I have a 2006 MINI w/5-speed and it drives me crazy on the highway, I constantly feel like I need to shift it up. I may be a little naive, but if I purchase the 2009 model with the standard 6-speed, do you think I'll continue to have that issue, or will the upgrade to 6-speed smooth out my ride?

Thanks!

 

I think it is a matter of speed. If you are going fast enough, you will always be reaching for a taller gear.

I could be completely wrong. The Holiday Inn Express was booked up.

 

My '07 MCS runs 3000 rpm at 75mph down the highway. You will still be screamin' 3500+ if you're SpeedRacer, but I'm guessing you'll feel some relief.

 

If the 2009 is like the 2007 you'll be fine trust me.

 

We had the same issue with the 04, so we swapped it for an 07. Top in the 07 isn't that much higher than 5th, but you do get the extra gear to change up into. That was the main reason we got the R56, but I prefer the R56 over the R50 in a lot of ways.

Doing 70 you'd be doing about 3.5k in the 06, 3k in the 07. The 07 would be doing 3.5k in 5th.