Ordered the '15 non "S." Totally swayed by non run flats. Due into So. Ca. on Sept 4th, but will be "held hostage" by EPA. I understand that the new model includes an enhanced automatic transmission when the navigation package is ordered. "The automatic transmission gains a bigger brain when navigation is present because map data concerning upcoming grades and curves is fed into the mix. This Predictive Drivetrain logic avoids the sort of unnecessary gearchanges a manual-transmission driver would never make because he can see what's coming."

I find this most interesting and I'm wondering how the Forum members are experiencing this advanced feature. Does a specific destination have to be engaged before this feature is enabled? Is there a way to turn it off? Finally, how perceivable are these auto modifications to the driver? Is is perceptible? In a good way?

I did a bit of research on BMW technology and there is mention of it, but it is supposedly being held for higher tech vehicles such as the electric i3. I think they refer to it as "forecasted gear changes." Imminent curves, stop signs, hill incline/decline are factored in.

Any input is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

As far as I know, this isn't in the 2014 US model. Did it make it into the 2015?

 

I hope I was able to attach a photo from the MiniUSA website!

 

Interesting.

 

I'd thought that this was one of the cool Euro features that made it into the marketing literature (e.g. head up speed limit displays and adaptive cruise control) but not my US build. Perhaps not?

 

It's in the online MiniUSA site. Year 2015. Truth in advertising? I am expecting this technology when my car is released from detention.

 

How would you know it's working?

 

"MPD" (Mini Predictive Drivetrain) is official as evidenced from the MiniUSA website. There is no proviso indicating that it will be included later in the year. Thus, I am expecting it on my vehicle. There will be a menu "off" option as well as information about this technology in the manual. Mini cannot advertise this feature as standard when the "wired" package and auto transmission are ordered.......unless it's included. It has no place on the MiniUSA website if MPD is solely for European vehicles. Misleading would be an understatement if MPD is not part of my vehicle.

 

"All the illustrations and specifications contained in this web site are based on the latest product information
available at the time of posting. MINI, a division of BMW of North America, LLC reserves the right to make
changes at any time, without notice, in colors, materials, and equipment."

 

Thank you Conrad.....I agree. We do the same in the construction industry. We like to leave a loophole of sorts. It is curious that the 2015 MiniUSA site added mention of this feature a second time. It was slightly modified from the previous mention (photo in this thread). This time, it adds the word "new."

 

You will find many items are cut from the US version cars to lower costs....
The prices mini's sell for in the us are lower than much of the world....and mini, just like BMW has a history of "decontenting" features that have high cost and low perceived payback...
Auto-start/stop was one that took several years to come to north America..... BMW estimated the payback was about 6 years vs cost, but in Europe where taxes are charged based on co2 emissions, small changes can drop a car a full tier in taxes.....suddenly making a $$$ feature reasonable....

 

And yet the sound module survives.