Hi All:
I recently purchased a 2016 cooper convertible with the 6-speed automatic trans. Typically, I have been driving in Sport Auto (shifter moved left), shifting manually at around 4000 to 5000 rpm. I know the base cooper/automatic isn't a high-performance model, so maybe I'm expecting too much...

My problem is that when shifting manually, the trans is taking its time shifting, especially from first to second (same behavior in still present in other gears, just less noticeable). I'll change gears, the rpms will drop to about 2500 and the car will "flutter" three times (a quick pup-pup-pup sound), and then the car will shift. It's more pronounced with the Sport mode (ring selector) also activated. The time for this all to happen is short, but it does affect the performance. In thinking about how to describe it, I would say it feels like the RPMs are dropping too low and confusing the trans about shifting.

When left in full Auto in any mode, the car shifts at much lower RPMs than I do and this keeping the issue from happening, unless I'm under hard acceleration.

I'm wondering if this sounds typical for this engine/trans combo? I recently test drove a 7-speed 2020 automatic during a dealer get-together, and it was wonderfully smooth (and $12,000 more expensive than what I paid).

What are the experiences of other base cooper/automatic owners?

 

Update: Much of this appears to be resolved after having my engine and transmission mounts replaced. Shifts are much crisper, the "flutter" is significantly reduced, and the car is much more enjoyable to drive. The shifts still occur quicker than I think they should, even in sport mode, but at least the lagging is gone.

 

An update: The issue is back. After doing some research, I believe it's the turbo waste gate dumping between shifts, which is causing the "flutter" that makes the transmission pause before moving into the next gear. Does anyone else with a base cooper/B38 engine have the same problem? If there any third-party solution to minimize the dumping?

 

A couple years ago think I recall a loaner base (3 cylinder) automatic that, when going along in maybe 3rd, I punch it and there is a noticeable delay before it down shifted to 2nd and took off. A very noticeable one, like the same 3 seconds. I did not like it at all. Years later ended up getting a F56, so went for the manual.

 

This issue appears to be resolved. I began to have hesitation during starting, a check engine light, and then the car died and was difficult to restart. This was diagnosed as a faulty fuel tank breather valve, which was replaced under the extended warranty. so far, it's shifting quickly and crisply.