I am looking for advice on the new R56 minis as I was considering purchasing one this summer. I have driven the “S” twice now and overall really like the car, but I am not happy with the cars throttle response and feel. The response off of idle is very slow. I don’t know if I am overly sensitive to it but I am wondering if there is anything that can help. I really didn’t notice much difference in the “sport” mode (at least off of idle). I had passed on the R53 “S” for this same reason and was really hoping that with the redesigned engines this would have improved. Its overall drivability seemed better but still not up to my liking. The Mazdas I have driven (RX8, 3 &SPD 3) with electronic throttles didn’t seem to suffer this syndrome. I really don’t want to count the mini out having owned the classic for twenty years plus I prefer a smaller lighter car to begin with.
I would appreciate any thoughts on the subject.

 

there is a significant difference with the Sport mode activated.

Are you talking about a manual or auto?

 

Coming for years of Honda's I don't notice it.

 

My other car is a supercharged Mercedes with a very touchy throttle and I don't feel as though my Mini lags in terms of throttle response at all. I'm sure some will tell you to get a Sprintbooster, but you can achieve the same results by moving your seat a couple of ticks closer to the pedals lol...

 

I was driving manuals. Reading an earlier post, it sounds like there is a big difference in response when cold vs hot. Could this improve after the engine is broken in? And I suppose another test drive might be in order to try that "sport mode" again.

Thanks All

 

if mini response is too slow is for you it is too slow for you no matter how others feel.

 

Off the line the manual mini does take a little getting used to. I think the problem may be with the turbo. Though there is a very little lag it does exist and unfortunately it is most pronounced (for me at least) under 2500rpm. I've learned to always start out in Sport mode and give it a little more throttle to get it going. Sport mode makes a HUGE difference.

 

When I'm in the twisties I keep it at 3500-5000 rpm and "Sport" on.
It will dance with Porsches there. Watch the Mustang GT's skid off the road. Scare the kids on Ducatis.
But it's not a hypersports car; don't expect champagne when you pay for merlot.

 

Last weekend I finally was able to make it back to Columbus to test drive the "S" again. This time I made sure the Sport button was on and drove long enought to fully warm up and .... that woked. The engine responded nicely on takeoff and to bliping the throttle on downshifts! Too nicely because now I have to have one!

Thanks again
Scott

 

I didn't notice a big difference in sport mode brfore 1000 miles, but now I can tell. and as I got closer to 1300 miles I could feel a difference in the power from about 200o rpm and up. Haven't really taken her over 48-5k, enough power there for me

 

There isn't much turbo lag in my MCS before or after the mods. I think there's more turbolag in my family's Audi A4 2.0T Tiptronic, which I drive almost everyday.

 

If I forget to hit the sport button I've stalled the car a few times trying to take off. It makes a big difference IMO. Once I get going it's not as different, but still noticeable.

 

hahahahhahahahahaha

 

Think I'm right there with everyone else. The difference between "sport" and non sport is huge for me. Like .. night and day huge. As BigNewt stated, I've nearly stalled my car with sport turned off a few times too.

 

Fit the 'Sprint Booster' module and the throttle response is superb

 

does the sprint booster do anything with the sport on?

 

my Porsche has turbo lag, my Mini does not. Yet when the turbo kicks in on the Porsche your left with a smile from ear to ear ...when the turbo kicks in on the Mini you say -was that it? You learn to compensate w/ each car. With the Porsche you can avoid turbo lag for the most part by keeping the RPM's high ....like 4000 and above (redline is around 7500). With the Mini you realize you have a nice little boost that is ready whenever you need it.

 

oh forgot to mention i have a R56 non s

 

pics are mandatory as soon as you have it!

 

Yes-warming the vehicle makes a difference. The shifting is also smoother when it's warmed up.