If you have the Sport automatic with paddle shifters, can you still manually shift with the console mounted lever? Or do the paddle shifters disable the lever operated manual shift?

 

You can shift with either the paddle shifters or the console lever, nothing is disabled.

 

Thanks for the prompt reply! I made an offer on the car today - the salesman was not amused. I doubt this car is going to work out so am still on the hunt, but I have lots of time. Seems very few cars got the paddles. Are they just not that useful compared to just using the console shifter or just too much $$$?

 

I love the paddles. I can keep both hands on the wheel and still shift. I also jump back and forth from paddles to shift lever - depends on my mood I suppose.
-Mike

 

The paddles only come on the 8 speed auto. The standard auto is a 6 speed.
Hence the premium price.

 

Thank you! Didn't know about the 8 speed upgrade. That is true from 2014 on or which model years? I was looking at a 2016 titled car, though it was built mid-2015.

 

I don't know about US, but in Europe, you can have the paddles with the sport automatic 6 speed.
From 2014 to 2017.

 

I have paddles on my 2014, but it's the G2 N18 car not the G3. The difference is if you downshift with paddles the lower gear only stays for a short time if you use the lever it stays til you change it.

 

This is not correct. The only difference between the sport auto and the standard auto is that the programming on the sport auto allows for quicker shifts, launch control, and of course, you get the paddle shifters.

The 8-speed autos found on the Clubman and Countryman also come in both standard auto and sport auto with the same differences.

The smaller MINIs have yet to get 8-speeds, but when they do (probably as of November 17 production, if not March 18 production), they will only be on the JCW HT.

 

You can get the paddles with the sport auto in the USA. I only tried it once in 2015 while waiting for my new JCW manual, and I was underwhelmed with the auto but that’s because I’d never driven with paddles before....lol! They are great once you learn how to use them, because my MA gave me a test drive at speed in the twisties!