How does an automatic with paddle shifters in sport manual mode feel and sound compared to the 6sp manual on an MCS? Does it sound like a manual or automatic? When you hear an automatic accelerate through the gears you can audibly tell it's an automatic. Also can you feel the shift or does it just feel like a continuous acceleration like all other automatics?

I want a new MCS and am adamant that it be a manual but sport automatics
are readily available compares to finding a manual.

 

The only "Automatic" I would consider for a sporty vehicle like a Cooper S would be one of the dual clutched "manumatics" like the VW DSG transmission. For those transmissions you get a real set of gear in there that are shifted electronically instead of by hand.

 

If you're set on a manual, don't get an auto just because it's easier to find one. Shop around, there are plenty of stick MCS out there.

 

I like DSG but even those you can easily tell by the sound. If you truly get into driving and care about the way it feels, you will notice that ANY torque converter will feel like the liquid connection it is rather than a clutch's direct connection.

 

Or just order a car exactly the way you want. The configurator for 2012 is now up on miniusa.com.

 

Well I was on the fence also but decided to go with the Auto because i bought the car for comuting and it's allot easier to drink a cup of coffee without having to shift and getting stuck in traffic is also a PIA with a standard, however I've now done considerable mods and frequent the race track and am able to shift faster and upset the cars balance allot less with the paddle shifters plus I dont have to take my hands off the steering wheel, ever. Keeps my focus on the track.
I've always been a firm believer that sports cars should have a standard trans, maybe i'm just getting old......

 

Speaking about the MINI automatic it shifts way too hard and feels like the clutch is getting dragged out. Meaning that when it goes from one gear to another the shift takes for ever and it still goes up in revs while doing it. Manual is the way to go.

 

I found that the Auto upshift is great but the Manual still has the control with the downshift. IF you use the downshift in aggressive driving into corners then you will like the Manual better. That was the case for me.

 

Completely agree - when is MINI going to stop being so cheap?

When you can get (a relatively crappy) dual cluth DSG on a Ford FIESTA or FOCUS, and a quality unit on a GTI, but not on a premium MINI, something is a little off. And why doesn't the MINI auto box rev-match/blip the throttle during down-shifts??? So annoying!


The ONLY think I like about the MINI automatic is that is uses a locking torque converter, which apparently is relatively rare... but otherwise it is a constant disappointment for me. It was however a temporary compromise for this lease and it happily goes back to MINI later this year to be replaced by a financed JCW.

 

I would say you can tell fairly easily by the sound that it's an automatic from outside when using manual mode.

 

Mine is lightly modified 6 spd auto and you can def feel the boost lag off between shifts (done by PCM programming to protect the trans, smart) and then it rolls back in. Im fine w/ this, I have a 5 spd car also so if I feel the need to roast some clutch lining, I just go to my storage garage and drag her out. No biggie. But I detest clutching in traffic jams so I'll live with it just fine. Also, dont forget, a DSG still has a clutch plate (or 2) so it will have a finite life, usually around 105 to 125K. Just a heads-up.
My GPs 5 spd went up at 102K, I think it lost the throw-out bearing or an engagement spring, it locked up solid and wouldnt disengage. Fine as long as you dont want to stop.

 

I personally don't mind the MINI automatic (although I've only been in a Justacooper for a test drive). I'd much rather have the proven Aisin 6-speed auto for reliability than some unproven DSG box. VW has had a lot of trouble with their DSGs, check out a VW or Audi technical forum.

 

From my reading, the locking converter is actually pretty common nowadays. It's done mostly for fuel economy, because a slipping converter uses more gas than a locked one.

 

Thanks - didn't realize that - I don't drive too many automatics or read much about them I suppose

 

The Aisin 6 speed auto shifts like a conventional auto in both modes, however, shifts are noticeably quicker (less "slush") in sport mode when using the paddle shifters compared to "D".

 

had the opportunity to drive a lambo' superleggra, ferrari 599gtb, a 458 italia, a jag xkr and a bentley supersport this past weekend, all with paddle shift

the Jag was the smoothest, micro second shifts.... I was especially disappointed in the 458's performance in full auto mode . . . very jerky; but if you paddle it . . . . oh yes.

A fine set of cars to kick around Lake Tahoe with to be sure . . .







The MINI still felt sweet when I came home tho .

U can drive 'em too . . . . wanna know how?

 

I have always owned manuals. But in the MINI I went with an auto for my wife. I love the auto. Paddles work very well. I'm not really sure a car with under 200hp needs a dual clutch setup. The car has a great racey feel with the auto/paddles which I think is the idea. No, the auto does not push the envelope of technology and is probably not going to yield great track times. But it is very fun to drive.