I was wondering how bad the torque steer problem manifests in the MCS automatic?

 

Completely stock on all season 16's, it's pretty bad. But I can't comment on if it's any more so than with a manual. If you look around NAM you'll see that the MINI in general has major torque steer issues. This much torque on a FWD vehicle, and lightweight at that, pretty much makes it inevitable.

I'm getting aftermarket tires and lowering springs installed on mine next month. Apparently those two mods alone can almost eradicate the issue.

 

There is no such thing as torque steer when you have big muscles.

 

 

It is appreciable. I still feel it in 2nd and 3rd gears at WOT. I have 17 in wheels/tires (stock crown spokes) and no other mods. I came from a E46 that I drove for over 7years, so it took some getting use to the tug at the front wheels under power. I am more comfortable with it now, but you learn to be judicious with throttle out of turns.

 

On multiple test drives I didn't find it as bad as the VW GTI. It is there but I've driven worse; much worse. With the amount of torque that engine has I'm surprised it doesn't have more. I'll happily live with it. Honestly, if you want a ton of power and no torque steer you'll need to go AWD/RWD imho.

 

Comparable to the manual.

A couple things that help:

-LSD - as it modulates power between the front wheels and reduses the tendancy to want to veer off in one direction under throddle. Instead, you feel a little waggle in the wheel as the LSD distributes the load a bit. A must on the S.

-Lowering - In addition to torque steer, the R56's high riding suspension allows for a good deal of lift in the front end under throttle. Enough lift that it changes the alignment of the front end a bit. Hit any kind of pavement variations (bumps, ripples, rain grooves) and you'll experience a butt-load of bump-steer as the suspension compresses. Lowering effectivly reduces the range of suspension travel and lift while cornering under power. It made a WORLD of difference.

- Shocks/struts - If lowering is in the cards, Sport Suspension, MINI's JCW shocks/struts or some equivalent might be a good idea as well. Nothing like a car that's over-sprung and under dampened. Looks good, but wallows and bottoms too easily when pushed. Bad stuff.

There are some other products out that supposedly firm-up the front end a bit, reduce lift and add a bit of caster as well (Alta's PSRS is the one I'm considering). The manufacturers suggest they also tighten up the steering feel and the cars ability to hold a line and maintain traction under acceleration. I'm tempted to give it a shot, myself. We'll see.

Also... based on your sig, looks like you're going for the Clubman? Exciting! The distribution of weight is going to be a bit different than the R56/R56S, too (longer wheelbase, more roof material, more tail). It might help as there will probably be ever-so-slighly less lift in the front due to the longer wheelbase. Less tail-happy as well (which is good or bad, depending on what you like to do with your car). I'll be very interested to see how it all goes.

 

It's easier to hold onto the wheel with 2 hands with the AT; you'll get used to it.
I've owned both and prefer the AT by a huge amount.

 

LSD is not available with the autobox, unfortunately.

 

No !?! Crap. You're screwed then !

(kidding, of course )

 

It's quite unfortunate as I'd definitely have specced my MINI with LSD, but the auto trans is essential. Is any vehicle offered with both?

The torque steer in the MCSa is totally manageable. With stock rubber and suspension though, you're unlikely to ever forget that you're piloting a miniature hotrod with FWD.

As others have said it really only adds to the fun. If you can't handle it either get a weaker car (such as the MC; no offense, but I'd guess with the lower HP/TQ that it's easier to pilot) or one with RWD/AWD.

 

[quote=Msteadman;1945179]Completely stock on all season 16's, it's pretty bad. But I can't comment on if it's any more so than with a manual. If you look around NAM you'll see that the MINI in general has major torque steer issues. This much torque on a FWD vehicle, and lightweight at that, pretty much makes it inevitable.
quote]

Lightweight? 3468 lbs GVW. Not exactly anemic.

Torque steer is inevitable when you steer with the same tires that are delivering the force to move forward.
First couple of times I noticed it. After driving awhile it never crosses my mind. No big deal.

 

GVW (AKA GVWR) is the curb weight plus payload. Max weight the vehicle can legally be operated at.

The curb weight on the MINI is in the high 2600 to low-mid 2700 lbs range, dependent on options. That definitely is lightweight by passenger vehicle standards. Especially within the MINI's price range.

 

I have to test a bit more, but, I think the JCW kit for the auto tames it a bit.
Seemingly, with more torque on tap, it should be worse. However, the
more even power delivery of the kit make the torque steer less evident to me. Or maybe I am just used to it

 

I see where I boo-booed. Thanks.

After a little search I found a goverment report that listed the average vehicle weight fro 1995-2006 divided by size. Small averaged 3286 lbs in '06, about 400 lbs heavier.
I don't know, doesn't seem that lightweight to me.

 

You're welcome. Well I mean if you take a 'stripped' MINI, which quite a lot of people choose especially if they plan to track it, the weight is around 2668 lbs (depends on the source). That's 618 lbs lighter than average. Pretty good for a relatively inexpensive car.

I mean just look at the 135i which BMW is coming out with here in the US soon. Right around 3300 lbs, it's a small car as well and many people (right here on NAM, mind you) are cross-shopping it with the MINI.

 

To get rid of the torque steer whether it be in a manual or auto, the problem lies in the tires. The Dunlop Runflats. If you were to switch to a all season or anything but a runflat the torque steer virtually disapears.

i run a set of goodyear all season F1, they should come stock for this car!

 

All season tires don't help the torque steer. It just takes getting used to. It is the nature of FWD. tires help but it will always be there. LSD is great, and worth the price tag.

 

I would think that All Seasons would actually make it worse, at least on dry pavement, since they're less grippy. Doesn't more grip = less torque steer, or am I on the crack again?

 

If you don't want to replace your tires to solve the problem,or try to elimiate TS with some other method that will cost you your hard earned cash,then i would lighten up on the way i drive the car.

 

Sometimes I go around corners go pretty fast and I hit a pot hole and it feels like I am about to fly off the road. Given that I still wouldnt want any other car on the market though.