Eddie from 1FastMini.com here in Orlando installed the very first (customer) M7 paddle shift system in my car. After a long week of hard work (and direct contact with M7) Eddie completed the install.

Today was the first time I got to see and experience it for myself.

I'll be honest... at first it kinda freaked me out. I mean, I caught myself reaching for the original stick shift that is no longer there. So it's definitely a major behavioral change that you have to get used to.

Eddie took me on the test drive (him driving first to explain a few things) and then I drove the car for awhile...

There's no doubt about it... it takes the MINI to a new level of driving experience. That "luxury go-kart" feel that I always enjoy about my MINI has now been raised another notch. The paddle shifters really give it more of a "race car" feel, in my opinion.

I thought the paddle shifters would be really great as a straight replacement to the normal shifter, but I somehow failed to realize that the true driving experience isn't just about "shifting gears after you put your foot on the clutch."

The 'action' is now THE OPPOSITE and it's definitely a better experience. You can shift in advance and then hit the clutch and have it fire into gear as soon as you hit the clutch. It takes a bit of getting used to it but once you do it's really a lot of fun.

It's amazing how much torque-steer (or traction issues) is a non-issue when both hands never leave the wheel. You definitely feel like you're in much better control of the car.

I'm letting Eddie take the car down to Miami this weekend for the big MINI event, so if anyone wants to check it out he'll be there.

You can see some photos, and other info, that Eddie posted here:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=143023

-John

 

JohnTurbo -
Hopefully, I am next for the m7paddle shifter in the "ex" SpiderX 2002 MCS . You really have to drive it for a bit to fully appreciate it - I can't wait!!

 

Awesome will eddie be in the big group from DTM to Miami? I have gotta see these shifters it sounds so cool and I had no clue you could pre-select the gear before clutching in! I could see that coming in handy, but definitely would take getting used to haha

 

Hi JohnTurbo....

I'm totally stoked hearing your reply....Thank you.

We are vey close to finish up the package, which does include the optional
floor mounted bump shifter, with the option of a long touring car style
shifter arm, and for the CF freaks in the audience a carbon fiber
arm extension and ****.

Peter
M7 Tuning
562-608-8123

 

i saw the video for this and it looked very very cool!

my only gripe is that it requires a lot of trunk space... which is already limited as it stands.

i love the idea that you can load the gears... very very cool mod!

 

So John, when are you coming out to one of the Orlando meets again? I'd love to see this on your MINI. It was awesome before, but now it sounds like it's even better! I had no idea it was YOUR car that Eddie did this to, I thought it was his! lol

Hope to see ya around!

~MM

 

Lookin good! Glad you like the results. My guys drooled over this at AMVIV and thought it would be great fun! Having an e-gear Gallardo SL I can appreciate the draw to the system! Now Peter, tackle the clutch!

 

I saw your car at the downtown mini last saturday...Its sick!!!
The box in the boot isnot that big...I think it looks great and sounds great

I love the setup and the wheels......

they did a great job with the kit...

 

This seems like a seriously expensive mod that will destroy the resale on this car. How does it compare to the BMW SMG system? I know they had lots of problems and software struggles with it before they got it right.

Sorry if that sounded negative...

-s

 

It looks so good! That box is small and very cool with the plex glass cover so you can see all the workings, and it is crazy seeing a can with no shifter stick at all haha

 

Anyone who does serious mods there car should know that 90% of the time you will never get what you have in it when you sell.
Although from what People who see the system in person say, It seems to make the car more desirable and may help the resale value.
Its kind of like have a rare car. As of now there is The prototype system on Peters R56,R53, and this Car...


Not sure I have never driven one.


We got it right!!

 

The R53 prototype car is mine, I will tell you that everyone that gets in this car for a demo comes out with a big smile on their face and a case of "Shifter Envy"

There is no way this mod will have a negative effect on resale value.

Is it a cost effective mod? Only your wallet will answer that question.

It's cool factor is off the scale and it draws people at car shows like free money.

Bill

 

This Guy really liked it...

 

I thought i reconized those rim!!!! you were at MTTS Boston, you did the rally from florida to boston, lucky. hows fast are the shifts now? it must be wicked(boston accent) cool.

 

The pattle shifter is a beautiful setup! "Most impressive" Darth Vader.

 

Just an FYI Peter at m7 has allowed ALTA to now install these kits in our location in Hillsboro, Oregon. If anyone is interested, feel free to let me know directly!

Thanks folks!

 

seriously? that is good news. What did you have to do to get his permission?

 

I had to practice the secret hand-shake!

 

Keep it clean, keep it clean!

 

Keep this on-topic please.

 

Is Peter still involved with M7?

Alan