I've just noticed that my MCS speedo reads a speed while moving in reverse. I'm not sure how I noticed it...probably shouldn't be looking at the speedo while reversing.

I wonder how fast it can go....

 

Whoa! I gotta try this...

 

yes..I noticed this too when I found out that you can go 8 mph, in reverse, to auto-lock the doors

 

Yea, The speed sensor only reads how fast the wheel is moving. Does not matter direction. The beauty of electronics!

 

This started back when they first introduced electronic speedometers. Kinda cool isn't it.

Now, everyone start you engines for a little, "How fast can I go in reverse race!!!!"

 

Have you seen MINI's press release about this? It's in GB MINI's Weblog:

MINI's Forward Thinking Adds More Fun With 2 Speeds in Reverse

Maybe I shoulda waited for 2007 model!

 

2 reverse gears?? That is WAY cool. I'd drive to work in reverse.

 

Most cars have had this for quite a while. Congrats on noticing it though. Enjoy!

 

New member here with two comments:

1. Note the date on the "press Release" about two reverse speeds

2. Unless there's something particularly unusual about the MINI's steering and suspension geometry, MINI drivers should avoid reversing at high speed - you risk serious misalignment problems due to the large forces placed on the front wheels.

PS: No MINI yet, although I did just test drive both hard and soft top S models. 10-12 months waiting list at Long Beach MINI is a little tough to deal with...

_Dave_

 

If the system reads speed in reverse, does it calculate mpg?

 

amOeba: You can get a Mini in 2 months or less if you order it from Classic Mini in Mentor, Ohio (near Cleveland). 800-388-1098 or 440-266-6700 -- ask for Julie Saxa. They sell tons of cars to out-of-state buyers, esp. from California where the wait is long and the mark-up is highway robbery. You can buy it cheaper even with the cost to have it transported back to you by truck. Lots of people do it. Julie is a great person, easy to work with and she knows all about the out-of-state process. I ordered my Mini thru her in October -- should have it in January. Good luck.

 

Reminds me of when I was in high school and drove my mom's '70 Cadillac Coupe Deville in the school parking lot, in reverse at 70 MPH. (Verified by speedo on my buddy's '77 Dodge Monaco). That ol' Cad was 506 HP!

 

I noticed it for the first time a couple of months ago..


never saw in any other car that I have owned over the years..

It is interesting.. isn't it?

 

Well, stock it was 375 HP with 525 lbs torque. I still have a 69 Cad convertible, and I can tell you, it's easier going fast backward in a long wheelbase car!

regards,
Red

 

i was also surprised when i noticed this a few weeks after i picked up my car. way cool to see how fast you back out of your driveway in the morning

 

When I back up I tend to watch where I'm going,but will check it out tommorow

 

In high school I had a Turbo Mitsu Eclipse. The turbo would engage in reverse. It accelerated like a cannon backwards. I raced a buddy w/ 5.0GT going forward and beat him to 20. The look on his face was priceless.

 

Well of course the turbo worked in reverse,the turbo will work in neutral,the engine does not care where it is goingas long as it is going