If you're kicking to the right, you're in a 1st Gen. The 2nd Gens are a lil different with the paddles, and the stick is pulled to the left to engage sport drive.

 

oops, you are right, it's to the left. (only had it a few days now)

 

Engage the "Sport" mode with the push button and you will notice that the manual shifts (by the shift lever on left "Manual Mode" or by the Steering Wheel Paddles) will be firmer and more positive than when Sport Button has not been engaged.

Steering and Throttle response is also only 'Sport' if button is used and if Auto Shifting is used, shift points will be at higher RPM and 6th Gear (Overdrive) will not be used.

 

I dont mind driving a manual. I actually love it. Dont know how easy it would be to sell though. What do people normally prefer?

 

Would never base my choice to own/drive on 'ease of resale'

Especially with a MINI, there will be buyers that would Only accept a manual.

No doubt there will also be buyers that only want auto, and considering the extra $1250 in the auto,
you would need to remember that will also be depreciated on resale.

All in all, your driving enjoyment should trump any advantages on resale.

 

The 05/06 transmissions were CVT = very poor performance and expensive to repair; the 07+ use non-CVT trans (6 speeds), which aren't bad...sort of...I test-drove the MC auto and didn't like it at all, so I bought a manual. Recently, I drove an MCS 2008 auto and I have to say, I'm becoming a convert. I like being able to quickly downshift using the paddles and swooping through corners and of course, in traffic, the auto rules. Plus, I'm learning (through ownership of 2 manual MINIs) that MINI clutches are very poorly engineered, further making the auto that much more appealing. Test drive all, though, and see which you like...

 

My old car used to pull to the stick to the right for steptronic which was nice b/c you could use the stick during everyday driving to hold onto and to keep you in place around tight turns (and pull to the left not worrying about it changing into manual mode)

Now with the MC I guess I'll have to find something else to grab onto to brace myself instead of the gear shift (go ahead and insert witty comment now....I've opened the door for you...)

 

Thanks guys! Pardon my ignorance but is it possible to drive in complete manual mode in the steptronic transmission. I noticed it comes back to drive unless you keep shifting the paddles.

 

If you put the shifter doo-hickey over to the left it doesn't shift back by itself

 

I have an 07 MCS auto...by far one of the best autos I've driven. Also, the auto records the fastest times so from a performance perspective it's the fastest MINI you can get as of right now...yes even beats out the JCW ;-)

Reason being is on a turbo car you can load the motor and avoid more wheel spin hence why the autos are a tiny bit faster...so when I say faster it's not by very much. On a road course the auto VS Manual would be even closer though.

 

Uhm, bracing yourself in the car is what the dead-pedal is for.

 

Manual is the easiest to sell

 

Doo-hickey? It's a "whachamacalit". The doo-hickey is located in the boot. Didn't you read the manual?!? Geez.

 

To be honest I love to drive stick but maybe thats because I drive a lot in Europe and it`s very handy because you have more control with your shifts and you always have the torque you want. In my opinion the mini is tons more fun in manual. But then again your in a Mini what`s not fun in a MiniÉ

 

Hear you there! The automatics are praised as being quite amazing for a traditional automatic setup (no DSG, etc) and could perform just as well as a manual.

It's all in how you want to drive. Some people love the feeling of shuffling through gears themselves, and some don't. Both transmissions are very good, but my limited test drive of the MINIs automatic was a positive experience. You won't be disappointed with either.

 

This auto trans is just the greatest! Whenever I drive my other automatic cars (especially my LandCruiser) I wish all autos were as slick as the one in my MINI.
Initially, I really wanted a stick, but with the manual mode you get the best of both worlds: you can creep along in stop-n-go without having to wear out your clutch; then when the traffic is light and you're in the twisties, you can slide the shifter left and manually control the shift point with the paddles (most fun) or the stick.
And the shift happens a lot quicker than if you had to use the clutch.
All autos should have full manual mode! All the shifting is done electronically anyway, why aren't they all made this way?!

 

auto=to old or can't learn..... LOL