I put this same comment in another category and "I was told I would have better luck" in the 2nd generation forum. So here goes. The 1 response also said it shouldn't happen in an automatic.

I have a new R56 MCS Auto and I have been bothered slightly by the minor hesitation from a stand still. I don't usually punch the car at a light or stop but when I do its less noticeable. Do all the S's with auto have this hesitation?. Could someone explain or refer to a thread I don't know about that has discussed this. What made be write this post is that today at a red light and making a right turn, I did the rolling California stop because the on coming traffic was going to move and I wanted to beat the long line of cars. It really hesitated and for a brief second I almost thought it was going to stall. The car seemed fine and acted as usually after that. Thanks for any info.

 

I thought that happened sometimes in autos as the torque converter engaged first from a standstill.
People had issues with the R50/53's bogging down at take off and some unwarranted DSC activation but I haven't heard the 56's doing that.

 

Do you get this hesitation with the Sport button on?

 

My experience of just over a week (take it for what its worth) is that I have to use the accellerator a bit differently in a Mini than in my other cars.

The Mini does not at all object to a heavy foot on the gas. Keep in mind that you can floor it and then beyond that is kick down mode.

Also, in Sport mode, there really is no need for a heavy foot necause the throttle is much more sensitive.

 

I don't think it does it with the sport button on Robin but I will test tonight.

 

It won't do it as much with the sport button.
It won't do it at all if you switch to full PS and start paddle-shifting.
Yes; it's normal. You'll either get used to it and like it after a while or trade it...
I have both an R53 and R56 with the AT's. They're more fun in the ultra-twisties (faster/easier shifts with the paddles vs MT) and so much easier in traffic (no clutch).

 

What exactly is kick down?

 

After you floor the gas pedal yiou can push it down a bit more. Try it first when the car is off, you will see.

 

The fun of shifting manually beats a computer doing it for me at the time it wants any day of the week, especially in the twisties.

 

It also could be a slight problem with the turbo down shaft; on some people's MCS autos that seems to be popping an engine error light because it's shredded.

It could be the intake trying to suck air, depending on how hot/humid your region is.

 

I was getting this same sort of flat spot on my MC manual in 1st and sometimes 2nd, but it pretty much went away after I took it in for the software upgrade. Don't know if there is one available for the MCS.

 

Sounds like a drive by wire issue (perhaps compounded by the turbo, I don't know how that might effect it) - have had this problem on auto and manual BMWs in the past (oddly not noticed it bothering me on our 05 MCSa). The only fix I knew of were aftermarket software upgrades that changes the responsiveness/less play in the initial throttle application, in this case perhaps the sport button is enough of a remapping to improve the pedal response to input.

 

under normal driving, the auto trans starts in second gear...If you want max power 'out of the hole" put in in manual and click down one click (either gear shift or paddles) and it will start in first. That will get your attention.

 

That is what I have found to do the trick when I need a "head snapping" or to squirt into traffic quickly (Well, as much of a snap as I can get out of just a Coop.....which is quite a bit).

 

Yup, I found out the hard way at a stop light that was two lanes going into one. *I wanted to get in front, but a beat up Tercel dusted me.
*

 

Is that actually true anymore? It was with the CVT trans but I don't know about that for the regular 6 speed.

 

Yes, it's true. If I want (need) to get away from a light more quickly than normal, I leave the selector in D (without moving the lever to the right into Sport mode) and simply tap the downshift paddle - the tranny kicks down into 1st.

Then, after I take off, the computer automatically puts the car back into Drive - normally shortly after the 1-2 manual shift using the upshift paddle.

I juss love this car!!!

 

good to know. I rarely drive in full auto once the car is warmed up( and I am not punching a cold engine) so I had not tried that in D...thanks for the info.

 

I've had the same experience as the original poster with my '07 MSCa. The takeoff from standstill is difficult to get used to as it is first a hesitation then the car just sort of takes off. I haven't tried Sport mode, yet, as I was advised to stay out of Sport for the first 1200 miles to keep the engine revs down.

Also, I have found that downshifting with the paddle as I enter a corner helps to smooth out the throttle response as I exit.