I've been wondering this for a while, ever since I heard MINI may drop the CVT in 07. I like the CVT in all it's aspects except:

How the trans won't let the MINI coast very well at certain speeds

Uncertainty of it's future with MINI dropping it in 07

Closed system - not fixable by just anyone, unlike a traditional trans

Anyone else?

John

 

i like the fact that you get the max torque at all times and best fuel economy. and it's very
convenient vs MT in traffic, smooth 'shifting.'

if the AT is silky smooth like my civic (no joke... the only reason i chose
this ecno-beater), then i don't mind regular AT's...but some of those AT's
can get very abrupt at times and that's
a big turn down for me.

 

I haven't driven the MINI CVT, but most of the companies don't seem to "get it" when it comes to a CVT, and maybe that's just because of the customers.

All of the CVTs that I've driven (just a few mind you) have artificial shift points, even tho they don't need them. I assume that is because people are familiar with the rising RPM, then a drop, etc. By not having the engine work in it's small power band, and avoiding the RPM shuffle, you completely remove the big benefit of a CVT (smooth power, and fuel economy).

Does the MINI try and trick you into think that it is changing gears too?

 

No, unless I'm in Manual mode (never driven that mode before).

I LOVE the non-shift acceleration. I mean, it's basically a giant version of a torque converter on a Go-Kart...

 

I rode in a CVT. It was a funny feeling. I've had manuals for the past 20 years and don't care for autos much. Riding in the CVT felt like the clutch slipping on a manual (for the lower rpm's), but was as said very smoothe.

What I like about it is my wife didn't like it enough to push for one. Had she wanted an auto and cabrio, I'd be driving a Cooper S right now.

 

Love it. We have had ours for 3.5 years and 36K miles with no problems. Aug '02 build.

Love the turbine smooth acceleration and excellent fuel economy. The "performance" modes such as sport and steptronic make the car peppy and fun to drive under most any condition.

Dislike the fact that when it comes to mods, the ZF VT-1 CVT can't take more than the 115HP stock rating. Also the computer takes over acceleration from 0-20MPH...

 

I grew up learning to drive on a stick shift, and later went to an automatic. I spent my life driving automatics and manual transmissions in this country and stick shifts in Europe. When the CVT came out for the new MINI Cooper, I was skeptical, but now that I have it, cannot fathom a return to an ordinary stick shift. It is an amazing transmission and truly offers something to everyone...economy, oomph for entering into freeway traffic, and the ability to "change gears" without a clutch in twisty road driving. What could be better?

 

Like: Very smooth, very relaxing after you get used to the engine revving at the same RPM. Tiptronic mode adds to the fun on twisty roads.

Dislike: Slightly jerky in stop and go traffic, slow from 0-30km/h, terrible fuel economy vs my 5spd manual.

I tested a CVT for a 250km trip to the mountains, it used about 3/4 tank of fuel! My 5spd Cooper gets no less than 580km a tank, ever. If you're stuck in traffic lots, I think the CVT is a great choice.

 

I have gotten out 530 miles out of a full tank on a non-stop run from Miami, FL to Hilton Head Island, SC. Speed: 70 MPH (cruise control) in "normal mode" and the A/C on.

Something is wrong with your car.

 

I'd have to agree...I average around 33 mpg and I run my Cooper in city and on country roads, as well as on interstates

 

My average in the summer was around 30~31mpg, this winter it's gone down to about 26~27 Same driving, mix of highway and city.

 

I can't speak for the MINI CVT, but I had a Suburu Justy CVT (in the 80's) that worked great while it worked. The only problem was when it required any kind of service, even the dealer had to order parts from Japan, I guess there were so few of them on the road that nobody stocked parts for it. And thank goodness it was still under warranty when mine needed service, I remember the bill (even though I didn't have to pay, they gave me an itemized work order with prices) came to couple thousand plus change (outragous considering the car sold for under $10k). Anyway, Suburu stopped selling the CVT model (and later axed the Justy altogether) after a couple of years. Could the the same reason MINI is discontinuing their version of the CVT.

 

Some automakers are have abandoned the CVT while others continue to embrace it. GM had many problems with the CVTs in their Saturns and finally decided to let go of it. BMW/MINI will let go of the ZF VT-1 CVT at the end of the year and replace it with a standard automatic.

Audi has made great strides with the CVT as well as Nissan. This is a love it/hate it technology. I personally think it is great and I am sad that MINI didn't see a future for it in the R56 MINI.

 

Nope...it's the same old saw...if something works TOO WELL, the company "has" to change it, so others will have to spend even MORE money.... I mean, seriously...look at all the drug companies and think of all the prescription stuff that REALLY worked, but ya can't find anymore, cuz the company changed the ingredients...so we could spend even MORE money to try to get well.

Bottom line: If it ain't broke, DON'T "fix" it!

 

MINI was never happy with the CVTs performance. They had many, many issues with the controlling software in early production cars (Yours truly) but given that the Cooper CVT was the only model that never received any factory performance enhancements (All other models did for the '05 refresher) it seems to me MINI was never interested in spending time/money/resources to continue promoting the CVT technology.

Like I said, some automakers continue to embrace CVTs while others have abandoned the technology in favor of automatic slushboxes or sequential type manumatics.

I love the CVT but will look forward to the next technology down the road.

 

The early years MINI CVTs ('02 & '03) have VERY AGRESSIVE engine braking power effect. When you touch the brakes in the '02 CVT, the car brakes on a dime and you feel like you are going to fly through the windshield! My 2 MCS have never done that either.

I have driven newer '04 and '05 MC CVTs and this braking effect has been almost eliminated or shall I say, has been smoothed out alot.

 

The CVT is in the "love" category for me. I really really like it, and am honestly worried that when my MINI is out of warranty, I won't be able to keep it for fear of repair bills on the CVT. I mean, if I get a really really good job out of college next semester, then it won't matter too much and I'll be able to buy all flavors of MINI :D. Sigh.

I try not to worry about these things .

 

Make sure you replace the CVT tranny fluid every 25K-30K miles and you'll be golden!

 

does anyone know when the scheduled factory fluid change is? I am close to 30K and have not changed it yet.

I love my CVT as well ... mastering the Manual mode has been great fun ... even driving in the skyscraper canyons of Manhattan. Having a CAI and an aftermarket exhaust gives it that nice umph in Manual mode at about 4K RPM's

And call me crazy, but I actually like the jerky effect at low speeds, it gives the car more of that beloved go-kart feel.

 

actually, a perfect riding car is not as fun as one with some personality
so you're not crazy. it's more fun driving my no-so-perfect ECU
MCS because it's like it has its own mood... good days, bad days, etc.

j-cars are like robots imho. but that's good for consistency and for
commutes.

 

I'm due for my 25k service check, so I'll be sure to mention a CVT fluid change might be something the car can use.

 

phew ... ok

I drove an 06, and it does indeed feel a bit more sterile to me.
I like all the rattles and yoyo's of my car ... as long as it does not leave me stranded, i am cool with it.

Come from a long line of unreliable cars, so I have no complaints

 

hummm...well in that case, your standard might be too low making the
MCS feel too good? jk but tinkling around with your toys is fun, right?

going back to topic... i like the MC CVT's.

 

My CVT fluid was replaced during the 25K mile service for free. Ask for it!