[Sejanus]

Yeah, we're just trying to figure out ways to maximize the fun and performance of the CVT. It's still a great system to drive even if you never figure out every little element. Most of the time I just drive in D with a flip to SD for a bit of passing power. Works great, love the car.

[nonsequitur]

I'll apologize for sticking a fluff post into this thread, but this will be my 1,000th posting on MINI2.com! I find it remarkable actually.

The whole experience of meeting all of you here, to work through how these interesting CVT-equipped cars function, basically started with this very thread some 16,000 Views and 280 Replies earlier. Thank you for all your support, and critical contributions.

[Fdlove91101]

I know this question has been asked, I just got my MINI, and I have automatic CVT transmission. Can some please post a detailed way of using the shifter so i can manually shift. im nervous about damaging the car as I have never drove a manual before. I know I probably sound stupid, but why do you shift, and when do you shift, and you shift up for what, and down for what. If someone could please help me, I would really appreciate it, as I love driving my MINI, but would like to have a little more fun with it. Thank you very much

[nonsequitur]

Quote: Originally Posted by Fdlove91101

Can some please post a detailed way of using the shifter so i can manually shift.

You should read through some of the threads here in the CVT Forum where many people have contributed their experiences and advice. Your question is very similar to the frustration that prompted this thread to get started; the MINI Manual does a poor job of explaining how to use the gearbox.

1) Download the CVT Functionality Map to give you a "picture" of how the ZF VT1F Gearbox is configured.

2) Read through a couple of the other threads, starting at the beginning. The effort will reward because you'll discover ideas like the 1-D-SD Flick that some people enjoy. This is a very capable gearbox, and it protects itself, so have some fun.

3) Here's just a few of my posts (so I don't play favorites) in this thread related to your question. All those missing numbers in between on this list are the good ideas, debate, and valuable contribution from the group of owners who built this Forum into something useful. More than 16,000 Views from very good people!

5 - re-explains the Selections, after I had it significantly wrong in Post 1.
18 - covers the driving style in each Selection.
21 - expands on the use of Steptronic.
30 - You can't break the gearbox in Steptronic.
74 - Left foot braking works.
82 - Launch technique.
87 - Steptronic at speed on the track.
92 - More reasons why the Cooper CVT works so well.
137 - Target Speed.
144 - Comments on the results of dyno testing linked in 142
146, 150 - Cornering technique in Steptronic.
182 - Driving uses of CVT engine braking.
183 - A lengthy description of technique on the track.
225 - Follow-up on technique for the track.
235 - Launch, Starting-out from stop.
249 - Detailed response on Steptronic technique.
254 - Summary of the CVT Functionality Map.
261 - Mastering the Asphalt Arts.
273 - CVT Break-in.

[Vanwall]

Quote: Originally Posted by nonsequitur

I'll apologize for sticking a fluff post into this thread, but this will be my 1,000th posting on MINI2.com! I find it remarkable actually.

The whole experience of meeting all of you here, to work through how these interesting CVT-equipped cars function, basically started with this very thread some 16,000 Views and 280 Replies earlier. Thank you for all your support, and critical contributions.

You're quite welcome! You have been one the most influential people on this board, especially regarding the wonderful CVT! THANK YOU, for all your help!

BCNU,
Rob in Dago

[Fdlove91101]

again im sorry, but I have read a need a little more explaining, again you downshift for more acceleration? and you up shift for braking? do you also step on the brake when you up shift? say i am at a red light in 1, I step on the gas, when do I shift to 2, and 3 and so on? Also what are the range of speeds for wach gear if anyone knowa? Again I thank everyone for there help, I know I sound elementary.

[Sejanus]

Ok, to put it somewhat crudely try this, watch the tachometer and listen to the engine. As you accelerate in first there will come a point when you will stop gaining speed, the increase in rpms will slow and the engine noise will rise. That's when you shift to second, speed will resume increasing, needle will drop and engine noise dim, when it happens again, shift to third, repeat as required until you get to the speed you want or the police catch you.

[jazmini]

With my bad luck, I'd get to where I was going before I had fun with the police!

[lillapoyka]

I pretty much drive my cvt like I would a regular stick. You just feel when you need to shift. The engine will just tell you when to upshift. Don't sweat it. Relax and have fun.

[Spookyfish]

Quote: Originally Posted by nonsequitur

Hey, I was messing around with another aspect of this most interesting CVT transmission tonight - gas mileage, not my usual mode!

In "D", steady-state speed and throttle position are optimized for low rpm by the EMS 2000 computer, through the transmission. This is the kind of thing possible only with the CVT.

This may mean that the "best" mileage will come from flat terrain, steady-state conditions with "no" throttle position changes (just as you would expect) = but with cruise?

I worked at holding exactly 60mph, cruise on, no brakes, no tailgating (look WAY AHEAD to plan!), slow careful lane changes, exactly 60mph, for 36mi in the Seattle area.

I got 38.4mpg (Cooper CVT, 15x5.5" wheels, 36psi cold, full tank, 2,790lbs including me, sunroof closed, no rain).

I'm finally getting some materials to help us look at how to drive this car well, so expect some more notes from me on items we've explored earlier.

Great testing, good results. Is that imperial mpg of us mpg?

[nonsequitur]

Spookyfish, I'm calculating in US gallons.

We were running the 1st Annual Gas Mileage Contest (with Poll) to collect experiences of other drivers during the period of this quote 40 that you've displayed from 2003.

And the Contest is being done again this year 2004, although not with nearly the excitement or number of posts: 2nd Annual Gas Mileage Contest - MINI Cooper (with Poll)

Your post also raises other questions, so here are some links to threads where we explore for some of those answers:

ZF ecoTronic VT1F Automatic Gearbox Description

CVT Functionality Map

[cafemoc]

I have recorded at least last 60 fillup, and never got more than 31mpg. I have been Vegas vacation with Arizona MINIs, all canyon runs in So Cal, but never got more than 31mpg.
I checked others in Mileage chart, saw some high numbers, and wondering if CVT MINI is not good on gas compare to manual transmission MINIs...?
I turn air on most of times, I have done without air for a week, but didn't show that much difference in gas mileage. Average mpg is I would say 27-28 mpg range, and I am happy with those numbers, but I could be happier

I have plasma booster, Rogue exhaust and K&N dropin filter on 03/03 CVT.

[techiedoc]

I think I have not read the owner's manual enough on the topic of CVT. I always drive in the standard 'D' mode. How do I put the car in the SD mode? How to make use of the + and - signs by the side of gear stick? What is the British equivalent term for 'throttle'?

[jazmini]

To get to SD, just push the shift lever to the right (not up or down but to the right), then look at your speedometer and you will see the letters "SD" to know you are in Sports Drive. It will behave more aggressively than regular "D" and be faster. To get to the + and -- you have to be in SD. To up shift (i.e., from 1st to 2nd), then pull the shift lever down (a slight pull is all it takes). To down shift (i.e., from 2nd to 1st), then push the shift lever up. That's all there is to it. Happy motoring!

[techiedoc]

Quote: Originally Posted by jazmini

To get to SD, just push the shift lever to the right (not up or down but to the right), then look at your speedometer and you will see the letters "SD" to know you are in Sports Drive. It will behave more aggressively than regular "D" and be faster. To get to the + and -- you have to be in SD. To up shift (i.e., from 1st to 2nd), then pull the shift lever down (a slight pull is all it takes). To down shift (i.e., from 2nd to 1st), then push the shift lever up. That's all there is to it. Happy motoring!

Many thanks jazmini for taking the mystery out of the SD vs D By + and - I change the gears in SD mode but is it limited to first and second gears?Will there be any display on the speedo when I shift up or down? In SD mode can I do without manually changing the gear? What about the fuel consumption in SD mode as compared to D mode?

[ScooterMan]

Each time you push the gearshift forward or back you will increase or decrease by one shift point. The "gear" you are in is shown on the speedometer just below wher the mileage is. When you are doing this you are put in the manual mode. To get back to the SD mode you must push the lever left (back to normal) and then to the right again. Watch the readout below the mileage reading in the speedometer cluster.

[Sejanus]

Quote: Originally Posted by techiedoc

Many thanks jazmini for taking the mystery out of the SD vs D By + and - I change the gears in SD mode but is it limited to first and second gears?Will there be any display on the speedo when I shift up or down? In SD mode can I do without manually changing the gear? What about the fuel consumption in SD mode as compared to D mode?

The range of "gears" runs from first to sixth. In SD mode you do not have to change gears. You can just leave it there for extra power. It does lower fuel consumption though I couldn't tell you by how much. I tend to use it for passing and steeper hills.

[valnmike]

After more than 19 months of ownership, I think I may finally be learning to finesse my CVT. Put another way, I am making use of the detent function in the accelerator. All my old driving habits had me mashing the pedal to the metal any time I wanted max acceleration. That is not the best way to get speed out of these CVTs. Perhaps someone else is already doing this, but if you’ve posted it, sorry I missed it.

Now, I don’t always drive like this, however: Lately I’ve been getting what I believe is better acceleration in both D and SD. It’s a bit like the 1-D-SD flick, only without the flick. What I have learned to do is mash the pedal the old way, but then as the RPMs near redline, lift just enough to get out of simulated automatic shift mode while maintaining max throttle position just before (above?) the detent. This brings the high RPMs into the picture like the flick, but using only the throttle. From there, I just let the D or SD programming take over. I find this much more useful in actual driving conditions since your hand is not occupied with the shifter. In fact, I had no trouble keeping up with some MCS’s this last weekend. Granted, they were probably not giving it all they had, (we were just out motoring) but in past similar situations I had been doing all sorts of gymnastics with the shifter and throttle to keep up. Using this technique, I was leaving the 5 speeds well behind.

Give this a shot and let me know what you think. It may take a little practice to hit the lift just right. I’d be especially interested to see results from a track or a G-force analyzer. Maybe I can get something like this in as a DC MetroMINIs tech day event.

[Spookyfish]

Quote: Originally Posted by valnmike

... however: Lately I’ve been getting what I believe is better acceleration in both D and SD. It’s a bit like the 1-D-SD flick, only without the flick. What I have learned to do is mash the pedal the old way, but then as the RPMs near redline, lift just enough to get out of simulated automatic shift mode while maintaining max throttle position just before (above?) the detent. This brings the high RPMs into the picture like the flick, but using only the throttle. From there, I just let the D or SD programming take over...

This is exactly what I do when I want a quick getaway. It works pretty good. The moment you let go of the kickdown (just before 6000rpm) and hold it at WOT (wide open throthle) there is a 'torque boost' and SD takes over. With this technique there is no shifting point where the transmission will cut back on gas, but a constant accelleration.

[nonsequitur]

This technique you are reviewing was suggested by ZF Getrieb as a way to work around the goofy BMW "shifting" code. It's not easy to do. I would really appreciate some more detail on what you're doing... and how to do it well. Thanks!