Quote: Originally Posted by MiniDoug
A myth - the rev limiter controls things in manual mode
I'm sorry that this post sat without comment. We're saying the same thing!
The EMS2000 computer
limits the engine to 6000rpm using a combination of retarded spark (first to happen, and near instant response) and fuel (absolute effect).
In Steptronic Manual with enough throttle applied to accelerate through the "gears", the computer will automatically upshift at 6000rpm (1>2, 2>3, 3>4, 4>5, and 5>6) very precisely. Engine is limited to 6000rpm, also called the redline which is now displayed correctly on the tach in v36.0 software.
This redline is not actually an engine-required rpm limit. The input shaft speed maximum of the ecoTronic VT1F CVT is 6000rpm. The engine redline is actually 7000rpm which is used on the 5-speed Cooper or One.
Interestingly, the EMS2000 computer
limits the bottom of the rpm range in each "gear" as well. An automatic downshift occurs at 2000rpm for 6>5, 1800rpm for 5>4, 1600rpm for 4>3, and 1400rpm for 3>2. Steptronic 1 must always be manually selected.
No upshift or downshift will occur, even if manually selected, if the resulting engine rpm is outside of these
limits set by the computer.
All of these computer-monitored limits are what produce the near bulletproof fun and reliability we enjoy with these cars! It is possible, from the driver's position, to pick the Selection (D, SD, or Steptronic) and the Mode (CVT, or stepped Automatic Transmission simulation) to fit the driving situation exactly.
The computer stays out of the way, in Steptronic, to allow a great deal of manual control if that's what the MINI CVT driver demands. The ZF gearbox
holds a gear ratio tenaciously unless either of the rpm limits for that selection are exceeded. It is completely possible to
throttle steer the MINI through corners on the track. That's about as "manual" as it gets. Fun factor rising.
