Hello all,

New guy here interested in a clubman. I am having trouble finding a Clubman S with manual, however a local dealer does a couple of automatics. Am I making too big of a deal of insisting on a manual trans.? I always thought a car like the clubman should have a manual.
Performance wise, is there that big of a difference? I currently have an 02 330ci with a manual and I am getting a little tired of shifting on the way to work in traffic. Just looking for opinions on either.
This is a great forum and I have learned alot just reading everyone's input.
thanks for the info!

 

Get the AUTO.

 

I'm happy I went with a manual since for me it suits the car better (and my last vehicle was auto, so wanted a change). I guess it depends on what type of driving you'll be doing. If I was going to be in a lot of stop and go driving on the highway everyday, I'd probably go auto. If you feel like you are settling for the auto because you can't find the manual - you probably won't be happy in the long run.

 

yim the auto does have the paddle shifters on the stearing wheel which works great feels like an f1 shifter.

 

You're lucky you're even able to find a Clubman on a lot. Most of us have ours custom built for us. It's rare that you can find any Clubman on any lot that will have the options you're looking for.

 

This is like comparing the proverbial "apples to oranges" - you really can't compare. Go with what you like. If you're looking to buy a car "off the lot" and not order then start dialing and see where you can find what you want...however, often, people do end up ordering because it is difficult to find a Clubman - as you want it - sitting there waiting for you, but you never know. Many launch cars were very heavily specc'd - as in loaded - and not everyone wants that...while some love it.

There are some on the board who think it's sacrilege to have an automatic MINI, while others are more open and recognize that everyone has their own needs and wants.

Test drive both. Try a MCS if they don't have a MCCS...and, as I said - go to another dealer, if possible.

P.S. And welcome to NAM!

 

Thanks for the advice.
Part of the problem with ordering is that the dealer stated that it could atke up to 9 weeks for delivery. If that is the case, I would get the car mide to late July. Now if I only wait til October, I could take delivery of an '09 vs '08.
Anyway, I have drivern the manual and loved it. I just need to drive the auto then decide.

 

I am in the same boat as you, currently have a stick but drive a LOT of miles in traffic, so the auto is a must. I like the fact that I wont have to shift if I dont want to, but can with the paddles if I feel spirited.

 

And we've got the sport mode and....The Sport Button!

 

I can't really recommend the manual transmission in these cars. There have been reported problems with the clutches and such (See the second gen problems and fixes forum).

I am very happy with the Japanese made AISIN automatic in my Clubman S. 39MPG highway and plenty of power on tap.

 

Yes indeed. We auto owners have dual sport mode

 

i'm learning manual for my clubman-to-be. just feels like the kind of car that should have one. plus, I'm hoping for a bit better gas mileage and just enjoying having more control over the driving experience.

 

I got lazy and drove another automatic car for about 10 months. I am glad to be back in a manual, every time I think about getting lazy again, I remind myself I drive motorcycles for the last 30 years, all have a clutch, most never had music, and the temperature setting on the AC was always set on HOT. Driving a manual MINI is really not much of a sacrifice compared to my motos! It is one of the best shifting transmissions I have ever had in any car, very easy clutch and shift work!

 

Automatic doesn't get as good mpg, but is slightly faster 0-60 mph (probably just because shifts are faster). If you do lots of long stop-and-go bumper-to-bumper driving on your commute, you might prefer an automatic. If you like to drive for the fun of it, you might prefer the manual.

You can get some really cool shift ***** for the manual, but not for the automatic.

 

I drove both, and kept getting the direction of the paddles wrong.
It's a really good automatic; smooth when you want it to be, crisp when you romp down on it. I'd probably go with the auto if it was like the VW DSG, and/or if the price penalty was a little less.

 

I love my 5 speed in our 06 but the 6 speed auto in our 08 has really impressed me to where I am quite alright with it. With the paddles and the ability to use the shifter on the floor I have grown to love the automatic just as much as my manual.

 

I'm just back from a mini track event, and after testing every combo (S, non S, auto/manual) twice, I really don't get why people would get an automatic in such a fun car. But thats me.

 

An automatic works better for some people, others can't imagine owning a Mini with one. I fall in the latter category. Actually, the reason I went car shopping in the first place is because I'm already frustrated with the auto in my 2008 Lexus IS350 after only 8 months. Then again, I actually prefer having a manual in traffic- much easier to control at low speeds.

Modern automatic transmissions have really closed the gap as far quantitative performance- especially DSG and the like. That said, a manual is still far more engaging to drive.

 

My primary car is a 07 Audi A4 6 speed manual. I drive my wife's new Clubbie S every chance I can. I just hit the sport button use the manual like transmission. Actually, I prefer it to a real manual as in the Sport setting, the revs stay high and it is a lot of fun to drive. I would hestitate to get the auto if it were my daily driver.

 

Both transmissions are excellent and have their postivies and negatives. One thing that's worth mentioning though is - if you were/are set on a manual, then get a manual. Don't "settle" for an automatic or you'll regret it later (the same would be true if it were reversed).

 

Yim: Am I making too big of a deal of insisting on a manual trans.?
Billie: No. I am the same way. So is my wife. If it does not have a manual transmission, we won't own it.

 

Make sure MINI has addressed the 3rd-to-2nd gear "squeal" and some of the clutch issues that have been affecting second gen MINIs. I love manuals (My '05 R53 S is a 6-speed Getrag manual) but the MINI OEM clutches are very "iffy" in terms of durability.

Either way, you can't go wrong. The MINI is fun to drive in all its flavors.

 

Auto is for people with a artificial leg!

 

Wow, your insult was indeed very classy

I don't have anything to prove to anyone or to compensate for

Too bad some of the stick shift drivers in these threads are never shy to demonstrate how intolerant towards auto drivers they truly are

By the way, my other MINI, has 3 pedals and a 6 speed shifter.

 

Only nine weeks? I think I waited about 14.