OP do read the problems and fixes forum on the clutch and flywheel issues for the manual tranny cars. they do have a history (which many here will debate they are overblown, but ???), dealers are pulling shady stuff with premature clutch failures (like charging money to diagnose) so IMO it is something to carefully consider.

OTOH, I know of no problems with the Aisin automatic proper since it was introduced a few years ago--it is rock-solid dependable. sometimes there are minor software and Steptronic (paddle and stick interface) issues, but they are very few and far between and quickly resolved.

Im a die hard manual guy, but I had soooo many problems with defective clutches and flywheels in my 2005 S--coupled with an arthritic left knee--I opted for the auto in my 09, then added the JCW tune kit, and could not be happier, especially on the track and twisties as I leave others in my wake It's a slushbox, but it's a very precise shifting slushbox and a hoot to drive.

and as far as the shrill stick-head cries about "losing control" or "losing feel" for the road with the auto, well that's a load of horseshit, coming mostly from those who have never driven one. So drive both, do some research, and good luck. Both cars are equally fun, each in their own way!

 

ok, well i have another question.... if/when i get a clubman s i am sure i will want a louder exhaust..

has anyone changed out their exhaust? if so what do you have? has anyone heard a jcw exhaust? how does it sound? the only aftermarket exhaust i have seen is made by borla... does anyone have that exhaust? how does it sound compared to stock

thanks alot.

 

My 07 was a manual and my current 08 is an auto. I liked them both but with the bumper to bumper traffic I deal with daily the auto wins out.

 

This.

 

Yeah right the paddles are sooooo useless as I am able to keep both of my hands on the wheel and shift gears while steering on the twisties and on the track. Total control is so totally useless in the grand scheme of things I guess

and they are made of plastic, but so what? did U expect titanium in a $25K car?? Now, this is nitpicking.

OP yr question about exhaust-- I have the JCW tune kit exhaust on and it's just right, a little louder than stock, but nice and low, with little droning on the highway. A Borla or Millitek will be much louder and drone appropriately.

 

awesome thanks everyone for the info.. i am still undecided about the trans but i will have to make a decision eventually.

thansk again.

 

Manual for more fun ( maybe) and for racing or Autocrossing

Auto if more in traffic or a partner who may not want to learn

Just my opinion

 

yeah it really depends on what the dealer can find for the right price with the right features. since they are trying to get rid of the 09s i am trying to get a deal.

 

Edit: Whoops, nevermind.

 

I ordered mine in Auto... simply because I drive in stop and go traffic everyday and I tend to fuddle around looking for things in my purse while driving =P

I never actually got the chance to test drive the auto, nor the Clubman since they sold out of the 2009's and the 2010's had not arrived yet... I test drove a manual hatch and absolutely loved how responsive it was. From reading Clubman reviews, it sounded like the Clubman would feel pretty much the same, if not a little smoother. I think that if it were a pure fun car, I'd have ordered the manual for sure. So I'm really hoping that the auto will not be a disappointment!

 

As a member of the MINI Ride and Drive Team, we get to drive the manual and the auto...

- JCW => very responsive and fun to drive. power delivery is great and the car gets up and go.

- Auto Clubmand and MCS => it's ok, can be laggy in between shifts and the tranny tries to get into overdrive in order to save gas. I didn't like it at first... but then, after the 'reprogramming' of the ecu, the car is totally different... it now drives "like the Auto JCW"... i was dead against getting one in auto before the tune, but after the tune, i have no reservation of getting one for myself.

another plus side of the auto is you can put it in "manual" mode... so if you want to feel the shifting, u can always do this. Very handy and fun.

For the Ride and Drive, we have both manual and auto trannies, and half of the cars are tuned while the other half are on factory programming - this gives prospective buyers the feel of all the various combinations.

For the Sunroof: NO (for three reasons).
1. it adds weight to the car
2. the added sun and glare is no fun b/c the shade is a see-thru
3. wind noise = some are worst than others, but one of the JCW we have is really really bad.

Hope that helps.
cheers.

 

6 sp..... super fun. Unless you have lots of stop and go traffic...