So I just bought my first mini, 2005 s. I like it so far but I have a couple of questions that are kind of concerning me. I have an automatic but with the option of "manual mode". Not sure exactly what its called lol.

1. My car shifts at high RMP's at times, usually going from 2nd to 3rd gear and 3rd to 4th. It shifts around 3-4K. Is that normal?? (this is when driving without the manual mode)

2. When I'm breaking, going from 3rd or 2nd, even 2nd to 1st, there is a little pull. The RMP's would be around 1k and jump to 2.5k and there is a little pull.

I use to drive a VR6 jetta, so I'm use to a bigger engine and non turbo.

 

I usually shift around 3-4k being an automatic, its going to shift when the torque is appropriate.

 

My questions to you is how many miles? Do you have any record of the Transmission Fluid and filter being changed?

I mention this because the Original Mentality was the Automatics Were good for the life of the car (no fluid/filter changes required) however over the years questions have come up, like "What does BMW/MINI consider the Life of the car?" (In mileage) ... this has lead to a number of issues. NOW the accepted thought is service the transmission at 100K miles.

Also most MINI technicians have the ability to double check software and computer tweaks to best tune the transmission during a service.

Additionally if you have the paddles it is recommended you spend at least half your driving time shifting with the paddles to keep the complete system working.

Best of luck.

Motor on!

And the 2005 MCS has a supercharger, not a turbo.

 

The shift point really depends on how much throttle you are giving it or the torque request. If not much it will shift at 2k-2.5k. If you floor it, it will shift near redline.
However, these trannies are prone to wear of the valve body, so if in normal driving the RPM are going high on 1-2 and 2-3, you may have some sticky solenoids or worn channels. A fluid change is a good first step as it should be done anyway. If it stays bad and becomes really bad then consider a valve body swap for a reman unit. There is a big thread on this called "my automatic failed at 80k miles" or something like that.