; I wish I'd said that


jborchel: the 2006 Cooper convertible would seem a little softer than the S-version. Presumably the S has an up-rated suspension for better handling. But I doubt the difference in ride would be significantly harsher under normal driving. Then again, being used cars, you would have no idea if the previous owners had done anything to up-rate either car (S or non-S) or how tired either one might be from age.

Try the non-S and see if you like it, bearing in mind it won't compare to your current vehicle, whatever it is. All things being equal, the S version should have crisper handling and a slightly firmer ride.
Thanks for the thoughts. Do these cars have spare tires or do they run "Run Flats"? If Run Flats then some ride comfort can be improved with softer tires. I did that with my last car, a BMW 328 Sportwagon, and it made a huge difference. Owned it for four years and never had a flat.
The 2006 Cooper Convertible had an option for standard suspension or sport suspension.  The Cooper S models came with the sport suspension.

All MINIs came with runflats.  The Cooper had an option for a spare tire mounted under the car in the rear.  Cooper S did not have a spare tire option.

Runflats have a very firm sidewall so the ride is very firm (and the tires are heavy).  Most owners ditch the runflats and go with standard tires which greatly improves the ride quality and handling.  They carry a flat-fix-kit, a spare, or use roadside assistance.

Cooper had 15" tires as an option - these would be the most 'comfortable'.  As you go to 16" and 17", the ride quality goes down, but the handling response improves.

Hope this helps.

k

 Posted: May 23, 2017 05:51PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dan Moffet
Spitz; I wish I'd said that


jborchel: the 2006 Cooper convertible would seem a little softer than the S-version. Presumably the S has an up-rated suspension for better handling. But I doubt the difference in ride would be significantly harsher under normal driving. Then again, being used cars, you would have no idea if the previous owners had done anything to up-rate either car (S or non-S) or how tired either one might be from age.

Try the non-S and see if you like it, bearing in mind it won't compare to your current vehicle, whatever it is. All things being equal, the S version should have crisper handling and a slightly firmer ride.
Thanks for the thoughts. Do these cars have spare tires or do they run "Run Flats"? If Run Flats then some ride comfort can be improved with softer tires. I did that with my last car, a BMW 328 Sportwagon, and it made a huge difference. Owned it for four years and never had a flat.

 Posted: May 23, 2017 09:56AM
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CA
Spitz; I wish I'd said that


jborchel: the 2006 Cooper convertible would seem a little softer than the S-version. Presumably the S has an up-rated suspension for better handling. But I doubt the difference in ride would be significantly harsher under normal driving. Then again, being used cars, you would have no idea if the previous owners had done anything to up-rate either car (S or non-S) or how tired either one might be from age.

Try the non-S and see if you like it, bearing in mind it won't compare to your current vehicle, whatever it is. All things being equal, the S version should have crisper handling and a slightly firmer ride.

.

"Hang on a minute lads....I've got a great idea."

 Posted: May 23, 2017 06:52AM
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CA
Take a spin in a classic MINI....you'll probably realise then that your BMW ride is softer than you think...lol

 

"Everybody should own a MINI at some point, or you are incomplete as a human being" - James May

"WET COOPER", Partsguy1 (Terry Snell of Penticton BC ) - Could you send the money for the unpaid parts and court fees.
Ordered so by a Judge

 

 

 

 Posted: May 23, 2017 06:34AM
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It's a 2006 Cooper S convertible that I am interested in. Since I have to go way out of my way to see the car but can test a 2006 Cooper convertible I am trying to see if the Cooper feels ok then I can make the decision to make the trip.

 Posted: May 23, 2017 05:32AM
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CA
You need to specify whether you are talking about classic Minis made by British Leyland, Rover etc., or new MINIS made by BMW.
Specifying a year would be a good start, especially with new MINIS, since the specs change from year to year.

.

"Hang on a minute lads....I've got a great idea."

 Posted: May 23, 2017 04:46AM
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Is there a difference? If so can the shocks and springs be swapped to soften the S ride?