Just got back from some very spirited canyon driving and wanted to share some quick impressions of the tranny of my 09 MCSa. I tried it with both the sport button on and off. Being in the manual mode really is like having a manual since it doesn't shift at all except when you hit the redline. Being able to hold a gear is quite the trick in getting really good exit speeds from the corner and this tranny delivers in spades. I am surprised that even without dual clutch this tranny shifts pretty fast. I mean, it's not instantaneous as a BMW DCT but still pretty good. You can predict the slight lag of the tranny either upshifting or downshifting which makes it almost effortless to keep speed in and out of the corners. Mind you, I've taken these corners at speed as well with my manual car and the mini holds it own as far as feel in the corners. There is a little bit of unsettleness with the chassis when you hit a bumpy patch on the corners but presumably fixable with the right wheels/tires (still on runflats). The tranny downshifts quite quickly during corner entry which enables you to just concentrate on the line. All in all, I would rate it pretty good. Let's see how well it does after some wheel/tire upgrades.
here's a quick pic while taking a break from the canyon goodness

 

Can't agree more.

 

Just my opinion:
http://newmini.wordpress.com/2009/04...not-for-wimps/

 

I just had a MCSa for a loaner for 2 days while my MCSm was in for it's 1 year service, and it was absolutely fun to drive. You really feel like you're in full control with your hands at 9 and 3 on the wheel, hovering right by the paddles. For a non-DSG the Agitronic shifting is very impressive. Hitting the sport button and leaving it in DS mode is like , VERY nice and scary quick.

 

The Aisin in the Minis is a very good unit. I was impressed myself. If I was unable to drive a manual for some reason, I would definitely take one.

 

That was awesome read... This is my 3rd Mini and the last 2 were both manuals... midland 5 speed (it was an MC) and then the getrag 6 speed on my 05 R53 MCS. I was able to get another mini in the garage but with the caveat that I get an auto for the wife. I was a little unsure about this but after not having a mini for the last year, I was ready to compromise. And now, after having this MCSa, it was such a good compromise. Like you said, gear changes are quick but not jolting and it is quite fun playing "formula 1 driver" with the paddle shifting. And man, this thing is quick... So, all you paddle shifters out there, you have another fan

 

install a JCW Tune Kit (which remaps the auto's shift points for maximum performance) and the fun is magnified at least 100X

great read!

 

Enjoy! The Aisin automatic in the MINI is one of the best conventional automatics I've driven. The only other conventional automatic I've driven that I'd rate above it is the one in the 335i, but only barely!

 

+1

 

Indeed! My MCSa is my first automatic car and I love it !

 

sequence is right on it..the JCW stage 1 turning kit does wonders for the shift point and throtte repsonse even w/o using sports mode. Sports mode is really great.

Had a chance to drive an MCSa loaner and my MCSa JCW stage 1 back to back ( along with another friend who confirmed MY FEELINGS) NOT EVEN CLOSE.

 

w/the tune kit I really cant tell the diff between Sport button off or on, shift and accel-wise. It seems a little crisper and smoother, esp on upshifts, with the Sport mode off.

and word has it the next gen of factory JCW MINIs will not only have twin turbos, but will offer a DSG-type dry clutch 7-speed gearbox option. I may be first in line to order.

 

Just to confirm, the Aisin is also in the base Cooper, and not just the S, right?

 

Yes, but you need the MCS to get the paddle shifters. You still get manual mode on the MC just no wheel-mounted paddle shifter.

 

It would be disappointing not to have the paddle shifters!

 

Paddle shifters are available on the base mini....i have them

 

They were removed for MY09

 

hmmm I have a 09 clubman auto and I have them. they are optional, I got them with the premium package as part of the multi function steering wheel.

 

when is yr car's build date? All the base Cooper and Clubman autos ive seen at my dealer built after Jan this year do not have paddles--even the ones with the MFSW.

Paddles were deleted, as far as I know, after Jan 09 builds.

 

http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/12/...om-the-cooper/

 

WOW!!! I didn't know that.

You are right. I just checked the mini usa site and the paddles are not listed on the base cooper.

Guess I got lucky :-)

 

Yup... lucky you are... I love the paddles
was playing with it yesterday and am getting used to knowing where to shift to account for the slight lag....

 

I love my MCSa as well. I had an RSX-S (awesome tranny), and I had to get an automatic due to my wife. I was really surprised when I test drove the MCSa. I had driven my parents' tiptronic Acura TL a few times, and that thing doesn't compare to the responsiveness of the MCSa tranny.

 

Yes I know what you mean. I prefer to manual shift it so it is in the gear I want it in not the one the auto things I should be in.

I have had my clubman a month now. Funny but at first I used the paddle cause they were so easy but after a few weeks I found myself using the stick. I guess old habits die hard. I tend to get confused occasionally with the stick but not with the paddles.

With the base model you do have to row the shifter to get it move. Probably should have gotten an S to match my aggressive driving style but I like the styling on the base model more.

 

As a strictly manual transmission guy, I've been very impressed with the MCS's Aisin auto. Asaulo's description is spot on, I love how the transmission shifts in the manual mode, and have grown to like the flappy paddle shifters. I use them all the time; even around town in full auto mode I use them to downshift when I expect a light to change and I want to slow down without using the brakes.