I have a new Paceman S and noticed pretty strong torque steer when accelerating out of a 90-degree turn. This is the third Mini we have owned. The first car, a 2004 S had no noticeable torque steer - and this was a manual with the supercharger, which produced a lot of torque at low RPMs. However, this car also had the sport suspension and the larger wheels and summer tires. The next Mini was a 2008 S with automatic, but did not have the sport suspension or the bigger wheels and tires. On this car, I got hints of torque steer, but not something that bothered me. It is really noticeable on the Paceman which has auto with the standard suspension, wheels and tires.

This does not strike me as progress - and Mini even advertises "torque steer taming equal length half-shafts". I was able to drive a Countryman S with All4 and that completely solves the torque steer problem, but that is an expensive option when there is no other need for four-wheel drive (no snow in Las Vegas!)

Any input on what is happening here? My suspicion is that the longer wheel-base on the Paceman and the higher stance is what increases the perception of torque steer. Maybe the sport suspension would help, but I don't like the poor ride that results. This is actually a pretty minor issue - the Paceman drives very nicely! - but an interesting change. I have avoided full size front-wheel drive cars because of this issue (my last two cars were a Lexus IS350 and an Infiniti G37). I had always figured that this would not be an issue for the Mini - but it seems to be creeping back.

David

 

I've got an All4 Paceman, so I don't have any torque steer problem. I did, however, on my '10 Cooper S after a tune. That one would rip the wheel out of your hands if you weren't paying attention. And I actually miss it, because it kept me on my toes. That was one little car with a bad attitude.

One thing to remember, in addition to it being an entirely different platform, is that your engine now is also putting out a few more ponies and torques than your '08. So if you had a hint of torque steer before, anything you add to it will just make it worse. Ya just have to remember how it's likely to behave whenever you're about to romp on it and be ready. You do get used to it.

 

I have had my 07 S for about 4 years now and still do not know what anyone talks about with torque steer. I have never had a problem with mine. I guess coming from a Nissan that had the power to wrap it self around a light pole with torque steer, I guess I am just used to it.

 

Torque steer? Yep, got some of that, but only from a stand still, never in a dynamic driving situation. (iow, only in first gear)

Changing the struts, shocks and springs to Koni/TSW, helped a lot, installing the Quaife LSD helped more, but it's still there.

This is the first FWD car I've ever owned, so I figured it goes with the territory.

Somehow the fatter, softer, JCW Alcantara wheel make it more controllable...

 

It's a FWD car with a mild amount of power. It's going to have torque steer occasionally. There really isn't much you can do with it other than put a diff in it but you don't have that option because you have the auto trans.

 

Are your current wheels wrapped in sticky summer tires?

--Matt

 

I agree with Porthos. I have a '11 JCW HT that has never had this issue. Street or track. I can hammer through the gears in a straight line with one finger on the wheel and it goes arrow-straight. This is with both stock runflats and Michelin PSS mounted.

Dave