Shifting
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Joined: Dec 2010
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From: The Poconos
Shifting
Hey everyone!
I was wondering how all of you shifted your MINIs, and if anyone had any insight on how our MINIs react to certain types of shifting.
Let me start it out ... I have found that my MINI has a bit of a rough shift if I take her up to a higher gear in the 2500RPM range, and it is super smooth when I take her to around 3500RPM. It also seems as though I get a rougher shift if I ease the clutch out after my shift as opposed to smoothly BUT QUICKLY releasing the clutch.
Has anyone had similar results? Fast and hard shifting VS. Slow and steady shifting?
Just a side note, I am new to driving a MINI and brand new to driving stick. I actually have only been driving stick for one month, so any tips would be greatly appreciated.
My take offs are still a bit rough as well. It feels like I am being too easy on the gas.
I look forward to your comments!
I was wondering how all of you shifted your MINIs, and if anyone had any insight on how our MINIs react to certain types of shifting.
Let me start it out ... I have found that my MINI has a bit of a rough shift if I take her up to a higher gear in the 2500RPM range, and it is super smooth when I take her to around 3500RPM. It also seems as though I get a rougher shift if I ease the clutch out after my shift as opposed to smoothly BUT QUICKLY releasing the clutch.
Has anyone had similar results? Fast and hard shifting VS. Slow and steady shifting?
Just a side note, I am new to driving a MINI and brand new to driving stick. I actually have only been driving stick for one month, so any tips would be greatly appreciated.
My take offs are still a bit rough as well. It feels like I am being too easy on the gas.
I look forward to your comments!
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 194
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when i first started driving manual i was doing and the car was acting like everything you describe. i drive an 02 justa tho. i assume the new ones arent much different. 1st gear is always the hardest to get down smoothly, that will take some time to master. i usually shift into second around 15-20mph 3k-4k on the tach. it really depends how you are driving at the time. if i want to go fast and have some fun ill shift real quick and get my foot back on the gas as soon as i can with out rocking the car.
honestly it really depends on how you decide to drive the car. MINIs fun zone is up in the higher RPM range but as long as youre not redlining every shift you dont have much to worry about.
the best advice i can give you is just to practice and practice some more. learn the car, learn how it handles in different conditions and just practice shifting. it comes, dont worry about rocking the car or anything just relax and have fun. manual takes a while to learn and get down perfect.
bit of winter advice. remember lower rpm will help more in snow and slippery conditions. the other day i found myself going through 5 inches of slushy crap in 3rd gear going 20mph.
also check out the clubs im pretty sure they have a few big clubs out near youre area.
WELCOME TO NAM AND WELOME TO MANY YEARS OF JOY AND HAPPINESS =D
happy motoring
honestly it really depends on how you decide to drive the car. MINIs fun zone is up in the higher RPM range but as long as youre not redlining every shift you dont have much to worry about.
the best advice i can give you is just to practice and practice some more. learn the car, learn how it handles in different conditions and just practice shifting. it comes, dont worry about rocking the car or anything just relax and have fun. manual takes a while to learn and get down perfect.
bit of winter advice. remember lower rpm will help more in snow and slippery conditions. the other day i found myself going through 5 inches of slushy crap in 3rd gear going 20mph.
also check out the clubs im pretty sure they have a few big clubs out near youre area.
WELCOME TO NAM AND WELOME TO MANY YEARS OF JOY AND HAPPINESS =D
happy motoring
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,965
Likes: 393
From: In the here and now, for now.
.. I have found that my MINI has a bit of a rough shift if I take her up to a higher gear in the 2500RPM range, and it is super smooth when I take her to around 3500RPM. It also seems as though I get a rougher shift if I ease the clutch out after my shift as opposed to smoothly BUT QUICKLY releasing the clutch.
Has anyone had similar results? Fast and hard shifting VS. Slow and steady shifting?
I look forward to your comments!
Has anyone had similar results? Fast and hard shifting VS. Slow and steady shifting?
I look forward to your comments!
Back in the day when driving a manual was part of driver's ed, we learned all that and more in an Army surplus '49 chevy sedan.
Last edited by Fly'n Brick; Dec 31, 2010 at 11:49 PM.
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 55
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As far as the hand brake on hills, my mini has hill assist. This means while you take your foot from the break to the gas (while on the clutch) the car will hold the brake. It makes it a bit easier to keep from rolling back while learning the clutch on a new car. OR if you're like me you'll panic the first time it happens and almost stall ... 
. For shifting, I find that around 3.5k out of first tends to be pretty smooth. Smoothness is more a matter of experience than what RPM you change gear at. I wish I got to learn on a MINI - sound like a fun way to go!
. For shifting, I find that around 3.5k out of first tends to be pretty smooth. Smoothness is more a matter of experience than what RPM you change gear at. I wish I got to learn on a MINI - sound like a fun way to go!
There is no real set rules. If you are going downhill and not excelerating, your shift is different than when you are getting on a highway. Time will help you figure out what is appropriate and when.
I often skip gears depending on the situation. Downhill in a 30mph zone, 4th or even 5th may be perfect.
I often skip gears depending on the situation. Downhill in a 30mph zone, 4th or even 5th may be perfect.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: Kettering, OH
I'm a newbie to Minis and to manual shifting. I just bought my 2006 MCS this past Saturday and it is the first stick shift I have ever driven. I just want to say thanks to everyone for the tips - very helpful. I live in the city and there are plenty of stoplights, hills, "dueces" that sit right on your back bumper, rush hour, and construction. Gotta learn fast or else. 
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4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 450
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From: New York, NY
As far as the hand brake on hills, my mini has hill assist. This means while you take your foot from the break to the gas (while on the clutch) the car will hold the brake. It makes it a bit easier to keep from rolling back while learning the clutch on a new car. OR if you're like me you'll panic the first time it happens and almost stall ... . For shifting, I find that around 3.5k out of first tends to be pretty smooth. Smoothness is more a matter of experience than what RPM you change gear at. I wish I got to learn on a MINI - sound like a fun way to go!
. For shifting, I find that around 3.5k out of first tends to be pretty smooth. Smoothness is more a matter of experience than what RPM you change gear at. I wish I got to learn on a MINI - sound like a fun way to go!
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: Kettering, OH
Bare with the newbie question....but how can you tell if you have hill assist? Is it a seperate option available on Mini's or....??? That would be pretty sweet to have when you live in a city that is notorious for its hills.
2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 104
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From: Apex, NC
I'm fairly new to the MINI experience, so not sure when Hill Assist became standard, if its only with certain packages.
You can tell very easily if you have this feature, by finding a hill, probably best on a side street or parking lot, or some other low traffic area. Have the car pointed up hill, with the car stopped, put foot on brake, push in the clutch and place tranny in 1st ger, let go of break. If you don't start rolling backward, you have hill assist.
Note that Hill assist only engages for a few seconds, so if you hold long enough you will eventually roll back, if you don't step on the gas and let out the clutch.
You can tell very easily if you have this feature, by finding a hill, probably best on a side street or parking lot, or some other low traffic area. Have the car pointed up hill, with the car stopped, put foot on brake, push in the clutch and place tranny in 1st ger, let go of break. If you don't start rolling backward, you have hill assist.
Note that Hill assist only engages for a few seconds, so if you hold long enough you will eventually roll back, if you don't step on the gas and let out the clutch.
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Baltimore, MD
Probably not, since the 06 has a completely different ECU map from the 07.
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 326
Likes: 4
From: Beacon, NY
One more tip: Since brakes are cheaper than clutch, always hang on to the gear you're already in when decelerating for a distant anticipated stop, etc, for as long as the car will continue to run smoothly...usually bringing the rpms down to just above idle-speed, before de-clutching (pressing the clutch pedal) and shifting to neutral. Combined with using the brakes, the engine-braking will assist you in smoothly slowing the car down, and at least you're still in gear for instant speed resumption if conditions unexpectedly change (light turns green, etc).
This, as opposed to popping it in neutral at speed and wasting all that "freewheeling" inertia on the brakes, then, if not stopped, having to "jam" it into the appropriate gear to resume speed (bad for the syncros...assuming you're not rev-matching). Leaving it in gear makes it far easier on the transmission if you have to select a lower gear to resume acceleration before you're actually stopped. This practice, BTW, tends to be a hallmark of the novice stick-shifter, LOL. Don't get into this lazy habit to begin with, and you won't have to undo it later!
What's even worse, many people down-shift when decelerating, to get even more engine braking. While it may feel gratifying to them that they're saving wear on their brakes, all this does is needlessly double the wear on the clutch! ($$) FWIW, you should only down-shift to maintain speed going down a hill, or if rapid acceleration is anticipated.
Beyond that, I pretty much agree with everything said above. Sorry if I sound like an owner's manual.
This, as opposed to popping it in neutral at speed and wasting all that "freewheeling" inertia on the brakes, then, if not stopped, having to "jam" it into the appropriate gear to resume speed (bad for the syncros...assuming you're not rev-matching). Leaving it in gear makes it far easier on the transmission if you have to select a lower gear to resume acceleration before you're actually stopped. This practice, BTW, tends to be a hallmark of the novice stick-shifter, LOL. Don't get into this lazy habit to begin with, and you won't have to undo it later!
What's even worse, many people down-shift when decelerating, to get even more engine braking. While it may feel gratifying to them that they're saving wear on their brakes, all this does is needlessly double the wear on the clutch! ($$) FWIW, you should only down-shift to maintain speed going down a hill, or if rapid acceleration is anticipated.
Beyond that, I pretty much agree with everything said above. Sorry if I sound like an owner's manual.
Last edited by ellcapitan; Jan 27, 2011 at 09:20 AM.
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 450
Likes: 0
From: New York, NY
One more tip: Since brakes are cheaper than clutch, always hang on to the gear you're already in when decelerating for a distant anticipated stop, etc, for as long as the car will continue to run smoothly...usually bringing the rpms down to just above idle-speed, before de-clutching (pressing the clutch pedal) and shifting to neutral. Combined with using the brakes, the engine-braking will assist you in smoothly slowing the car down, and at least you're still in gear for instant speed resumption if conditions unexpectedly change (light turns green, etc).
This, as opposed to popping it in neutral at speed and wasting all that "freewheeling" inertia on the brakes, then, if not stopped, having to "jam" it into the appropriate gear to resume speed (bad for the syncros...assuming you're not rev-matching). Leaving it in gear makes it far easier on the transmission if you have to select a lower gear to resume acceleration before you're actually stopped. This practice, BTW, tends to be a hallmark of the novice stick-shifter, LOL. Don't get into this lazy habit to begin with, and you won't have to undo it later!
What's even worse, many people down-shift when decelerating, to get even more engine braking. While it may feel gratifying to them that they're saving wear on their brakes, all this does is needlessly double the wear on the clutch! ($$) FWIW, you should only down-shift to maintain speed going down a hill, or if rapid acceleration is anticipated.
Beyond that, I pretty much agree with everything said above. Sorry if I sound like an owner's manual.
This, as opposed to popping it in neutral at speed and wasting all that "freewheeling" inertia on the brakes, then, if not stopped, having to "jam" it into the appropriate gear to resume speed (bad for the syncros...assuming you're not rev-matching). Leaving it in gear makes it far easier on the transmission if you have to select a lower gear to resume acceleration before you're actually stopped. This practice, BTW, tends to be a hallmark of the novice stick-shifter, LOL. Don't get into this lazy habit to begin with, and you won't have to undo it later!
What's even worse, many people down-shift when decelerating, to get even more engine braking. While it may feel gratifying to them that they're saving wear on their brakes, all this does is needlessly double the wear on the clutch! ($$) FWIW, you should only down-shift to maintain speed going down a hill, or if rapid acceleration is anticipated.
Beyond that, I pretty much agree with everything said above. Sorry if I sound like an owner's manual.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: Kettering, OH
This forum has really helped me a lot with learning the "to dos" and "not to dos."
Here's a question for you experienced shifters...
When you're going down a fairly steep hill, not wanting to downshift (like it says below), traffic is stopping rather quickly, and you don't want to grind gears, what should you do? Oh an if you brake, your rpms are going to go low enough that you'll stall or get the lugging feeling. What should you do? Just asking because there are plenty of roads where I live that have instances just like this and I want to avoid damaging my clutch and tranny at all costs.
Here's a question for you experienced shifters...
When you're going down a fairly steep hill, not wanting to downshift (like it says below), traffic is stopping rather quickly, and you don't want to grind gears, what should you do? Oh an if you brake, your rpms are going to go low enough that you'll stall or get the lugging feeling. What should you do? Just asking because there are plenty of roads where I live that have instances just like this and I want to avoid damaging my clutch and tranny at all costs.
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 450
Likes: 0
From: New York, NY
This forum has really helped me a lot with learning the "to dos" and "not to dos."
Here's a question for you experienced shifters...
When you're going down a fairly steep hill, not wanting to downshift (like it says below), traffic is stopping rather quickly, and you don't want to grind gears, what should you do? Oh an if you brake, your rpms are going to go low enough that you'll stall or get the lugging feeling. What should you do? Just asking because there are plenty of roads where I live that have instances just like this and I want to avoid damaging my clutch and tranny at all costs.
Here's a question for you experienced shifters...
When you're going down a fairly steep hill, not wanting to downshift (like it says below), traffic is stopping rather quickly, and you don't want to grind gears, what should you do? Oh an if you brake, your rpms are going to go low enough that you'll stall or get the lugging feeling. What should you do? Just asking because there are plenty of roads where I live that have instances just like this and I want to avoid damaging my clutch and tranny at all costs.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: Kettering, OH
I've been chatting with folks where I live/work that have manual transmissions and they said that when they first started driving a stick shift that they would actually hear the gears grind because they missed or didn't push the clutch down all the way. I'm just asking 1) when that would happen and, 2) what would cause it so I don't do since I'm new to shifting.
Great post
A couple of point I found with my Mini. One thing that I found is that the clutch engages and disengage very high on the peddle (does that make sense? with the peddle a long ways from the floor). It is almost like the gears want to be spinning to engage smoothly. It is a timing thing and with a little flick of the wrist it can be very smooth, almost like you haven't even shifted at all. Very nice when it comes off right. But the car definately doesn't like to shift smoothly if I wait to reach the floor before I shift.
When it is cold, I will run it in 1st at about 2k for a bit to warm things up before shifting. This helps a lot.
As someone said, there is a lot of power throughout the RPM band. With the S that is true; don't know about the Just'a. I often skip gear. I like 1-2-4-5 around town; shifting at 2k. But it also loves to rip up to 4k at times
Down shifting should always be done by matching the engine speed to the road speed. There should be no jerkyness when you let the clutch out. A good thing to learn is to heal and toe (brake while pressing on the gas and letting out the clutch with the engine speed matched). But that can wait.
All in All shifting a Mini is the best of any car around. Looking forward to lots of years of rowing through the gears
A couple of point I found with my Mini. One thing that I found is that the clutch engages and disengage very high on the peddle (does that make sense? with the peddle a long ways from the floor). It is almost like the gears want to be spinning to engage smoothly. It is a timing thing and with a little flick of the wrist it can be very smooth, almost like you haven't even shifted at all. Very nice when it comes off right. But the car definately doesn't like to shift smoothly if I wait to reach the floor before I shift.
When it is cold, I will run it in 1st at about 2k for a bit to warm things up before shifting. This helps a lot.
As someone said, there is a lot of power throughout the RPM band. With the S that is true; don't know about the Just'a. I often skip gear. I like 1-2-4-5 around town; shifting at 2k. But it also loves to rip up to 4k at times
Down shifting should always be done by matching the engine speed to the road speed. There should be no jerkyness when you let the clutch out. A good thing to learn is to heal and toe (brake while pressing on the gas and letting out the clutch with the engine speed matched). But that can wait.
All in All shifting a Mini is the best of any car around. Looking forward to lots of years of rowing through the gears
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: Kettering, OH
Great post
A couple of point I found with my Mini. One thing that I found is that the clutch engages and disengage very high on the peddle (does that make sense? with the peddle a long ways from the floor). It is almost like the gears want to be spinning to engage smoothly. It is a timing thing and with a little flick of the wrist it can be very smooth, almost like you haven't even shifted at all. Very nice when it comes off right. But the car definately doesn't like to shift smoothly if I wait to reach the floor before I shift.
When it is cold, I will run it in 1st at about 2k for a bit to warm things up before shifting. This helps a lot.
As someone said, there is a lot of power throughout the RPM band. With the S that is true; don't know about the Just'a. I often skip gear. I like 1-2-4-5 around town; shifting at 2k. But it also loves to rip up to 4k at times
Down shifting should always be done by matching the engine speed to the road speed. There should be no jerkyness when you let the clutch out. A good thing to learn is to heal and toe (brake while pressing on the gas and letting out the clutch with the engine speed matched). But that can wait.
All in All shifting a Mini is the best of any car around. Looking forward to lots of years of rowing through the gears
A couple of point I found with my Mini. One thing that I found is that the clutch engages and disengage very high on the peddle (does that make sense? with the peddle a long ways from the floor). It is almost like the gears want to be spinning to engage smoothly. It is a timing thing and with a little flick of the wrist it can be very smooth, almost like you haven't even shifted at all. Very nice when it comes off right. But the car definately doesn't like to shift smoothly if I wait to reach the floor before I shift.
When it is cold, I will run it in 1st at about 2k for a bit to warm things up before shifting. This helps a lot.
As someone said, there is a lot of power throughout the RPM band. With the S that is true; don't know about the Just'a. I often skip gear. I like 1-2-4-5 around town; shifting at 2k. But it also loves to rip up to 4k at times
Down shifting should always be done by matching the engine speed to the road speed. There should be no jerkyness when you let the clutch out. A good thing to learn is to heal and toe (brake while pressing on the gas and letting out the clutch with the engine speed matched). But that can wait.
All in All shifting a Mini is the best of any car around. Looking forward to lots of years of rowing through the gears
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: Kettering, OH
Okay, I think I gotcha now. So, press the clutch completely down, then let it up quickly (not dragging it out). I've been shifting quite successfully since I bought my MINI. I've had one person teach me and another tell me tips. I just want to make sure that I have the proper info for shifting a MINI. It does seem like it shifts smoother when you left off the clutch quickly.
Thanks again for everyones help and patience. This truly is helpful
Thanks again for everyones help and patience. This truly is helpful