<< Anything is possible- just ask- the right person. :smile:

 

I've been having an interesting time learning to drive my MCS too. I know how to drive a stick, but this stick is a bit different than what I remember from other cars (it's been a while, though). The clutch point is at the very top, and, when I'm putting it in first gear, it seems once I get to the clutch point I really have to let it out very slowly while giving it quite a bit of gas. I've been thinking, I probably oughta just stomp on the gas and take off like a shot all the time, just to save the work of trying to start off slowly and smoothly. Shifting into the other gears is pretty simple.

Starting on a hill really is a bugger! I also have tried parallel parking on a hill, trying to get between two cars, which is even worse. Ah, the joys of driving a stick. At least the car is small enough to give you more wiggle room in most parking spots.

MINIangelD

 

>>I've been having an interesting time learning to drive my MCS too. I know how to drive a stick, but this stick is a bit different than what I remember from other cars (it's been a while, though). The clutch point is at the very top, and, when I'm putting it in first gear, it seems once I get to the clutch point I really have to let it out very slowly while giving it quite a bit of gas. I've been thinking, I probably oughta just stomp on the gas and take off like a shot all the time, just to save the work of trying to start off slowly and smoothly. Shifting into the other gears is pretty simple.
>>
>>Starting on a hill really is a bugger! I also have tried parallel parking on a hill, trying to get between two cars, which is even worse. Ah, the joys of driving a stick. At least the car is small enough to give you more wiggle room in most parking spots.
>>
>>MINIangelD
I am teaching my two daughters ages 16 and 19 how to drive my MCS this summer.
We work on learning how to work the clutch. You can very gently let out the clutch to engage the gear and use minimal throttle. You don't have to let the clutch out SLOWLY but you do need to do it smoothly and gently. More throttle makes this process a bit easier but is not required. So with my daughters we work first on getting the feel of the clutch and first gear. Stopping and starting up to 10 mph. Over and over until it becomes really smooth. Then we worry about other gears. We stay on flat areas as much as possible. Later we work on mild uphill grades with stop signs and then on to more fun things. My oldest daughter says after about 30 minutes she is sweaty enough to stop. Practice practice practice. My son is 12 and asking about driving. Should I worry?
I'll be at the Movie this sunday at the Mini dealership. Come on by and talk story.