R60 Why would I buy a Countryman ALL4 vs. a regular R60??

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Mar 27, 2012 | 10:33 AM

#26

tippykayak

5th Gear

Joined: Apr 2011

Posts: 723

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From: Connecticut

Quote:

Originally Posted by DR61

I wonder how this perception got started? According to the MINI literature and the article referenced below, what you said is not correct. MINI says in its brochure (in part):
"Torque split is instantaneous and varies seamlessly based on multiple factors, including speed, steering angle, and acceleration". No mention of tire slip, but that is likely ONE of the factors.

This Motoringfile article describes how the system works according to one of the designers at MINI:
http://www.motoringfile.com/2011/12/...tem-clarified/

So according to this MINI engineer, the system starts from rest with 50% torque split to the rear.

However I agree that the OP probably should not get ALL4 because of the weight/fuel efficiency issue. But for my use it is great.

At the time I wrote my post (5/20/11), the only info out was what I wrote. MINI was originally extremely tight-lipped on the mechanics of the ALL4. But now, more interviews have been done and more information released. The article you linked, from seven months later, has updated information.

The original perception was started by an interview with somebody at MINI and was originally printed in MotoringFile. As they say in the 12/2011 article you linked, "Originally, MINI’s All4 system was explained to us as being FWD first, then AWD on-demand as a traction control aid."

Mar 27, 2012 | 10:36 AM

#27

ozarkgolfer

3rd Gear

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Joined: Apr 2008

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From: Houston, TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miniblue2

I have to agree. If you don't need All4, keep the money in the bank. I have the All4 for the beach and for the flash thunderstorms in Houston.

For me, it is worth every penny.

Bill

Ditto - I'm also here in Houston (but spend some time in NW Arkansas) and when the weather turns nasty, I want that security as well. The only issue with buying an ALL4 here is that they are pretty thin on the ground - I ordered mine last week.

Mar 27, 2012 | 01:43 PM

#28

DR61

5th Gear

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 638

Likes: 1

From: Redding, CA 96001

Quote:

Originally Posted by tippykayak

I didn't realize this was an old thread. Looks like Mini is responsible for not releasing adequate technical data on the performance of ALL4 in a timely manner.

Mar 27, 2012 | 01:56 PM

#29

ghamma

5th Gear

Joined: Mar 2011

Posts: 1,033

Likes: 1

From: SF Bay Area

Quote:

Originally Posted by DR61

I didn't realize this was an old thread. Looks like Mini is responsible for not releasing adequate technical data on the performance of ALL4 in a timely manner.

Many of us on NAM were confused by early published articles describing how ALL4 worked - which didn't match how the car handled when driven. It was a long time until a more authoritative explanation that matched how the car feels was written up. Even so, there are still inaccurate descriptions being published in reviews, probably based on the earlier articles.

Mar 27, 2012 | 05:08 PM

#30

sirbikes

3rd Gear

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Joined: Feb 2011

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I love the awd. This weekend I drove in a nasty downpour. Everyone just seemed to be going so slow, which is what they should be doing given the conditions, and I realized I was going faster than everyone else because of the car -- the CM felt so sure-footed, like it was glued to a hot dry road.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ayk07

this is an old thread but since my r60 is at the dealer( preasure crack window) they gave me the all4 loaner and i don't like it at all, feels heavier and slower, never been a fan of awd.

Mar 27, 2012 | 09:05 PM

#31

beauxgoris

4th Gear

Joined: Jan 2012

Posts: 515

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From: Mid Atlantic

We don't live in a snowy or overly rainy area so we opted to not go ALL4. Didn't want the added weight + cost etc. However if we lived in an area that got a lot of either would have added it in a heartbeat.

Mar 28, 2012 | 08:33 AM

#32

tippykayak

5th Gear

Joined: Apr 2011

Posts: 723

Likes: 1

From: Connecticut

Quote:

Originally Posted by DR61

I didn't realize this was an old thread. Looks like Mini is responsible for not releasing adequate technical data on the performance of ALL4 in a timely manner.

No worries. I bought the ALL4 with the info that it was a FWD/slip thing controlled by the DSC computer. Driving it, I felt that it was probably a little more complicated than that, and I loved it, so I bought it.

Knowing more and more as more info has come out has been really nice. I actually started a thread in September about these questions, posting some of the relevant articles and pointing out the contradictions.

Having driven it in snow a teeny bit this winter, I'm incredibly happy. While I always liked the control I had in my standard-shift/mechanical 4WD Jeep, I really enjoy the point-the-car-and-go ability I have with this AWD system.