So i have the auto transmission but with the M/S sport shifter as well. You can kick the shifter to the right while in D and change gears up and down.

I want to use this but i am scared because i dont know the ins and outs of it. Do i need to let off the gas when i shift like a normal manual shifter? Also, i would love any other advise to use this feature! Thanks!

 

You can keep the gas down. Shift before the rpm you want to change at, since it is slow to respond. I used to drive an '02 MCa.

 

so is there any benefit to using it other than the cool feeling of kinda driving a stick? Ill give it a try today and see. I just dont want to screw up anything.

 

The newer 6 speed Aisin transmissions shift faster than I am able to with a manual (either up or down). The advantages are the same as manual transmissions, better car control (particularly in corners) and maximizing the power band of your engine. Wouldn’t use the auto without it for serious/fun driving. Maybe with the older CVT’s shifting was slow, but this is not the case (‘08 cabrio S).

Steve

 

if it is a 1st gen CVT what I tend to use it for is cornering and take off

Cornering:
slide to sport mode then up (down 1 gear) puts you at about 4k RPM for a fast pull thru a corner.

Take off
slide to sport then 1st take off at 5k - 5500k rpm slide shifter from normal to sport again (dont let off the gas)

 

sweet! I was just nervous because i hear that the 04s have a pretty bad tranny. So is there no clutch?

Thanks for the tips D3m0n. Those really help. Are there any others that i need to know? im kinda a manual newbie. Also, im sure there are things that i should NOT do. those would be appreciated as well.