Can I move off from "M2" in Mini Cooper S

[teeteewhy]

Hi, I hope someone can help me on this please. I have a 2009 MINI Cooper S, with Steptronic. When I am using Steptronic and the car is stationary, the default gear selected is "M2" instead of "M1". Can anyone tell me: (a) Why isn't the default gear "M1"; and (2) is it okay for me to move off from a Standstill, using the "M2" gear. Thank you.

[xphiledan]

Fuel economy
your car will be ok starting in 2nd gear

[Tall Mini]

Same thing in my "Justa" Clubaman. Starting off in second is fine and is even preferable in stop and go sitiuations. I know our car will bog down a bit starting in second if I'm on an incline or if I give it a bit too much gas but I am guessing that would be less of a problem in an "S"

[pilotart]

Default inital gear, step down a little and it will shift to first. Smoother start and minimizes wheel-spin, especially in the 'S'.

Would expect a little better MPG's from it as well, with paddle-shift, you can flick it into first while stopped.

MINI's Automatic Transmission 'learns' its driver, mine did the second gear start until I was past break-in period.

Now it always starts in first (must'a learned my leadfoot).

[nabeshin]

I might not remember correctly, but I think the '07 MC loaner I had once did this until I hit the sport button, then it always started in M1.

[teeteewhy]

thanks for your help everyone!

[BensMini]

Starting in M2 works fine in most red light traffic. You won't be left like a stone by the other cars unless someone has a "machine" to show off. If you put in M1 and give a hard gas pedal be ready to shift in a hurry because your going to be at redline very, very quickly.