Let me preface this by saying that DSC is off during this scenario, and it is on dry, even pavement.

Sometimes (1/50) when rolling from a stop the car will buck and jerk after I let the clutch out. It clears up when I either let off the gas totally (bucks once or twice more then goes down to 1k rpm, then I can accelerate from there like nothing happened) or if I depres the clutch and start over. I'm not trying to drop the clutch or anything crazy like that when it happens, just normal gentle acceleration (I've never had this problem when accelerating spiritedly!). Has anyone else experienced this, and if so, what would you call it to describe it to the SA?

 

How long has your MC exhibited this behavior? Could you elaborate on the launches which cause it to buck?

Is it possible you're being a bit too gentle, not really giving it quite enough fuel for the amount of clutch engagement? Maybe our little 1.6L wonder doesn't have all the low-end torque you're used to.

Could it be bad gas? Gotta watch for that. These are really just guesses.

 

sounds like you need to give it more gas, its just jerkin around, it will do that.


i jerk it around like that when moving in slow traffic in first, its gonna happen with a stick shift car

 

Sounds a lot like the stumbling problem my '03 had before I went in for a software upgrade... and I think I've seem similar complaints from other 05 owners? You might check with the dealership to see if there are any bulletins out or if there is a software upgrade available.

 

Mine "bucks" from a complete standstill once in awhile engine warm or cold, DSC on or off, like it is not getting sufficient fuel. I've driven standard transmissions all my life and it acts like a partially clogged fuel filter or weak fuel pump until you increase the RPM over 1500-2000. Given the concern over the throwout bearing and the clutch assembly in some early 05's I thought this may be the issue - failure to completely disengage - but expect to have it looked into at the first service as I'm 200 miles from the dealer. It's not consistent and may be just a characteristic of this car, but it is not from failure to handle a standard tranny or provide sufficient fuel. It may be a software issue - curious to see what you learn - Scott

 

Why would letting off the gas totally cause it to stop then? Its not like when you accelerate in first then let of the gas and it bounces, its even worse!

 

but I'm convinced it's just me. I can make it do it at will, or not at all. There seems to be a "point" during release of the clutch where the car says, "well, are you serious about going or not?". I found that when I let off the gas at the first jerk, as you described, I can send it back into another jerk by immediately lightly touching the gas. I really believe its an RPM-vs-velocity issue. If I keep my RPMs above 1K for the duration of the clutch release, it will never happen.


Oh, sorry Tradiuz, I just re-read your last one. I guess my issue is probably that "bounce" that you mentioned.....never mind

 

It gets even worse when I apply more gas, thats how i know it isnt the engine vs tranny vs laws of physics bounce.

 

My 03 MC will buck if I'm sloppy at getting rolling.Not a big issue,if there is nobody ahead of me I just throttle up hard,if in traffic I just depress the clutch pedal quickly and start again.I've been driving stick for over 35 years,and every car,truck,tractor,bike I have driven will do this if you are sloppy at getting rolling.
But some MINI's do have software issues.