R50/53 Starting to have regrets on MCSA
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,802
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From: SF Bay Area
Originally Posted by bluezone
Yes, I like performance, a decent amount of HP and a little torque never hurt
. Who doesn’t???? Sorry if my post offended you 
it shouldn’t have because I though the forums were a place to express your opinions, suggestions and help if any is able to be given. I was merely stating a fact that automatics didn’t have the same options available as the manuals. Those were simply a few of the options that I wasn’t aware of that couldn’t have been added at a later time. That’s all. My point was more about going with a manual Mini rather than an automatic Mini. Not if I should have gone with a Mustang
.
. Who doesn’t???? Sorry if my post offended you it shouldn’t have because I though the forums were a place to express your opinions, suggestions and help if any is able to be given. I was merely stating a fact that automatics didn’t have the same options available as the manuals. Those were simply a few of the options that I wasn’t aware of that couldn’t have been added at a later time. That’s all. My point was more about going with a manual Mini rather than an automatic Mini. Not if I should have gone with a Mustang .
Hay!
What's wrong with Mustangs! I actually agree with everything our blunt memeber C4 has said! Firsts for everything.... 
Anyway, a couple of things to point out.
1) True Autos lose power, but they multiply torque! Go look at all the automatics running quarter miles, and you'll see that they don't mind the frictional loses, due to the smooth application of power and the torque multiplication.
2) Just lament the lack of MINI/JCW parts... But Aftermarket? Skys the limit! You can bolt a head, ported SC, etc onto the car and really bump the power! Go to town, and save some $ while your at it.....
3) You can check to see if MTH is supporting the MCSa with improved shift logic etc. for ECU mods. He did wonders for the DSC/traction control..... (Can I say MTH here?) Anyway, I'm sure the tuners will have improved maps out shortly. They're probably just waiting for an eager customer to push them to do it....
4) Sounds like stuff will trickle out for the MCSa..... Just have to wait a bit longer, makes sense, as this was one of the later cars out (I think...) But I know, delayed gratification sucks!
5) Just because other BMW autos can take big bumps in power and torque, there's no guarantee that this one can! I'm waiting to hear stories of chewed up gears (clutches were hearning more about ) as the average power level rises. Did you know that Bentley lists the torque rating of the Getrag as 155 ft-lbs? I think the car almost puts that out stock! And the 5 speed as a bit over 110? Gears must be made of tinfoil! (my 5 speed in my mustang is good for well over 300 ft lbs, and cost a third of what a Mini trans does. Maybe costs even less!)
6) Live in SF, drive in commuter traffic = warship automatics. My dad had a friend who got both a Porche and a Ferrari with autos when he lived in SF. After a few expensive clutches, he gave up and that's what lead to the autos.... (but when he moved out of the city, the fun cars went back to manual!) Different strokes for different folks... Saying all sports cars have to have manuals is just snooty garbage. It's the buyers money, if they want to auto cross with an auto, go for it! You don't have to buy their car, so stuff the attitude....
I think that covers it!
Matt
Anyway, a couple of things to point out.
1) True Autos lose power, but they multiply torque! Go look at all the automatics running quarter miles, and you'll see that they don't mind the frictional loses, due to the smooth application of power and the torque multiplication.
2) Just lament the lack of MINI/JCW parts... But Aftermarket? Skys the limit! You can bolt a head, ported SC, etc onto the car and really bump the power! Go to town, and save some $ while your at it.....
3) You can check to see if MTH is supporting the MCSa with improved shift logic etc. for ECU mods. He did wonders for the DSC/traction control..... (Can I say MTH here?) Anyway, I'm sure the tuners will have improved maps out shortly. They're probably just waiting for an eager customer to push them to do it....
4) Sounds like stuff will trickle out for the MCSa..... Just have to wait a bit longer, makes sense, as this was one of the later cars out (I think...) But I know, delayed gratification sucks!
5) Just because other BMW autos can take big bumps in power and torque, there's no guarantee that this one can! I'm waiting to hear stories of chewed up gears (clutches were hearning more about ) as the average power level rises. Did you know that Bentley lists the torque rating of the Getrag as 155 ft-lbs? I think the car almost puts that out stock! And the 5 speed as a bit over 110? Gears must be made of tinfoil! (my 5 speed in my mustang is good for well over 300 ft lbs, and cost a third of what a Mini trans does. Maybe costs even less!)
6) Live in SF, drive in commuter traffic = warship automatics. My dad had a friend who got both a Porche and a Ferrari with autos when he lived in SF. After a few expensive clutches, he gave up and that's what lead to the autos.... (but when he moved out of the city, the fun cars went back to manual!) Different strokes for different folks... Saying all sports cars have to have manuals is just snooty garbage. It's the buyers money, if they want to auto cross with an auto, go for it! You don't have to buy their car, so stuff the attitude....
I think that covers it!
Matt
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No offense!
But I do remember from your other thread that you were dissapointed on the MCS's lack of "dragster" persona.
I am just making you realize that maybe this car, with all its goodness, may not be the right choice for you. Test drive the manual version, but I suspect you will still be dreaming of a V8 under the hood.
There is nothing wrong with wanting more power (But power acts like a drug, 'cause too much of it is never enough) but to criticize the car for something that is not is what gets my jets heated up .
You need to put into perspective what you really want from the car. If neck snapping straight line acceleration is important to you, then look elsewhere. A car is a hefty expense and if you are not 100% happy with it, then what's the point?
But I do remember from your other thread that you were dissapointed on the MCS's lack of "dragster" persona.
I am just making you realize that maybe this car, with all its goodness, may not be the right choice for you. Test drive the manual version, but I suspect you will still be dreaming of a V8 under the hood.
There is nothing wrong with wanting more power (But power acts like a drug, 'cause too much of it is never enough) but to criticize the car for something that is not is what gets my jets heated up
.You need to put into perspective what you really want from the car. If neck snapping straight line acceleration is important to you, then look elsewhere. A car is a hefty expense and if you are not 100% happy with it, then what's the point?
Originally Posted by bluezone
Yes, I like performance, a decent amount of HP and a little torque never hurt . Who doesn’t???? Sorry if my post offended you it shouldn’t have because I though the forums were a place to express your opinions, suggestions and help if any is able to be given. I was merely stating a fact that automatics didn’t have the same options available as the manuals. Those were simply a few of the options that I wasn’t aware of that couldn’t have been added at a later time. That’s all. My point was more about going with a manual Mini rather than an automatic Mini. Not if I should have gone with a Mustang .
. Who doesn’t???? Sorry if my post offended you it shouldn’t have because I though the forums were a place to express your opinions, suggestions and help if any is able to be given. I was merely stating a fact that automatics didn’t have the same options available as the manuals. Those were simply a few of the options that I wasn’t aware of that couldn’t have been added at a later time. That’s all. My point was more about going with a manual Mini rather than an automatic Mini. Not if I should have gone with a Mustang .
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,802
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From: SF Bay Area
Originally Posted by francisk
If Mini offer SMG that will be awsome!! And I don't mind to spare out 2 grand for such an option... hope it will happen in some day.
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,384
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From: Madison, WI
The problem I can't stand with the AT is the power loss to the torque converter.. With SMGII, it is just a manual, power transfer with clutch and less power loss. To me, I can enjoy the power deliver from the engine..and my wife also happy with learning how to drive stick.
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,802
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
Originally Posted by francisk
The problem I can't stand with the AT is the power loss to the torque converter.. With SMGII, it is just a manual, power transfer with clutch and less power loss. To me, I can enjoy the power deliver from the engine..and my wife also happy with learning how to drive stick.
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 0
From: Madison, WI
I haven't tried MCSA.. but I did tried out the SMG on the 3 series and the M3. That is the conclusion I draw from. I really don't know how much power loss from the AT of the MCSA, but from the exp. in the 3 series, I can feel there is significant power difference between SMG and the Steptronic.
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,802
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From: SF Bay Area
Originally Posted by francisk
I haven't tried MCSA.. but I did tried out the SMG on the 3 series and the M3. That is the conclusion I draw from. I really don't know how much power loss from the AT of the MCSA, but from the exp. in the 3 series, I can feel there is significant power difference between SMG and the Steptronic.
Not to drag this out but you should try it just for fun if you can spend some time in one using the gears/revs in manual mode. The differences in the transmission and car from the step/3er is pronounced and it is very spirited and responsive - closer to the feeling of the manual MCS then the 3 series step is to its manual brother.
Sorry to hear that
Originally Posted by bluezone
Well, I was reading some of the post on what a good feature LSD was and what it had to offer. Sounds great even necessary if you want to have some fun on the track. Also, good for regular driving too. Then I was reading some of the JCW posts and their enhancements for speed, HP, ect.. Great, I think I'd like to add both of these to my Mini. But wait a minute 
I feel like 
because it’s just now dawning on me that the MCSA don’t even have the option for anything that really enhances speed or performance. I want to have better traction too but it’s not an option for the automatics. I would order a JCW too but it’s not an option either.
What is it about the automatic that it doesn’t allow for any of the good options
? Why is it that only the manuals seem to have more of the goodies? I asked Miniusa directly why there was no LSD or JCW available for the automatics, but they didn’t really answer the question. They simply gave me a generic response like. Thank you for your interest, LSD is not currently available for the automatics. Or, currently there is no JCW available for the automatics. Gee... that was helpful
.
I was so excited about having a new MCSA, but now I'm starting to feel like I should have gotten a manual . Then I wouldn't feel so left out with regards to features. My MA really didn't explain to me that if I went with an automatic I wouldn't be privy to some of the features only available to manuals. I didn't think about asking because I was new to Minis and just didn't realize what was what.. until I came to the forms. Only now am I starting to learn a lot more about the Minis. If I only realized then what I realize now .
I feel like because it’s just now dawning on me that the MCSA don’t even have the option for anything that really enhances speed or performance. I want to have better traction too but it’s not an option for the automatics. I would order a JCW too but it’s not an option either. What is it about the automatic that it doesn’t allow for any of the good options
? Why is it that only the manuals seem to have more of the goodies? I asked Miniusa directly why there was no LSD or JCW available for the automatics, but they didn’t really answer the question. They simply gave me a generic response like. Thank you for your interest, LSD is not currently available for the automatics. Or, currently there is no JCW available for the automatics. Gee... that was helpful.I was so excited about having a new MCSA, but now I'm starting to feel like I should have gotten a manual
. Then I wouldn't feel so left out with regards to features. My MA really didn't explain to me that if I went with an automatic I wouldn't be privy to some of the features only available to manuals. I didn't think about asking because I was new to Minis and just didn't realize what was what.. until I came to the forms. Only now am I starting to learn a lot more about the Minis. If I only realized then what I realize now .
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,384
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From: Madison, WI
Originally Posted by eVal
Not to drag this out but you should try it just for fun if you can spend some time in one using the gears/revs in manual mode. The differences in the transmission and car from the step/3er is pronounced and it is very spirited and responsive - closer to the feeling of the manual MCS then the 3 series step is to its manual brother.
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