after all the clutch and flywheel problems on my R53 I vowed that NEVER again will I buy a BMW product with a LuK clutch and their plastic, yes plastic throwout bearings. that's why my new S will have the bulletproof proven and dependable Aisin automatic with those wild paddle shifters that allow one to change gears while turning--with both hands on the wheel. How F1 is that??

Sure its not a DSG system like Vdub/Audi but it's pretty darned close.

And, FYI auto MCS's consistently finish with slightly faster lap times than manuals in stock-class auto-X.

 

Yeh, BMW has been downgrading on the quality of parts used in car construction as yet another measure of trimming costs and boosting profitability. Shame.

 

Automatic transmission on R55/R56 has lockup TC. So, no losses at high speeds. Drive ratio on 6th gear 0.686*4.103 (2.815 ) on auto vs 0.683*4.353 (2.973) on manual for non-S Cooper. So, at the same speed Cooper with auto will have lower RPM. Can somebody explain why highway MPG is better for manual?

 

I test drove a Clubman in automatic, and it was nice, but when I order mine, it's going to be the 6-speed manual for sure. Of course, the fact that people are having such trouble (or fun?) between the two choices is just an indication at how well MINI has made their shifting pattern (to keep that sporty feel there).

 

but BUT!!! At least the Manual will keep your hands busy in that rush hour traffic(sort of).
My reason is that it'll keep my hands away from the phone or other items you shouldn't mess with while driving (no hands free options).. and believe me, i have to put my phone in the backseat just to keep it away from me! In an automatic, hands will get bored on the steering wheel and will want to have something to do.

 

You can still keep your hands busy with the auto. Just put it in Sport mode with the paddle shifters

If this was one of my first sports cars I would have insisted on the 6sp manual too. But, I'm an old f--t so am perfectly happy with the auto. I'm just glead they executed it so well. The one in the WRX was nice, but, not near as good as this one.

charlie

 

...and in a similar fashion you can do pretty much anything in a manual, drink coffee, smoke, eat, etc. It's entirely doable.

 

Ice cream cones are problematic with a 6-spd....

 

..and Sport Mode is not doublecap with extra foam-friendly, either! BOTH trannies require all passengers to hold on, sometimes for dear life, depending on the invincibility of the driver.

 

Where's the "invincible" smiley/gif when you need it?

 

 

MCSa the ultimate"short shifter".Q