I just test drove a 2008 Clubman-S and was surprised at how noticeable the torque steer was. A few days ago I drove a friend's 2011 Clubman-S and didn't notice any torque steer (it's possible I just didn't notice it because I was focused on other things -- sure is snappy! -- that being my first time in an S). I also drove a standard Clubman, 2011, and sensed little or no torque steer. So, the question is, was the pronounced torque steer because it's a 2008 rather than a 2011, or because it's an S rather than a non-S? Or both?

 

My answer would be a little bit of both. I have a 2009 JCW Clubman, and the torque steer was very noticeable. I added NM motor mount bushings, and the decrease in torque steer was significant. My husband has a 2010 MCS, and the only time I've noticed torque steer in his car has been taking a corner really fast from a paved street onto a brick street.
I think the amount of power in the car definitely makes a difference. Although I'm sure that there were at least some minimal changes from the 2008 to the 2011 that make a difference as well.

 

I should add that the '08 in question has 17-inch wheels. Perhaps a larger contact patch makes for more torque steer also?

 

Early this year or late last year I had the newest flash of software put on my car that had the Torque Steer Elimination programmed. It was noticeably better and new cars like the 2011 you compared it to would have had that come stock from the factory, the 2008 would not.

 

+1

 

Very interesting! Do you have any notion of how the software can affect torque steer? I'm having a hard time imagining how, other than by reducing rate of acceleration (which would seem to be undesirable), but I claim no expertise in this realm.

 

Supposedly it uses the brakes, still undesirable but man it was a risk that was worth taking. The car could change lanes on its own under certain circumstances before, now it pulls just fine, out of corners or smooth lane changes/passing.

 

Here's one description from MotoringFile: http://www.motoringfile.com/2010/08/...per-s-refresh/

 

The torque steer software can be loaded into pre- 2011 series 2 cars, ask at your dealer. I've heard it costs around $120

It uses the ABS to selectively apply the front brakes to keep the car going straight.

There is no reduction in power to the road, as the differential just directs power to the wheel that doesn't have the brake applied to it. It is an elegant solution to the torque steer problem and much cheaper than a Limited Slip Differential

(I just can't bring myself to call them an LSD, it sounds way too sixties!)

Dave

 

Ok, that makes sense. I wonder why Mini dealers (at least Flow in Raleigh) don't just go ahead and update the software on all the Minis they take in on trade and turn around to sell in their MiniNext program. It's hard to imagine that anyone would prefer to have the torque steer.

 

I always have the torque steer issue. But honestly, I hardly even pay attention to it anymore. It only jars me when I'm in stop and go traffic.

 

My car and my wife's has torque steer. Does not bother me. Ya have to drive these cars. Can't be a passenger at all. But it's the mini thing.

 

During my test drive I complained about what I considered to be excessive torque steer and the tendency for the steering not to "recenter" coming out of turns as much as most cars (including a couple of Minis) that I've driven do. The sales rep had the shop guys check it out and apparently one front tire was under-inflated. So I'll test drive it again before I give up and buy a VW beetle. (Just kidding, just kidding.)