Hi, I hope someone can help me on this please. I have a 2009 MINI Cooper S, with Steptronic. When I am using Steptronic and the car is stationary, the default gear selected is "M2" instead of "M1". Can anyone tell me: (a) Why isn't the default gear "M1"; and (2) is it okay for me to move off from a Standstill, using the "M2" gear. Thank you.

 

Fuel economy
your car will be ok starting in 2nd gear

 

Same thing in my "Justa" Clubaman. Starting off in second is fine and is even preferable in stop and go sitiuations. I know our car will bog down a bit starting in second if I'm on an incline or if I give it a bit too much gas but I am guessing that would be less of a problem in an "S"

 

Default inital gear, step down a little and it will shift to first. Smoother start and minimizes wheel-spin, especially in the 'S'.

Would expect a little better MPG's from it as well, with paddle-shift, you can flick it into first while stopped.

MINI's Automatic Transmission 'learns' its driver, mine did the second gear start until I was past break-in period.

Now it always starts in first (must'a learned my leadfoot).

 

I might not remember correctly, but I think the '07 MC loaner I had once did this until I hit the sport button, then it always started in M1.

 

thanks for your help everyone!

 

Starting in M2 works fine in most red light traffic. You won't be left like a stone by the other cars unless someone has a "machine" to show off. If you put in M1 and give a hard gas pedal be ready to shift in a hurry because your going to be at redline very, very quickly.