Hi

I have a question about the MC CVT. I've read various opinions here and at MINI2 -- including ones on driving technique, the "flick", the engineering of the CVT box, and various improvements through software upgrades (33.2, 36, 38.1, etc.). I've also read that CVT's do okay at the track with the right driving techniques.

Having read all that, what I can't tell is: how bad is the lag from a dead stop while the engine "spools up"? Compared, for example to any ordinary "slushbox" transmission? I've read everything from a tenth of a second, to a second and a half. Is it something that would make left turns into traffic an issue, for example? Also, is the lag different in D vs. SD vs. step mode? Different since the most recent software update? A function of the relatively low torque tolerance of the CVT, or of the programming, i.e. a hardware or software issue?

I haven't test driven the CVT, although I have the 5-speed MC. I have my own reasons for considering the CVT, though.

Any information would be great. Thanks.

 

I'm sure soemone else can explain better than I. But this transmission is a completly different animal than most. I've never had any problem mergin into traffic ( I live in some of the worst beign near DC) and I siwtch into SD when I need a little more sprited driving, and leave it in D to get better gas mileage.. the car will leaving you wanting for (off the line power), btu that is somehtign a lot of minis face at least for the curretn models. and the electroincally controlled pedals take getting used to you probably don't even know about the 4th mode which is a high rev drive that is engaged when you press the pedal past a certain presure point... but it won't let you use it at a dead stop... Definlty need to test drive it with someone who drives on e often. there is a stumble/Yo-Yo on some models, that is differnt form the stumble in the S's I think this is fixed in the 05's so you shoudl be safe thought you may want to clarify that on here. I like the CVT for the drivign I do, I have 3 hours of traffic to CRAWL in a day, adn the last thing I wantto do is shift all morning long. I htink if I live where felt I didn't need a automatic then, I woudl have gone with the S or 5 speed and put that 1200 dolalrs toward other fun options in the car. The flick manuvers works ok, but nothing pull s liek a manual. Good luck hope you get to test drive.. If you live in the manassas area I'll take you out in mine.

 

Thanks, chollomo.

I spend time driving in/around DC regularly, and you're right the traffic can be bad. I was taking a left into traffic the other day, and had to push it to be safe. I've been thinking about the CVT for a while, but knowing about that lag gave me second thoughts. You're right; I'll have to test drive one sometime.

 

Go to www.mini2.com and check out the EXCELLENT dedicated Cooper CVT section in the discussion forums. PLENTY of knowledge and helpful CVT owners there (I am one of the regulars there as I own a 2002 Cooper CVT with 25K miles).

From 0-20 MPH the CVT functions are absolutely computer controlled. I have documentation from ZF (Manufacturer of the CVT transmission) that might be of interest to you. Just let me know.

 

I have an '04 MINI CVT with about 6,000 miles and by "lag" the only thing I have noticed is from a dead stop, there is a very slight hesitation when engaging the accelerator. This is no longer than if you were engaging the clutch (unless you drive by revving the engine and dropping the clutch) I find the CVT transmission very driveable and the "yo yo" is if you are crawling along at 7-9 mph, the car has a slight "yo yo". If you are accelerating throught this speed range there is no yo yo.

 

My wife has been driven her Cooper CVT in heavy Miami traffic for the past 2 years with ZERO problems. The car requires a different technique than you would do with any other car equipped with a cable operated gas pedal and a hydraulically operated 4-speed automatic transmission. Bear in mind that the Cooper CVT is a totally different beast from your everyday cars.

Most people have the temptation to smash the pedal to the floor when driving the Cooper CVT and this practice often creates lag because your gas pedal is wireless (Think of it as a TV infrared remote control) and the ECU engine program mappings don't always respond in the way you would expect a car with a manual gas linkage.

Pressing the gas pedal half way past the "detent" point achieves full throttle acceleration and further if you set the transmission in "Sport Mode" the computer automatically holds the engine RPMs at 3K+ to achieve peak engine performance.

The Cooper CVT being an "automatic" car, requires skill to get the best out of it in terms of performance but oh boy the learning process can be both fun and interesting.


Go ahead with your Cooper CVT choice, you will not regret it one bit!:smile:

 

thanks, all. I appreciate it.

 

There are 3 driving modes with the CVT. Regular auto mode doesn't have a lag but is somewhat slow. Shifting in manual mode (using the 6 gears) does have a lag when starting from a dead stop -- however, once you get moving it works very very well and is a real blast both down shifting and up shifting. The third mode is Sport Drive (SD) and is still the auto mode, but more spirited driving, and I've heard tell it is the fastest mode in 0 to 60 mph runs. It is quicker off the line than regular auto mode. I find that I only use regular auto mode when cruising down the freeway to lower the rpms, or when cruising slowly through a parking lot as it is smoother and more relaxing. It will not be near as fast as your 5 speed though, but a blast just the same. I recommend the CVT highly, although if you want more power you can consider one of the auto S models out in Jan 2005.

However, one problem with owning the CVT is not getting respect from people. It's still a MINI, but people ask why not get the S model. People don't seem to understand the performance and fun factor of the CVT. In the twisties the CVT performs outstanding as you can use the engine braking capabilities of the CVT to best advantage. Also, when caught in stop and go traffic on the freeway the engine braking is so awesome that you can go slow and not have to constantly hit the brake -- it's really a gas. I can't imagine a better car in heavy stop and go traffic than the CVT MINI. :smile: