While I prefer a 6 speed manual, I'm unimpressed with the MINI clutches, so I'll soon be getting an '09 automatic MC and noticed the paddle shifters on the base coop are gone from the MINIUSA site!!! Ugh. Anybody know if they might come back or are those only for the S Cooper now? I'd pay for paddles as an add-on!!! MINI, what are you doing???*&^%$#@!!

Greg

 

I beleive they were deleted on MC builds after the first of the year. Why not go to a dealer to see if they have older stock that could include a MC with the paddles?

 

Guess you gotta get an S now

Honestly, I use the stick to shift more than I do the paddles. But I understand wanting an option that MINI (seemingly) arbitrarily deletes. Like sequence mentioned, check the dealer if you don't mind getting one of the lot. Good luck!

 

The paddles are very nice to have if you're going with the auto.

 

I would prefer an S, but I'm staying as far away from the cold start chatter as possible, but I loved the paddle shifters on the loaner base and S Coopers I've had (A LOT). Dang. For me, the paddle shifters make the base coop more tolerable - I love being able to flick a downshift without having to stomp on the gas to get it going. Bugger.
Greg

 

No wayyy!!
I can't believe that. Man I'm disappointed now because my next was going to be an auto because of these cheap clutches, but the paddles were to hold me over.
Don't know if I could really afford the S (or want the cold chatter) at this time.
I wonder why they would get rid of it. Not a good idea on their part.

 

what about the base model with the sport package?
does that have them?

 

No. No paddles on MC's anymore, period.

 

Can you still manual mode shift with the stick on auto?

 

Yes, and it's slightly quicker than paddles.

 

the 1st second-gen MINI I ever drove was an 07 justacooper service loaner (my 05 S was a shop queen) with sport package and the Aisin with paddles.

after driving many R50 justacooper service loaners with that dreadful CVT, the Aisin-equipped 07 was a big breath O fresh air. That tranny and the Prince engine work very well together

 

And with JCW Kit in full-on D, Sport mode on, DSC off, it's even quicker than the stick. Scary quicker. Cop attractor quicker (got pulled over 3 times in 2 weeks, but no tickets.)

Come to think of it, I shift less now than when I had my 6 spd 05 MCS. I can keep my 09 in 3rd or 4th all day long...

 

Good advice, you can also probably get a used, low mileage 08 with paddles.

 

According to Motoringfile.com, paddle shifters will be on the "S" models only after March builds.

 

Does that make the resale value of my 09' MC with Auto higher now?

I got the car in Feb and it has the paddles.

 

I'm always in manual mode but rarely use the paddles, typically just the stick. The paddles are good for shifting in a tight turn or when you can't take your hands off the wheel though!

Get the S... I saw on motoringfile.com that MINI has a solution for the cold start chatter. I'm sure that will roll out in all new builds anyhow.

 

I just got a brand new 09 MCa loaner from my dealer and it has the paddle shifters.

 

The cold start issue may have been solved. There is an official fix by MINI

 

Paddles are a $100 option on auto MINI JustaCoopers here in Canada. Auto trans is $1390 without paddles, the paddles are a separate option - $100. I just checked the mini.ca website.


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Don't let the rattle scare you from the joy that is the MCSa.
Seriously.