I was under the assumption that the paddle shifters ONLY worked when you moved the gear shifter to the left while in Drive.

My paddle shifters engage anytime I hit them while driving. Is this correct? The service guy at the mini dealer tells me it's normal. If it's normal, then why do I have the ability to shove the stick to the left?

I don't get it.

 

You are correct. You can use the paddle shifters, even when the car in not in autostick mode. One thing I did notice is after tapping the paddles, the computer will take over and shift for you, if you are coasting in normal drive.

Basically, if you want complete control of shifting the tranny, move the lever the the left. If you need to control the revs momentarily (ex. need to pass someone, etc.), you can still use the shift paddles while in drive.

 

gotchya... thx for the tip. I wish there was a way to disable the paddles all together since I've hit them accidentally once or twice while turning the wheel. Never a good thing to have your car shift when you're not expecting it on a winding road

 

This is what I love about driving my automatic Clubman. I can shift by nudging the shifter, or by flicking the paddles, or by leaving it in drive. It responds to different inputs, and gives me a manual-like feeling when I want it. I also like the way it downshifts in sport mode.

 

The MINI Cooper S automatic is not for Whimps!

http://newmini.wordpress.com/2009/04...not-for-wimps/

 

great write-up, but the manual geeks will still never try it and see what they're missing

 

I'm a manny geek but my next mini will be auto because this is a great auto (plus I am experiencing first hand the big mini clutch weak point).

I think this auto is amazing because it is a reliable, japanese part that puts up some amazing numbers, allows full control (paddles are awesome), and is not CVT

 

The paddles were a nice surprise. I didn't know my MCC was getting them 'til sat in it on delivery day. Woo-hoo!

Spike

 

I was thinking today that there are quite a few different ways to utilize the MINI Auto Tranny ...

- in DRIVE
- in DRIVE with SPORT button on
- in DRIVE with paddle shifters when needed
- in DRIVE with SPORT button on and paddle shifters when needed
- in MANUAL MODE
- in MANUAL MODE with SPORT button on

all these yield a somewhat different driving experience. Can anyone think of any more?

 

Spike I think U lucked out-- the paddles were dropped for all non-S auto MINIs I think at the first of the year. When was yr. build??

back on topic, I >heart< the paddles, shift with them almost exclusively, and it feels great not having to sweat piddling clutch issues (like I did w/my 2005.) Except I tend to use the left one more than the right.

 

it is about as good as it gets, w/o getting into the expensive double-clutch setups. And rarely do U hear about mechanical issues with the Aisin, if there's an issue, it's more than likely software related.

Plus with the JCW tune kit (should be available soon for Clubby S's) the car takes on a beastly nature!!

 

So is there a difference between driving in "Manual Mode" (i.e with the gear lever to the left) and driving in "Sport" mode (with the gear shift in the normal drive position?) When I look in the owners manual they seem to state that it is the same but some have said that moving into manual mode does not pick up the steering changes that the Sport button employs. Anyone have a definative answer on this