[wizgleeson]

Hello

I have the pleasure of driving a MCS Cabrio Auto.

Husband had a motorcycle accident so auto by nacessity rather than choice.
Very happy with it,still not mastered the paddle shift though, Jim did...amazing control for the hair pin mountain passes of south of france.

[jggimi]

I have a normally aspirated R56 MC Auto. While it's obviously just my opinion, here's how I grade the various AT "settings":

• "D" -- best economy. woopie. Primary value: stuck behind a truck on the highway, or stuck behind a bus in the city. Acceleration? Yes, it is true, you can get some. But you'll wait for it. Use of the paddles is mandatory for passing, since tromping on the accelerator is effectively worthless.
• "DS" through gearshift alone -- "peppy" auto. Transmission seems to try to keep in the 3200-5000 rpm power band whenever the accelerator is depressed even a little bit. Much more pleasant auto driving than economy "D", though obviously, fuel economy is lessened.
• "DS" through the sport button -- roller skate with an engine. It keeps the RPMs up, as much as possible. Stiffens the steering, provides -- in my opinion -- improved road feel. Does a better job from a standing start than I can do with the paddles myself.
• Sport and "DS" via shift combined -- about the same as "Sport" alone. If there are differences, they are not noticeable to me in my MC
• "M" mode without the sport button -- It needs stiffer steering. Push the sport button to get it.
• Sport in "M" mode -- where I spend most of my time, as I can control power vs. economy as I need, and I get stiffer steering, which I really like.

[Stiggy]

Quote: Originally Posted by jggimi (original)

I have a normally aspirated R56 MC Auto. While it's obviously just my opinion, here's how I grade the various AT "settings":

Very interesting. I really liked the Ds mode in the Cooper I borrowed for a weekend test drive. I didn't spec a sport button on my Cooper D Auto as I didn't think there was much point. Maybe I'll live to regret it. Mind you, I found the Cooper Auto scary enough in Ds without a sport button!

[VeryRedMCS]

Quote: Originally Posted by Stiggy (original)

I can't believe how quiet this R56 Automatic forum is! Please let us know you're out there!

I'm awaiting my Cooper D Auto in late October...

Just got my '07 MCS last week, and so far I'm crazy about the auto tranny. I haven't messed with the paddle shifters much yet, as I'd almost certainly exceed break-in RPMs... something to look forward to!

[callerio68]

I received my MCS auto on August 3rd. Nothing to complain 'bout the auto transmission: it works quite well also compared to the family BMW's (5 and X5, both 3.0d).
I'm impressed with the manual+sport button feature: it's hard to shift faster with a manual gearbox.

[tnhh]

Hello, had our MC auto for two months now. Just finished the running-in period. Great car!

[djam43]

I love my MC auto. best I ever had.

[Stiggy]

With winter setting in (in the northern hemisphere) how are we all coping with the snow and ice?

For me, one of the downsides of autos is winter driving. You don't have the option of slipping the clutch or starting off in a higher gear in icy conditions. Traction control just doesn't do the same thing.

Has anyone used their MINI auto in the snow who can comment?

[I love MINI, Laura]

Love it!

[jggimi]

Quote: Originally Posted by Stiggy (original)

....Has anyone used their MINI auto in the snow who can comment?

Certainly.

My R56 MC AT came with with ASC+T and ContiProContact SSR 195/55VR16s installed. These are "all-season" run flats. I swapped them for Bridgestone REVO 1s in 185/65QR15 for the season. I did not try the run flats on snow/ice.

Results: I have yet to turn off ASC. The car on snow tires behaves very well on snow and ice. I have run the AT in all 8 modes (sport/non, paddles/shift, etc.) No trouble at all.

My only comment on these particular Blizzak tires is they behave well on all surfaces EXCEPT dry/wet highways with surfaces grooved for run-off. On those surfaces, there is a pronounced shimmy, and I don't feel comfortable driving above 60-65mph. I have not yet contacted the retailer (tirerack.com) or Bridgestone/Firestone for their recommendations to alleviate the shimmy, but I should. I think I will.

[JustACooperClubman]

Placed an order for a new 2008 Cooper S Clubman equipped with the Aisin 6-speed slushbox and steering wheel paddles. We are really looking forward to it.

We have owned a '02 R50 CVT for 5 years and my car is a '05 R53 S 6-speed manual. The Clubman will replace the R50 CVT when it gets here in February.

Any pointers, tips, etc regarding the Aisin will be appreciated..

[swgn]

Quote:

For me, one of the downsides of autos is winter driving. You don't have the option of slipping the clutch or starting off in a higher gear in icy conditions

Can you just bump it into 2nd to start?

There's not much in the way of snow down my way, however I find that most of the time when I'm shifting myself I tend to take off in 2nd rather than 1st; 1st is so short I never really use it other than in situations where I need a 'spirited' start

[jggimi]

If you operate the AT in manual shift modes, you'll notice that the car will set itself to M2 whenever you stop. M1 is not used unless you explicitly shift to it.

[Brgsco]

I love my auto. Although the manual can be more fun at first, it always becomes more tedious for me in the long run.

I've had my Mini for 9 months and I'm still as excited to drive it since day one. No other car I've owned has come close.

[unknownspeedster]

hello, just brought a 2007 astro black mini cooper s with the automatic transmission and I love it wasn't sure about buying an automatic car, but i am finding it more flexable and i am now a changed man :P

[cellularcoffee]

I have received a MCS Auto last June and it has been great. I usually leave it in 'D' and the transmission is very smooth.

[HettonMassive]

I want to order a car in the next few weeks. Either Civic Type R, Nissan 350Z ( I know someone at nissan so I get this car new for £22500), Golf GTi 30 DSG or a Mini Cooper S Works with the Paddle Shift Gearbox. I have been driving fast cars for over 20 years and never owned an Auto Box but have driven the Audi tt DSG and the M3 with the SMG box and was hooked. Is the one in the mini as quick shifting as the these cars. If it is then I will be sold.

[jggimi]

Quote:

Is the one in the mini as quick shifting as the these cars.

To the best of my knowledge, the tranny is an Aisin TF-60SN. I seem to recall reading that this is the same transmission as the Audi TT; you're welcome to call your local Audi dealership's service department and confirm it.

[Stiggy]

Surely, a test drive is the answer! You don't really want to spend that kind of money on a car you've not road tested.

[Martin L]

Quote: Originally Posted by HettonMassive (original)

I want to order a car in the next few weeks. Either Civic Type R, Nissan 350Z ( I know someone at nissan so I get this car new for £22500), Golf GTi 30 DSG or a Mini Cooper S Works with the Paddle Shift Gearbox. I have been driving fast cars for over 20 years and never owned an Auto Box but have driven the Audi tt DSG and the M3 with the SMG box and was hooked. Is the one in the mini as quick shifting as the these cars. If it is then I will be sold.

No chance. It's a proper automatic. Well a fixed ratio steptronic to be more precise.
The other two are what the say, "sequencial" gearboxes. In other words manual gearboxes which change automatically, proper clutche/clutches and gears, and not a torque converter.

Given the choices you have it's a no brainer at £22.5k for a 350z. RWD, 300+bhp, great looking coupe and rock solid residuals