I recently purchased a 2005 Cooper S with 10k miles on it. The car is pristine and was kept garaged and driven very little. It has no modifications at all. I'm curious if a slight lag or hesitation at take off from idle is normal? Once above 2500 or so RPM throttle response seems crisp but from idle speed at a stop it hesitates some...

Thanks for the insight

 

sounds about right... Do you know the build date of the MINI? Check out the yo-yo chronicles for more info:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20115

 

The build date is 02/05. Thanks for the help.

 

I'm not sure if the stumble should still be effected with that build date. Check that thread & I'm sure you'll find out

 

drive-by-wire lag. there is a small lag from pedal to throttle because it is electronically activated. i found a plug in module to decrease the lag, but it is like $300.

 

Some of it may be "stumble", some may be just the nature of a supercharged motor building boost gradually and not much just off idle. Most of the Mini's I've driven have had a slight lag below about 2000-2300RPM, then a whoosh as they take off.

FWIW, the turbo cars have a stronger low end...

 

does it have DSC? i think it's DSC lag. turn it off and floor it, it should peel out from a stand still

 

It does have a DSC. I'll try that to see if it helps.....

 

That depends on if its an auto or manual, right? In a manual car the only way to peel out from a stand still is to rev up past at least 2500 and then dump it. (Stock) it shouldn't peel out at all if the clutch is fully engaged and you are below 3000rpms... even with crap tires.

I drive a 6 speed and even with the DSC off I experience this. Its just the nature of the engine, no biggie.

When driving normally, just pulling from a redlight in 1st gear with say 1/4 throttle, if your a low RPM engager like me, you'll feel a definite rise in power right as you start to pass the 2500rpm mark, with no difference in throttle position.

 

Mine is a 6 spd. What you are describing is exactly what I feel. I guess it's just different feeling coming from 10+ years of driving V8's...

 

I have a 1/05 build and I had the same reaction when the car was new. It's just the way the drive-by-wire is programmed from factory combined with the VERY HEAVY flywheel that the MINI has (~27 lbs). It's not the stumble or the yo-yo or any of those things, you will know what those are eventually.

 

An apparent issue for many 05' 06' owners which BMW has yet to clear up.....

Maybe instlalling a 15% Supercharger Reduction Pully and belt would help to spool up some boost quicker ~ eliminating the lag ?

http://www.mini-madness.com/index.as...PROD&ProdID=10

 

That heavy flywheel is a blessing and a curse - when revved, it stores energy for a good takeoff (ever seen any other 1.6liter engine that can do burnouts like a Mini?), but it also requires some sensitive throttle/clutch work to make it smooth.

 

I know how you feel. I learned to drive stick shift on a camaro z28. I never rev up past 1200 rpms for taking off from a stop in normal driving. Moving from the camaro where there was no problem doing this to the MCS was odd at first, but definitely doable and after awhile I got used to it and would have it no other way.

This and getting a lighter flywheel should eliminate most of the lag. However you don't need a new belt. Stock belt can be used. I also suggest getting a 2% alta pulley for the engine.

 

If I recall, yo yo and stumble are 02-04 software related phenomenon. Its a matter of a few more revs at clutch release. I've been a stick driver for 40 years and adjusting to the MINI took a while for me. There's a very narrow window re: gas vs clutch release for the perfect launch (and I'm not talking F1 style launches). Just keep driving and consistent good launches will become second nature.

ps: I've had an 04, 05 and 06 MCS oh, and btw, you don't need new parts to get there.