Hey y'all, I'm a first time Mini driver and my '07 Cooper S is my first standard transmission its a lot of fun but also scary .. any words of advice/ warning for a newb?

Thanks,
J.

 

Advice? JMHO....
-Break in slowly to the whole manual tranny thing. Get comfortable. Don't ride the clutch.
-Try taking a driving school or get some instruction at an autocross if you want to push the car at all. It just not safe learning the limits of your MINI on the street.
-Install an Oil Catch Can. It will slow down the valve carbon build up.
-Watch the oil level. Check at least once a week.
-Motor On!

 

Thanks I've been practicing in parking lots late night.. I've had the car for 8 days and I'm starting to get the hang of things but still a little shaky, especially from stop to start but unfortunately I commute to Boston every day and I cant avoid driving.. driving between 0-18/20mph for about 20 miles this morning was a little painful.. when I'm in first and going 10mph or less, the car kinda "lungs". is this normal/ okay? is there a way I can avoid it without having the clutch engaged?

There is no oil or engine temp gauge in the car so I'm glad you mentioned the oil.. should I be checking the oil levels weekly because I'm new to a standard and ripping through it or is this something that is good practice long term with a MINI? Is there any brand of oil that you suggest using (Full synthetic, I assume)?

Other questions:
When you say "Don't ride the clutch".. this is pretty much the first thing I was taught but I'm still not 100% sure whats considered riding the clutch and I know that having the clutch 100% in-gauged puts the car in neutral.. and I'm still not smooth (like at all) down-shifting and rev matching.. so most of the time when I get off the highway I'm in fifth and slowing down, when I get to about 40/ just below 40, I push the clutch all the way in and ride down to the end of the off ramp (I have to completely stop at the end) with the car in fifth, clutch down, and then shift into first once the car is completely stopped. Is that really bad? riding the clutch? or does riding the clutch refer to just when you're accelerating?

Are there any good tips for down shifting/ rev matching? I know I'm not ready for the heel-to-toe driving or anything too fancy..

Is an oil catch can something myself or my boyfriend can install? (he's moderately experienced with cars.. I am not)

The car is an 07 Cooper S with just under 16,500 miles.. supposably owned previously by a MINI enthusiast.. the car is in seems to be in really good condition and it was garaged so I don't think I've gotten a lemon or anything like that.. but is there anything I should look out for in an '07 car? Are MINI's more prone to certain types of wear and tear?

Thanks in advance!
J.

 

Riding the clutch is when driving along you keep your foot on the clutch pedal or when starting from a stop (or shifting for that matter) you don't fully release the clutch pedal. Just make sure to completely take your foot off the clutch pedal when not actually shifting. Using the dead pedal can help you not ride the clutch. And if you don't feel comfortable using the gears to slow you down when getting off the freeway, push in the clutch pedal, put the shifter in neutral, and let out the clutch. If you want to try downshifting more (which you should just to help you get more comfortable and since its a good habit anyway) when decelerating, push in the clutch pedal, move down one gear, and let out the clutch pedal. It sounds like you are doing awesome! Keep practicing and you'll do be a pro in no time! Good luck with your new MINI!

 

Hey J,
You asked, so here is more of my personal opinion.

When the clutch is all the way in, your engine is not connected to the transmission. You are in the gear that your shift lever is placed in. To be in true neutral you need to place your shift lever in that position. With the clutch in, it acts like you are in neutral.

+1 to pdubb. I'll also add that I consider too slow of clutch release "riding" also. You want to be smooth, but get the clutch engagement over with quickly. Also, when going up through the gears I really utilize the clutch in 1st, but after that I mainly use it to shift and engage.... then I accelerate. Learning engine sounds helps me to rev match so there is very little clutch slippage during gear changes beyond first. Is that clear?

When coming to a stop, I do not often downshift. Brakes are powerful mechanical components and MUCH easier to change than a clutch. Downshifting can be hard on the clutch if rev matching is not done correctly.

An oil catch can is very easy to install. I have a BSH and also installed the boost port tap to block off the gases coming from the passenger side of the PCV system. This can also be done with a couple of caps that people have found. I like the boost port tap because I can easily do Seafoam treatments. (Lots of opinions if this does any good.)

Besides checking the oil, check the coolant level weekly. Some MINI's are prone to using oil and keeping the level at full can little issues from becoming huge ones. If you get a catch can, check that level often (more in cold weather). Letting the catch can overflow is way worse than never having one. The coolant level check clues you in on two other potential problems.... The thermostat (the housing is made of plastic)and the water pump. Running low on coolant can end your MINI's life.

Other issues... timing chain/guides/tensioner - often needs to be replaced on early models. Check with a dealer to see if this has been done with the latest parts. The valve issue looks like it will be a maintenance item for all "S" owners sooner or later. Walnut shell blasting or manual cleaning will be needed at some point. It is thought that the catch can will slow the accumulation down, but direct injection engines have this issue and MINI/Peugeot more than most.

Your MINI is not a Honda/Toyota and needs to be maintained carefully.

 

An update: I LOVEE driving my MCS and a manual.. Although sometimes it can be a little trying during my work commute. Thus far, I haven't had any issues with my car eating through oil.. I haven't checked the coolant, forgot about that one unfortunately.. I'm glad I revisited this post! I'll check it tomorrow!

I've had my Mini for about 8 months. Two issues I've run into.. Both very recent.. About two weeks ago my a/c stopped working.. I don't really know if it ever did being that it just started getting warm.. The compressor won't turning on/ isn't working.. And the 2nd is my radio display has some faded spots.. I've put a picture below so people know what I'm talking about. I've read a few other posts that just barely touch upon these topics and I'm probably.. No definitely overkillin' it by posting this info again.. But hey, I need some answers!