I have an '06 MCS with an auto tranny w/just under 3000 miles. I've noticed lately on slowing down approaching a stop (maybe 10 mph) a kind of jerk/skip as the tranny shifts down. It doesn't always happen but am wondering if it is a symptom of some other problem.

Also, my mileage seems pretty modest (averaging about 21-22, city). I'm in Arizona and still using the A/C a bit. Have tried using the auto air and also manual settings to see if that makes a difference. Have also tried conservative vs aggressive driving - no difference. Am using 91 octane.

Input?

 

Wow interesting coincidence, I experienced this yesterday in my 2006 MCS with auto tranny, but with just 2000 miles on the odometer. I had just completed a 60-mile trip mostly highway speeds (65-80 MPH, tops) and the MINI shifted ideally during the entire trip.

Then, after exiting the highway it's about 8 miles to my house, through local roads with lots of stop signs/lights. At practically each stop, the car would downshit harshly right before coming to the complete stop. It was a clear day, air temp around 75 F all day... just in case climate has something to do with it...I don't think it does. For me, the harsh downshifting usually (not always, but 90% of the time) occurs after long-ish highway drives at highway speeds. When does it happen for you?

I also had the auto A/C on most of the trip, and it was kicking on a lot...I thought that maybe the A/C being on could be causing the "idle revs" to be a bit higher than without the A/C on, so the engine is downshifting harshly due to that...that's my thinking, could be wrong. I'll have to do the same trip without the A/C on and see if it occurs.

This morning on my ride to work (MINI barely has chance to warm up fully, it's only 4 miles or so...) the shifts were perfect...smooth. A/C was not on.

Does anyone know what other makes and models use the same auto tranny as the MINI MCSa? Someone told me the Audi TT automatic uses it, is that true?

rock on,

-boognish

 

I get the 'clunk-jerk' in my manual. If I don't rev-match correctly on the downshift, my wife's head 'clunks' into the headrest... at that point she smacks me up-side my head and says 'Jerk!"

 

Hey boognish,

It seems to me that it DOES happen more after being on the freeway. Will check it out today. I am a self-employed computer tech and drive all over on all kinds of roads.

Am VERY curious about the A/C and the MPG. I'd like to find a post/hear more about whether auto A/C is better or if manual is.

Hmmm...two AUTO issues in one.

How has your MPG been?

 

You know, i think agranger may be on to something here... our automatic transmissions are exhibiting similar behavior as a manual transmission that is not properly rev-matched during each downshift. Now we have to narrow down the reason why...and get it fixed, which may be a software upgrade rather than a mechanical issue...the fact that this happens only some of the time and that our cars are brand new makes me believe this is a software issue, not a mechanical defect.

Hopefully MINI is working on a new software version to eleviate this issue on the '06 automatic MCS's.

My MPG (I only use 93 octane) is about 24 in stop-and-go around town driving, and yesterday on the highway it was up to 31.

-boognish

 

Hmmm...

Never thought about it being a software issue. Makes sense to a certain extent.

My MPG sucks...literally. I just filled up (I was just above 1/4 tank left). I had 207 miles on 10.8 gallons...19 freaking MPG.

That's city driving...a mix of stop-and-go and freeway with SOME A/C but nothing crazy. It has been A LOT cooler here so I don't get it.

The best I've had (mixed) is 22.5. My first tank (road trip - MTTS) was 35 and then 25 for the rest of the trip (lots of freeway).

Not sure what I should do or am doing.