Please excuse my ignorance but I am a newbie with using a manual mode on an automatic. I have driven automatics and I have driven manuals.

I have tried using the paddle shifters but I don't think I am doing it right. The car really lurches when I use them.

I think I need some basic advice. Please help.

 

TYPO! Of course I meant MCSa!
(duh)

(Mod's note: Fixed for you. )

 

its just like when your diving a manuel try hitting the paddle when it hits about 3000-4000 rpm. Just like in a manuel just with no clutch! Pretty simple.

 

I've NEVER had any lurching, and I know pretty much nothing about manuals. I also haven't driven it in M-mode very much. It's self-correcting (I believe ). It won't let you screw up.

 

Lurching? Are you pulling your foot off the gas when you shift? This would explain any "lurching". Keep your right foot in it and shift

Downshifting to slow you will want to remove your foot from the gas of course

 

Remember P-R-N-D-D3-D2-D1 on column shifters? It's just a different way to access the gears below D.

Rawhyde

 

Is there a difference between manual and sport mode? Also, does it matter when I can switch over to M/S mode and back again?

Please excuse my ignorance as well...just got my MINI last week.

 

Yes. In manual mode, YOU change the gears. In Sport mode, the car changes gears by itself, but it holds each gear for a bit longer (shifts at higher rpm) than normal mode.

Rawhyde

 

Hmmm...interesting! Thanks for the help Rawhyde.

 

One additional item about Sport mode - you get 5 forward gears instead of 6 (at least for the '05 MCSa).