Cat is still under warranty and coming up on the end of the factory maintenance.

It has the auto (not my ideal choice, but the price is amazing), sport package and the jcw brakes.

Does anyone push the auto? Where does the auto hit its limit? Address there any software upgrades that can be done to improve it at all?

I am wondering what the power options (mods) are with the auto, does anyone know what the max power the auto will handle, or am I wading my time, should I just jcw the car and be done with it?

What mods are considered must haves?

The jcw suspension also looks to be very underrated, although not cheap, is it a good set, and does the motoring warranty cover the jcw upgrades?

 

The automatic transmission is well matched to the performance of the car, run it as hard as you want. Manual shift it with shift handle, use the paddles shifters on the steering wheel or just chill in drive. Don't rev up the engine in neutral and slam it in drive because it well trash just about any transmission, but I'm sure you know that.

A lot of track guys do change the suspensions, but the stock setup is well balance for weekend track, auto cross or high performance driving use.

IMO, the best mod for the buck to maximize the performance of the "S", for increased engine horsepower add a JB+ $300 and k&N filter $50, for increase handling put the best set of tires you can find $650 to $850. (215 45 17 Super Sports or S-04 Poles)

Hope this helps, be safe and enjoy..

 

Thank you. That does help.

 

We have an auto in our 2011 MCS and I initially had reservations about it after coming from an '07 Justa with a fantastic 6 speed manual. As mentioned, the auto matches well to the engine and always seems to be in the right gear, especially when driving in sport mode (which I always do). Shifts are crisp, and the automatic downshifts while braking remind me of a Formula 1 car. Plus, in sport mode you get the neat pop and burble when decelerating.

 

Totally agree...

 

The auto's get a lot of flak but its up to choice really. If your going to seriously track the car get a stick and put in a mechanical LSD. I love my 2011 MCSa though. Didn't think I would when I had to get rid of my 2006 mini with a stick after tearing a bicep tendon lose but it is nice not having put my drink down to shift. As an added bonus my wife can drive the car when we take trips now. You know in case I want to take a nap lol.

But seriously if you buy one change out the crap transmission fluid asap and put in a good synthetic. Tigger only makes about 230 ft lbs of torque at the wheels but I've seen others making over 250 ft lbs. So their stronger than most think but you have to replace the fluid every 30k miles or so. Mini's line about lifetime fluid makes as much sense as a screen door on a submarine.

 

On my 08 MCSa, there is a significant amount of lag from when the accelerator pedal is pushed until the engine responds, I don't know if the '11 is like that as well. I run an accessport, but they also make sprint boosters to eliminate the lag. It is a personal opinion if this situation irritates people or not.

Also, the tune required some modifications to shift smoothly, so make sure that your tuning company understands you have an auto.

I don't like driving in sport mode, the throttle response is too twitchy for me. One thing that is nice with the auto is that you can put the shift lever into drive, then push it to the left. This shows up as 'DS' on the shift indicator. It shifts in auto, but raises the shift points and downshifts with some engine braking.

Enjoy your MINI, don't be afraid of the auto. Have fun.

Mike

 

We have a '12 MCS with auto. I love it, nice crisp shifts. I occasionally use the paddle shifters, has a solid feel to it..

 

Picked it up on Saturday. There is some serious lag in the pedal from zero, but awesome once it is moving.

 

Sprint booster will help that, was one of the first things I installed and love it for an auto.

 

+1 to what he said. Sprint booster or JB+ will fix that very nicely. I would not combine the two though.

 

why wouldnt you recommend both?

i have both in my car and love the way it feels.....

 

That's a big ditto here... JB+ and SB on green, and plus sport mode