Another RPM question just reminded me of something I've been meaning to post.

What is the sweet spot for shifting the MINI S for each gear? By sweet spot I don't mean to get the most speed out of the car, I mean on daily driving, whats the best RPM range of each gear to be most econocial and easiest on the motor??

 

I pull to about 3500-3800 and the trans seems to like it there. It literally falls into the next gear. If I need to honk a bit, I'll pull to 4500.

Still inching my way up the tach with less that 4K on the Odo, so I'm being "gentle". My SOTP tells me this engine wants to rev and the trans doesn't object.

 

Most economical will probably be the lowest rpms you can use with the lightest application of the gas peddle. We get good torque @ 1400 and full @ 1900 (I think), so not a great need, if looking for mpg, to exceed 2200. Now, being able to actually DO that is another matter completely. I can't.

 

I just shift.... I am still in break in period anyway so at or below 4500 rpm for me.
I was getting 45 mpg on freeway today in 6th gear.... I love it.

 

for daily driving, I redline up to the speed limit

 

White-knuckle commuter, eh?

 

backroads all the way

 

It's not exciting, but 1500 - 2000 with the MCS is easy on the motor and fuel usage. Even more economical would be 1000, but that leaves you lacking if you have a need for quick acceleration or uphilling. That's been my experience. I am averaging 34 mpg, combined city and highway, over 7400 miles.