Hi all , my first time here and I have a question.
I just got a MINI Cooper about 4 weeks ago with CVT and love it.
My question is I hear some talk here about a sport mode and steptronic.
I know if i push the stick to the right i can change the gears manualy (stetronic right ?) But can i also just step on it when i push it over and not have to change the gears ? Is that the sport mode I have read about ?
Thanks

 

Welcome to MCO

Yes, the one tap to the right makes it sport mode ("SP" on speedometer). If you do a search i'm sure there is better details about the whole CVT thing and its workings. Motor on.

 

Opps, I know it's not a big deal, but it will read "SD" on the speedometer.

 

Welcome to MCO NiR

Great username......got me humming the tune now.......and the language that he used.........

Okay, we're here to talk about the CVT, right? Cooptime gotcha covered already, but here are some tips. During the break-in period, be careful using both SD and manual mode where the RPMs can go up fast. Don't try to accelerate up a hill in SD, the tach will shoot up quickly to gain power and get you there. In manual mode in lower gears, it's also very easy to accelerate into a high RPM zone. It won't kill your car, but it's not recommended. Once you're past the break-in period, you can have fun driving in all 3 modes. In manual mode, you can't go wrong. Shift up, shift down and if you make a mistake, the CVT will prevent you from doing harm to your tranny by changing "gears" for you. If you are in manual mode and come to a stop without downshifting, the CVT will automatically start you out in 2nd gear. One of the coolest features is the ability to change modes on the fly. Want to go faster? move it over to SD. Want to pass someone quickly? downshift in manual mode and punch it. Hit traffic? slide it back into normal drive. Give it a whirl and don't hesitate to come back and ask more questions.

Cheers,
Kim