Just wanted to know how are the paddle shifters are. Does it take the "fun" out of the mini, or does it add to it? thanks

 

You're going to get a lot of answers to this and most people will tell you that they don't like the paddle shifters (and the ones that will be most militant about it will be the ones that never tried them). I actually don't like how MINI set them up. I do like how it was done in the Ferrari Enzo not that i drove that car and I'm sure other cars have something similar I just can't think of any right now. They have them mounted behind the steering wheel (but not on it, more like on the steering column) one of them shifts down and the other shifts up unlike in the mini where they are right on the wheel and both shift up or down depending if you push or pull on them.

But basically it comes down to this: not as much fun if you're on the open road but a less work in traffic and city driving and definitely more fun than just a plain old automatic.

Disclamer: I don't have my MINI yet but I took both for a test drive.

 

I have heard that using the auto's "manual" shifter on the floor (vs. the paddles) is more responcive and potentially allows for more control. Allowing for more RPMs on the upshift and reacting quicker on the downshift when compared to the paddle controlers.

Here's hoping. When I drove the auto I wasn't aware you could use the shifter stalk on the floor so I was using paddles only. When shifting, it seemed like I would get a 2-count ("one-one-thousand, two...") from the time I pushed the paddle and the tranny decided it was safe to actually shift for me. Annoying.

 

"...unlike in the mini where they are right on the wheel and both shift up or down depending if you push or pull on them".

What? Is that some new technology or something? Never heard anything like that! I do live in the city (la) so i guess i'll have to test drive it for myself and see. thanks.

 

Just picked up my 07 MCS (with automatic) Tuesday, so my response to this question is based on only 50 miles driven so far. But I like the paddles. They're especially convenient for downshifting when approaching a turn or stop. And I find it very convenient that the tranny automatically goes back into "drive" shortly after you use them.

 

I have had my MCSc with auto for about a year and I find the paddle shifters to be better then the standard transmission. They are quicker, more fun and just plain easy.
Bob

 

I was highly impressed when I drove an automatic R56. You really have three levels of driving involvement (maybe four) when you get a paddle shifting auto. Normal "D" driving, Sport button "D" driving, Sport button floor shift, and Sport button paddle shift. It's suprisingly good, and since my wife only drives autos, I may have to give up my Getrag 6-speed when "we" get our Clubman. Life is tough!

 

the Auto I drove in the R53 2006 was really good, but I always felt that Auto no matter how good , fast - will always be inferior to the Manual transmission, maybe because Manual transmissions need skills... but Autos, anyone can just drive... even they cant start a car standstill in a 3 pedal car...
for me, Automatic in Luxury cars vs 6 Speed in Sport cars

 

I've driven an '07 MCS Auto and the auto is quite good. I found in sport mode in manual shift that the shifts were very fast and positive. MUCH faster than other "manu-matic" cars I have driven outside of the Audi A3 and BMW M3, which use true clutchless autos. The BMW being particularly harsh. The Audi being probably the best auto-shifter I've driven.

Anyway, our auto is on the boat here, it's my Wife's car, otherwise I would have gotten the manual.