Got my Mini about 2 months ago and I've been noticing that it tends to jerk a heck of a lot at speeds below 40. Is this normal? I'm also really annoyed by the fact that it jerks right before coming to a complete stop. Has anyone else experienced this? I called my dealership and they said it was normal - just the car shifting into the lowest gear. I find it hard to believe though because when the car does jerk it tends to be pretty exaggerated (makes me feel as though I'm one of those beginner drivers - you know the kind that don't know how to brake smoothly)

It's an automatic, by the way.

I also wish the car was smoother - sometimes I feel as though I'm driving a manual.

 

Sorry, I can't help you but I would be confused as well. Automatic should be smooth.

 

My MC with auto does not jerk, nor is it a jerk, nor is it driven by a jerk. The first two are definitely true.

 

I have an 2007 MCS auto. The only time I feel jerkiness is when I have the sport mode button engaged, but I think it is normal and I kind of like the automatic downshifts. As far as when out of sport mode, no jerkiness found. I could point out another problem now that I am here. I do notice that at idle, the rpm's bounce a little, but not enough to be a bother.

 

thanks for trying guys

 

I have an 07MCSa and it jerks the same way you describe. I simply remind myself that it's a sports car and this is all part of the package. Also have runflats (tires) and you definitely feel every bump. Reminds me of the old Porsche 914's... if I may describe the entire Mini driving experience---I'd say it INVOLVES the driver much more than other cars.... meaning YOU are piloting and every slight turn or movement is felt as the car responds accordingly.

 

My

 

I have an 07 MCS 6SPD. Mine jerks also. When I am accelerating it is as if the gas cuts off the picks back up. However is only slightly noticed in the sport mode. I have installed an ALTA filter and it was reduced somewhat. I spoke w/the service tech and he hasn't heard of it. NOW WHAT?!:impatient

 

I understand, but when the pedal is to the metal , there should not be a dip, as if the fuel mapping is incorrect.

 

Yeah it's a bit confusing. I mean shouldn't an automatic be smoother than this?

 

Mine gets jerky, too!!! It is definitely most prevalent when I start up the car in the morning, but does occur at other times.

As long as it's not an issue, I'll just deal with the irritation.

 

Many cars jerk around as you describe. Practice smoother acceleration techniques. No more spiked heel shoes. Or arguements with your spouse/BF/GF while driving---we all tend to brake harder and jerk the car more during those moments.

 

I do practice "smooth acceleration techniques."

And frankly I'm a little offended by your comments. Spiked heel shoes? Are you kidding me?

 

LOL, Better stay on her side! Problems like this always seem 2B the drivers fault, until yhe Gremlin is discovered.

 

He's right, shouldn't wear your golf spikes while driving.

You might try going for a test drive in another MCa to see if it jerks as much as yours. If not, you have something to confront the jerk in charge of service.

 

Whoa? Pardon me! I thought all Mini gals drove with spiked heels?

No offense. No battles please! I start jerking the Mini when we fight!

 

fair enough...thank you guys for your help.

 

I wouldn't describe mine as jerky, but let me say I can definitely feel the downshifts, they're a bit on the hard side. I think it has more to do with the fact it's a 6 speed. I've never had a 6 speed auto before, always been driving 4 speeds so now I'm noticing the shifts more.

 

Definitely jerkier than other automatics I've driven, especially in sports mode. I enjoy it actually. Brings back memories of my manual days.

I agree it should be smoother, though.

 

I've had our MINI out for a whopping 400 miles in 2 weeks and noticed that the very first time I drove it home from the dealer. It acts as if you've got a manual and you're lugging the engine, right before downshifting. It DOES do that, but once you get used to it and expect it, it's an okay thing. I have no idea what causes it, but mine does it too.

I've had a Benz with an auto 6 speed and that is really smoooooth. So is the Lexus with a 5 speed, but they're supposed to be smooth as butter. Now, if the Benz is in "sport" mode on the tranny, then you can feel it when it shifts, but not nearly as much as the MINI.

 

good to know. Thanks for the info, guys!

 

Contact Mini and see if there's a software upgrade to rectify the issue. The transmissions are now computer controlled and there might be a new release that reduces upshift/downshift hardness. It shouldn't shift like a Hemi 'Cuda with a Torque Flight tranny : )

Hope this helps...

Robb

 

my automatic does the same thing... i notice it most when she's been sitting overnight or longer...jerks a bit backing out of my driveway. seems like once i wake her up, give her a little boost, everything seems to right itself and it won't happen throughout the course of the drive

 

Sometime, as I come to almost a total stop at a traffic light, it does this little micro-surge. No big deal, but might make a passenger think you're not paying attention to your driving. Seems to happen when the car is cold. Other than that, the MCSa has been a delight.

 

Thanks, Robb