[Dave at Pelican Parts]

I do not know about the 2008 model year, but in 2010 and later the "Sport" package didn't offer the sport suspension--it was a different option.

You may be able to find take-offs for relatively cheap, though the stock shocks have a reputation in some quarters for not lasting a long time. Some people also say that a shock replacement made the ride smoother. I do not have direct experience with this, though.

Going down in wheel size, if feasible, can also help the ride. Smaller wheels mean taller tires, which means more cushioning.

Note that the 2nd-generation S models do not seem to be the most reliable MINIs, so your odds of running trouble-free are less than if you picked up a good 1st-generation model or a non-S 2nd-gen. (I am quite happy with my 2012 "Justa" Cooper Hardtop.) Just a data point for you.

--DD