R50/53 CVT has ??Overdrive??
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OVERDRIVE - Racing Champion
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15,262
Likes: 72
From: Mililani, Hawaii
I had a loaner Cooper CVT for a day and was driving it around in manual shift mode.
Great fun and works fine once you get to figure out what you are doing. I had the 15" wheels (the rims are about 12 pounds each) and it was a blast to drive. Not quite as fast as my MCS but pretty darn good for about $17,000.
And the ride was smoother by alot yet it did well on the corners and accelerated OK. Very fun.
Now here's what I found. I am going 70 mph and I am in 6th gear manual setting on the CVT and the tach says I am running about 3250 to 3300 rpm then I switch to fully automatic CVT mode and the tach drops to 2800 rpm and the speed stays the same. What is going on? Is this overdrive?
In my MCS at 70 mph I am running 6th gear at about 3000 rpm. So in theory the CVT has better gearing for highway mileage. Nothing much surprising there.
Great fun and works fine once you get to figure out what you are doing. I had the 15" wheels (the rims are about 12 pounds each) and it was a blast to drive. Not quite as fast as my MCS but pretty darn good for about $17,000.
And the ride was smoother by alot yet it did well on the corners and accelerated OK. Very fun.
Now here's what I found. I am going 70 mph and I am in 6th gear manual setting on the CVT and the tach says I am running about 3250 to 3300 rpm then I switch to fully automatic CVT mode and the tach drops to 2800 rpm and the speed stays the same. What is going on? Is this overdrive?
In my MCS at 70 mph I am running 6th gear at about 3000 rpm. So in theory the CVT has better gearing for highway mileage. Nothing much surprising there.
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 0
From: New Brunswick, NJ
First off, it is nice to hear a good CVT review from an MCS owner. But, it's not a $17,000 car. My 2003 with premium and cold packages (plus some extras) cost a little over 22K.
It doesn't have overdrive per se, but allows you 3 options of RPM values for every speed. At 70mph in drive mode, the tach reads about 2800 like you discovered. Switch to SD, the tach jumps up to the high 3000s (around 3800?), and if you want even more RPMs, you can drop it into a lower manual gear (5th in this case). It all depends on the power range you need. After I installed the Helix exhaust, power gains were most noticable in the 3000+ range and made the SD and manual modes much more responsive. Normal drive still feels sluggish to me, but is fine for driving around the city in traffic.
It doesn't have overdrive per se, but allows you 3 options of RPM values for every speed. At 70mph in drive mode, the tach reads about 2800 like you discovered. Switch to SD, the tach jumps up to the high 3000s (around 3800?), and if you want even more RPMs, you can drop it into a lower manual gear (5th in this case). It all depends on the power range you need. After I installed the Helix exhaust, power gains were most noticable in the 3000+ range and made the SD and manual modes much more responsive. Normal drive still feels sluggish to me, but is fine for driving around the city in traffic.
Yeah, I was going to say the same thing about Minihune's good review! I don't have a CVT, but also haven't driven one and hence refrain from any of the stick-vs.-manual debate that goes on here regularly. It's good to hear an informed opinion.
Beyond that, I have to ask...Your dealer gives you loaners??? Gee, life really is good on the islands.
Beyond that, I have to ask...Your dealer gives you loaners??? Gee, life really is good on the islands.
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 834
Likes: 0
From: new york and providence (for school)
apparently theres only one dealer on the island; hamptons... luckily i'm buying my mcs from them. they claim that when my car needs to be serviced they'll drive over here with a loaner, pick up my car and leave the loaner.. and then bring it back after its serviced...... im pretty stoked that i can drive the heck out of another mini while mine is being serviced.... hehe
mind you i live in queens and the hamptons is pretty damn far from me....
_________________
feel the sunshine on your face, its in a computer now, gone to the future way out in space
mind you i live in queens and the hamptons is pretty damn far from me....
_________________
feel the sunshine on your face, its in a computer now, gone to the future way out in space
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OVERDRIVE - Racing Champion
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15,262
Likes: 72
From: Mililani, Hawaii
The loaner I got was about as stock as you can get. Base Cooper with CVT and that was it. $16,850 plus $1250 gives about $18,100 plus tax, license and doc fee. No leather, no sunroof, no sports package. Plain vanilla with CVT and you know what? It was still good. Which means probably any cooper- 5 speed or CVT with the right set up will be fine, you just have to find what is about right for you. I had my wife and daughter drive the CVT and they both liked it. My wife refuses to drive my MCS and she said why didn't we buy a CVT. I told her "You can buy a CVT for yourself".
My daughter who is 19 thought the car was cool.
I drive my MCS pretty hard most of the time except when I am really trying to be a good boy and eeek out a really high MPG rate once in awhile just for fun. So I drove the CVT pretty hard just to see what it could do. It did fine. Softly sprung but still cornered with manners. Much much better than most cars. I did notice that the redline on the CVT was a little low like 5500 rpm compared to my MCS with 6500 rpm but that was OK. Overall the car felt nimble, the lighter 15" wheels helped alot I think. Makes me want to put 15" wheels on my MCS but I think some light SSR comp R 11 pound rims would do the trick if they ever get around to making them.
About the loaner. I really lucked out. I had taken my MCS in for the leaking Coolant bottle and dropped it off late one afternoon then was about to catch the public bus back the 25 miles to home. Would have took me about 90+ minutes or more to do the trip home. My wife didn't want to pick me up. So I dropped by the dealership to say hello and told them I was going to catch the bus home and they looked rather puzzled and shook their heads. The manager lives in the same area that I do in the center of the island. They have about 5 demo minis out on the lot. They were kind enough to sign over one of them to me for a day. I was thrilled.
My daughter who is 19 thought the car was cool.
I drive my MCS pretty hard most of the time except when I am really trying to be a good boy and eeek out a really high MPG rate once in awhile just for fun. So I drove the CVT pretty hard just to see what it could do. It did fine. Softly sprung but still cornered with manners. Much much better than most cars. I did notice that the redline on the CVT was a little low like 5500 rpm compared to my MCS with 6500 rpm but that was OK. Overall the car felt nimble, the lighter 15" wheels helped alot I think. Makes me want to put 15" wheels on my MCS but I think some light SSR comp R 11 pound rims would do the trick if they ever get around to making them.
About the loaner. I really lucked out. I had taken my MCS in for the leaking Coolant bottle and dropped it off late one afternoon then was about to catch the public bus back the 25 miles to home. Would have took me about 90+ minutes or more to do the trip home. My wife didn't want to pick me up. So I dropped by the dealership to say hello and told them I was going to catch the bus home and they looked rather puzzled and shook their heads. The manager lives in the same area that I do in the center of the island. They have about 5 demo minis out on the lot. They were kind enough to sign over one of them to me for a day. I was thrilled.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 7,756
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Minihune: Very nice review on your loaner Cooper CVT experience. We have been delighted with ours for the past 9 months since we took delivery. It is a fantastic car and is definetely not your "Father's" 4-speed hydraulically actuated slushbox.
Our '02 Cooper CVT is also a "Plain Jane" model but it is still a pretty darn nice car....a lot of people think we paid over $30K for our Cooper....these cars look expensive (And are already very well equipped) even in bone stock form.
We paid $18,500 plus applicable taxes for ours. Only options we got where the CVT transmission ($1,250) and the multifunction steering wheel with cruise control ($350), that's it. If you keep the options menu sheet under tight check it is very possible to purchase a new MINI for well under $20K.
The CVT does not have gears. It is a technological masterpiece that puts to shame most current day slushboxes. If you have any further questions about the CVT pls let me know.
How do you compare your MCS performancewise with the Cooper CVT in terms of acceleration, braking, etc?
Our '02 Cooper CVT is also a "Plain Jane" model but it is still a pretty darn nice car....a lot of people think we paid over $30K for our Cooper....these cars look expensive (And are already very well equipped) even in bone stock form.
We paid $18,500 plus applicable taxes for ours. Only options we got where the CVT transmission ($1,250) and the multifunction steering wheel with cruise control ($350), that's it. If you keep the options menu sheet under tight check it is very possible to purchase a new MINI for well under $20K.
The CVT does not have gears. It is a technological masterpiece that puts to shame most current day slushboxes. If you have any further questions about the CVT pls let me know.
How do you compare your MCS performancewise with the Cooper CVT in terms of acceleration, braking, etc?
Banned
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 7,756
Likes: 0
>>Yeah, I was going to say the same thing about Minihune's good review! I don't have a CVT, but also haven't driven one and hence refrain from any of the stick-vs.-manual debate that goes on here regularly. It's good to hear an informed opinion.
>>
>>Beyond that, I have to ask...Your dealer gives you loaners??? Gee, life really is good on the islands.
>>
>>Beyond that, I have to ask...Your dealer gives you loaners??? Gee, life really is good on the islands.
Trending Topics
>>apparently theres only one dealer on the island; hamptons... luckily i'm buying my mcs from them. they claim that when my car needs to be serviced they'll drive over here with a loaner, pick up my car and leave the loaner.. and then bring it back after its serviced...... im pretty stoked that i can drive the heck out of another mini while mine is being serviced.... hehe
>>mind you i live in queens and the hamptons is pretty damn far from me....
>>
>>_________________
Nomonstersinme... There are actually THREE dealers on Long Island! Hamptons, Hassel, and Habberstad. Not to say anything bad about Hamptons (since they're an MCO sponsor and all), but I bought from Habberstad and had a wonderful experience. Apparently others have too since they have a high rating on the dealer rating system. I get my service closer to home (Massachusetts), so I can't say anything about dealer service by any of the three LI dealers.
>>mind you i live in queens and the hamptons is pretty damn far from me....
>>
>>_________________
Nomonstersinme... There are actually THREE dealers on Long Island! Hamptons, Hassel, and Habberstad. Not to say anything bad about Hamptons (since they're an MCO sponsor and all), but I bought from Habberstad and had a wonderful experience. Apparently others have too since they have a high rating on the dealer rating system. I get my service closer to home (Massachusetts), so I can't say anything about dealer service by any of the three LI dealers.
Thread Starter
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OVERDRIVE - Racing Champion
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15,262
Likes: 72
From: Mililani, Hawaii
Cooper4us-
>>Our '02 Cooper CVT is also a "Plain Jane" model but it is still a pretty darn nice car....a lot of people think we paid over $30K for our Cooper....these cars look expensive (And are already very well equipped) even in bone stock form.
This is my point. I drove a stock CVT with just the CVT option. Everything else was stock. Great car for the price.
The HK audio, xenon lights, and cruise control would be worthwhile options to add.
>>We paid $18,500 plus applicable taxes for ours. Only options we got where the CVT transmission ($1,250) and the multifunction steering wheel with cruise control ($350), that's it. If you keep the options menu sheet under tight check it is very possible to purchase a new MINI for well under $20K.
Definitely possible. $400 for nice metallic paint- very nice in my opinion.
>>The CVT does not have gears. It is a technological masterpiece that puts to shame most current day slushboxes. If you have any further questions about the CVT pls let me know.
I agree but there are some problems with rough idle and stalling in some units and lots of software upgrades. This part could be better. When it works it is great stuff.
>>How do you compare your MCS performancewise with the Cooper CVT in terms of acceleration, braking, etc?
Acceleration-
From a standing start the MC does well due to lighter body weight and lighter wheelsetup. As the revs go up then the MCS has some advantage but it can be even in speeds from 0-50. Add the CVT and you can get some peppy acceleration if you shift correctly. You really have to learn how to drive you car well- AS in SMOOTHLY- to get the most benefit. Read books on performance driving and they will all tell you about maintaining traction with your wheels at all times to harness the power of the engine. You will have to learn how to drive well- squeezing the throttle, the brake and guiding the steering wheel gently with no loss effort. Do that and either car will be fine- don't waste effort.
Handling-
Very good on both cars but very different feel. the stock MC had the 15" wheels and stock suspension which was really nice and smooth- very nice actually, yet it could corner when pushed (read above- when done smoothly) and stay within it's limits. A good driver with the stock MC can do very well indeed. It felt fine like a cooper should.
My MCS has front strut bar, H-sport springs, rear adjustable control arms and madness rear swaybar set to firmest. But most of the time I cannot drive the car on the road in a way to really test the suspension that I have. I need to take it to the track and run corners and higher speeds to see the difference. So at road speeds and for daily driving all that extra suspension tuning gets you is a rougher ride- except on smooth roads where it is fine. In neither car did I ever get the tires to squeal or make much noise at all.
Braking-
Braking is essentially the same for both cars and not generally a big problem.
MPG
The cooper will do better- it is more efficient and the MCS begs to be driven hard so it would be tougher to get good mpg but not impossible to get close to the MC though not as good.
FUN factor-
Both are very fun. Probably I would say that overall the MC is better balanced but has definite limits. I would guess that for the average driver or young driver or first time manual transmission driver this car is just fine. If you are into really pushing the car hard you might do better with the MCS since it can take all that you dish out plus some.
Look and Feel-
Doesn't really matter which version you get. Once you are in the car driving you tend to forget about the other car and just enjoy driving. There is enough balance in the cooper that it feels fine but it isn't as powerful especially in the high rev range. You have to learn how to drive each model to get the full benefit it affords.
So why buy an S? Good question.
Some people don't like the idea of the CVT. They would rather drive the getrag 6 speed. I like the 6 speed. You have to learn how to drive the 6 speed to get the most out of it. especially on the track where shifting is critical. The CVT is easier to master and has the fully auto mode that is great for when you just want to take a break or if someone else needs to drive the car. It's like having performance and economy side by side. Very nice feature and worth the $1250 cost in my opinion. The CVT is good enough to race with no doubt about it but you need some skill again to get the most out of it. Gotta make use of the high revs without redlining and must be SMOOTH with shifting and throttle.
And finally the S has more stuff you can add to it- more mods to buy- this can be a bad thing while the MC has just a few goodies. you are not missing out. the MC can get better suspension, brakes, wheels, intake, ECU, and header/exhaust if you want. the MCS cannot add a CVT. At least not yet. And the pulley voids the warranty big time so beware.
Meanwhile I am back driving my MCS and loving it. looking for a date with the track in the future and still waiting on my exhaust and lighter wheels to arrive.
>>Our '02 Cooper CVT is also a "Plain Jane" model but it is still a pretty darn nice car....a lot of people think we paid over $30K for our Cooper....these cars look expensive (And are already very well equipped) even in bone stock form.
This is my point. I drove a stock CVT with just the CVT option. Everything else was stock. Great car for the price.
The HK audio, xenon lights, and cruise control would be worthwhile options to add.
>>We paid $18,500 plus applicable taxes for ours. Only options we got where the CVT transmission ($1,250) and the multifunction steering wheel with cruise control ($350), that's it. If you keep the options menu sheet under tight check it is very possible to purchase a new MINI for well under $20K.
Definitely possible. $400 for nice metallic paint- very nice in my opinion.
>>The CVT does not have gears. It is a technological masterpiece that puts to shame most current day slushboxes. If you have any further questions about the CVT pls let me know.
I agree but there are some problems with rough idle and stalling in some units and lots of software upgrades. This part could be better. When it works it is great stuff.
>>How do you compare your MCS performancewise with the Cooper CVT in terms of acceleration, braking, etc?
Acceleration-
From a standing start the MC does well due to lighter body weight and lighter wheelsetup. As the revs go up then the MCS has some advantage but it can be even in speeds from 0-50. Add the CVT and you can get some peppy acceleration if you shift correctly. You really have to learn how to drive you car well- AS in SMOOTHLY- to get the most benefit. Read books on performance driving and they will all tell you about maintaining traction with your wheels at all times to harness the power of the engine. You will have to learn how to drive well- squeezing the throttle, the brake and guiding the steering wheel gently with no loss effort. Do that and either car will be fine- don't waste effort.
Handling-
Very good on both cars but very different feel. the stock MC had the 15" wheels and stock suspension which was really nice and smooth- very nice actually, yet it could corner when pushed (read above- when done smoothly) and stay within it's limits. A good driver with the stock MC can do very well indeed. It felt fine like a cooper should.
My MCS has front strut bar, H-sport springs, rear adjustable control arms and madness rear swaybar set to firmest. But most of the time I cannot drive the car on the road in a way to really test the suspension that I have. I need to take it to the track and run corners and higher speeds to see the difference. So at road speeds and for daily driving all that extra suspension tuning gets you is a rougher ride- except on smooth roads where it is fine. In neither car did I ever get the tires to squeal or make much noise at all.
Braking-
Braking is essentially the same for both cars and not generally a big problem.
MPG
The cooper will do better- it is more efficient and the MCS begs to be driven hard so it would be tougher to get good mpg but not impossible to get close to the MC though not as good.
FUN factor-
Both are very fun. Probably I would say that overall the MC is better balanced but has definite limits. I would guess that for the average driver or young driver or first time manual transmission driver this car is just fine. If you are into really pushing the car hard you might do better with the MCS since it can take all that you dish out plus some.
Look and Feel-
Doesn't really matter which version you get. Once you are in the car driving you tend to forget about the other car and just enjoy driving. There is enough balance in the cooper that it feels fine but it isn't as powerful especially in the high rev range. You have to learn how to drive each model to get the full benefit it affords.
So why buy an S? Good question.
Some people don't like the idea of the CVT. They would rather drive the getrag 6 speed. I like the 6 speed. You have to learn how to drive the 6 speed to get the most out of it. especially on the track where shifting is critical. The CVT is easier to master and has the fully auto mode that is great for when you just want to take a break or if someone else needs to drive the car. It's like having performance and economy side by side. Very nice feature and worth the $1250 cost in my opinion. The CVT is good enough to race with no doubt about it but you need some skill again to get the most out of it. Gotta make use of the high revs without redlining and must be SMOOTH with shifting and throttle.
And finally the S has more stuff you can add to it- more mods to buy- this can be a bad thing while the MC has just a few goodies. you are not missing out. the MC can get better suspension, brakes, wheels, intake, ECU, and header/exhaust if you want. the MCS cannot add a CVT. At least not yet. And the pulley voids the warranty big time so beware.
Meanwhile I am back driving my MCS and loving it. looking for a date with the track in the future and still waiting on my exhaust and lighter wheels to arrive.
Thread Starter
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OVERDRIVE - Racing Champion
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15,262
Likes: 72
From: Mililani, Hawaii
On the topic of loaners-
I don't think it was unreasonable for us mini owners to get loaners from the Mini dealer if we are servicing our mini under warranty- In my case it was the leaky coolant bottle and same would apply to the software update for the CVT. Otherwise I would be without a car and live far enough away to have some problems getting to and from work and the dealer in a reasonable time. Next time I have work done I will ask for a loaner or make arrangements ahead of time.
I don't think it was unreasonable for us mini owners to get loaners from the Mini dealer if we are servicing our mini under warranty- In my case it was the leaky coolant bottle and same would apply to the software update for the CVT. Otherwise I would be without a car and live far enough away to have some problems getting to and from work and the dealer in a reasonable time. Next time I have work done I will ask for a loaner or make arrangements ahead of time.
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 0
From: New Brunswick, NJ
>MPG
The cooper will do better- it is more efficient and the MCS begs to be driven hard so it would be tougher to get good mpg but not impossible to get close to the MC though not as good.
This is definitely not true of my CVT. I get lousy gas mileage. Before adding the Helix exhaust and drop in air filter, it ran around 20mpg, after, I've managed to get a couple more miles out of each gallon. Granted, I drive city/suburban streets for most of my miles, but even when I've taken longer trips, the MPG has never gone above 26.
The cooper will do better- it is more efficient and the MCS begs to be driven hard so it would be tougher to get good mpg but not impossible to get close to the MC though not as good.
This is definitely not true of my CVT. I get lousy gas mileage. Before adding the Helix exhaust and drop in air filter, it ran around 20mpg, after, I've managed to get a couple more miles out of each gallon. Granted, I drive city/suburban streets for most of my miles, but even when I've taken longer trips, the MPG has never gone above 26.
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
Interesting HARMINI... I think our CVT's had the same build month (Nov) and mine gets considerably better gas milage than that. The best I've gotten is 34 for highway driving. My day-to-day driving is a 60/40 mix of highway/town with some fun backroads with good twisties mixed in there and I consistently get 28-30 mpg there. The worst I got was about 24 at Deal's Gap, and I was driving pretty hard and keeping up with the MCS's there. Don't know what the difference is!
Back on topic, I agree that there is a sort of overdrive on the CVT Cooper. If you start out in 1st "gear" on the manual side of the tranny you can shift up to 6th "gear" and then over to regular drive for a 7th "gear." I'm having so much fun with this car and the CVT transmission. I feel like I learn new ways to drive it every day!
Back on topic, I agree that there is a sort of overdrive on the CVT Cooper. If you start out in 1st "gear" on the manual side of the tranny you can shift up to 6th "gear" and then over to regular drive for a 7th "gear." I'm having so much fun with this car and the CVT transmission. I feel like I learn new ways to drive it every day!
Thread Starter
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OVERDRIVE - Racing Champion
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15,262
Likes: 72
From: Mililani, Hawaii
Harmini-
Something sounds really fishy. MC with 20 mpg? If I take my MCS to the track I can get better gas mileage than 20 for the day. I would check the following:
Do the calculations the old fashioned way- fill the tank and drive 100 miles then go back to the same place and fill the tank in the same way and do the calculation by hand (in your head if you can). 100 miles divided by 4 gallons is 25 mpg and you should do better than that. Without trying I get 28 mpg overall mixed driving but I do a fair amount on highways- like 60% or more. Avoid using the computer in your car to tell you mpg- it is lying.
Check tire air pressure
Use premium gas- lower octane gas gives lower mpg
Easy on the throttle and on the brakes- I have an exercise that I sometimes do and that is to try to use the brakes the least I can all day long. Squeeze the throttle-don't punch it. Gentle gentle. You can do it.
Take everything heavy out of your car- you aren't driving around with a ton of bricks in your boot are you?
Stay away from stop and go traffic-YUK -you should be motorin not parkin.
Use the Airconditioning less- I don't use mine-Never. (except when my wife is in the car- then it is always)
Think aerodynamics- wax your car. it will fly through the air better and be happier.
Drive at constant rates- try not to accelerate as much. 40 to 45 miles per hour is great on gas mileage
If you don't get the results you want-
Try again
Something sounds really fishy. MC with 20 mpg? If I take my MCS to the track I can get better gas mileage than 20 for the day. I would check the following:
Do the calculations the old fashioned way- fill the tank and drive 100 miles then go back to the same place and fill the tank in the same way and do the calculation by hand (in your head if you can). 100 miles divided by 4 gallons is 25 mpg and you should do better than that. Without trying I get 28 mpg overall mixed driving but I do a fair amount on highways- like 60% or more. Avoid using the computer in your car to tell you mpg- it is lying.
Check tire air pressure
Use premium gas- lower octane gas gives lower mpg
Easy on the throttle and on the brakes- I have an exercise that I sometimes do and that is to try to use the brakes the least I can all day long. Squeeze the throttle-don't punch it. Gentle gentle. You can do it.
Take everything heavy out of your car- you aren't driving around with a ton of bricks in your boot are you?
Stay away from stop and go traffic-YUK -you should be motorin not parkin.
Use the Airconditioning less- I don't use mine-Never. (except when my wife is in the car- then it is always)
Think aerodynamics- wax your car. it will fly through the air better and be happier.
Drive at constant rates- try not to accelerate as much. 40 to 45 miles per hour is great on gas mileage
If you don't get the results you want-
Try again
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, Georgia
Love my CVT - First car without a clutch since my '57 chevy PowerGlide. I'm getting in the 25 - 30 mpg in CVT mode in the city and 30-35 mpg on the highway. When I use SD or manual the figures drop to the 20-30 depending on badly I flog it. Also, I find that I drive more conservatively in the CVT mode and much more aggressively in the SD / Manual mode. Unfortunately, I mostly do a combination of city/highway which is why the large variances.
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 0
From: New Brunswick, NJ
hehe....I only drive it like I stole it when I am out of the city. In and around the city I am a very cautious and careful driver. There are way too many pedestrians to watch out for.
Minihune and VAmini, thanks for your considerations. I am good to go for all the points you mentioned. No heavy cargo, 12lb. holie wheels, easy on the throttle, premium gas, no A/C, etc. The thing is that it's the city driving that kills the MPG. A while back there was a thread for CVT city drivers and my MPG averages are not unusual. NJ is one of the most congested states, so there is traffic everywhere. In normal day to day driving, I am ultra conservative with the throttle/brake and practice operating my MINI with driving perfection. I try to drive efficiently in traffic and the smooth low speeds of the CVT (parade mode I call it) excel here.
I don't think it's my driving style or anything that can be adjusted by me. One day, I'll move out of the city, buy a nice house with a garage and buy myself a new MCS. Until then, me and HARMINI will have to rough it out in the hood
Minihune and VAmini, thanks for your considerations. I am good to go for all the points you mentioned. No heavy cargo, 12lb. holie wheels, easy on the throttle, premium gas, no A/C, etc. The thing is that it's the city driving that kills the MPG. A while back there was a thread for CVT city drivers and my MPG averages are not unusual. NJ is one of the most congested states, so there is traffic everywhere. In normal day to day driving, I am ultra conservative with the throttle/brake and practice operating my MINI with driving perfection. I try to drive efficiently in traffic and the smooth low speeds of the CVT (parade mode I call it) excel here.
I don't think it's my driving style or anything that can be adjusted by me. One day, I'll move out of the city, buy a nice house with a garage and buy myself a new MCS. Until then, me and HARMINI will have to rough it out in the hood
Banned
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 7,756
Likes: 0
I am currently getting between 25 and 28 MPG on heavy city driving. I noticed that after the 32.2 update, my MPG has improved considerably. I am pulling 34-37 MPG in highway driving.
Our Cooper CVT is bone stock. Only other options are the MFSW. We have the 15" Continental tires on the 8-spoke alloy silver wheels.
Our Cooper CVT is bone stock. Only other options are the MFSW. We have the 15" Continental tires on the 8-spoke alloy silver wheels.
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 0
From: New Brunswick, NJ
The dealer is replacing the wiring harness on Monday and will do the ECU upgrade as well. Thanks Cooper4us for giving me some hope that my MPGs will improve. In June, I will be taking a road trip from NJ to NC, back to NJ and then up to NH for the Mt. Washington MINI meet. I'll see what happens to the MPGs during this time (though I don't expect to get great gas mileage climbing up the mountain).
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OVERDRIVE - Racing Champion
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15,262
Likes: 72
From: Mililani, Hawaii
Harmini-
After reading about your low MPG and about the possible trouble with the wiring harness I think you are on the right track. Something is not fishy fishy. You're doing the right things but the results are disappointing. Hopefully the software update version and the hardware changes will do the trick and if you see a boost then great- you are restored to factory specs-maybe even better. When you go for your long drive, even if it is up mountains just maintain an even speed- Got cruise control?-If so then use it. Constant velocity is much much better on mpg than accelerating.
I am optimistic you will do well
After reading about your low MPG and about the possible trouble with the wiring harness I think you are on the right track. Something is not fishy fishy. You're doing the right things but the results are disappointing. Hopefully the software update version and the hardware changes will do the trick and if you see a boost then great- you are restored to factory specs-maybe even better. When you go for your long drive, even if it is up mountains just maintain an even speed- Got cruise control?-If so then use it. Constant velocity is much much better on mpg than accelerating.
I am optimistic you will do well
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