[nonsequitur]

Steptronic works as you state, and you can't mess it up because the computer will not execute shifts that don't produce logical useful results.

If you move to SD and then pull back once, the computer then displays the "gear" (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6) it has selected for that speed in the speedometer where "SD" had been shown. You can then select up or down from there depending on what you want to do. There is NO concern about forcing it because it will only change if the new choice is logical for the speed you are driving.

This will quickly feel like the manual you are accustomed to.

Starts from a stop light will automatically be in "2" unless you select "1". I'm not certain it makes any difference, but try it and let us know. This is the kind of stuff we are trying to document.

[cooper4us]

I have started the car in 1st gear in Steptronic mode and there is definetely more torque down below. It feels exactly the same as a real 1st gear in a manual stick shift.

Starting in 2nd gear also produces good results but when you do start in 2nd is not to lose too much momentum, for example when approaching a red light that suddenly turns green on you almost at the same time you are almost coming to a full stop.

This CVT never ceases to amaze me.

[cooper4us]

The CVT has fail safe programming, hence, the computer will never let you do anything that can hurt the transmission.

[nfo]

do you guys think that using steptronic all the time would hurt the trans, or put more stress on the car in the long run?

[Sejanus]

I don't see why it would.

[nonsequitur]

It should make no difference at all to the transmission. I've been searching for the short phrase to use to describe the transmissions programming benefit: bullet-proof, mistake-proof, fail-safe, ...?

Also, depending on how you drive it, there is a small argument for actual benefit from using Steptronic a lot: you will probably generate more engine braking in Steptronic than the other modes. That may create a different lubrication environment (more oil blowby at the rings) for the motor, at the expense of lower gas mileage. I'm not sure about this one!

[nfo]

hmmmm.
if you guys hear anything, let me know!
lower gas mileage isn't a problem, the fun is worth it!

[jonesl]

In the last couple of days I decided to try using the steptronic mode (so far had only used D and SD). It seems a bit jerky when I move between gears -- should I be taking my foot off the gas when I switch? Should I be stepping on the gas more? I'm used to dealing with a clutch when I shift gears so this is a whole new experience!

[cooper4us]

I would lift my foot off the gas pedal in a similar fashion as if you were shifting gears in a stick shift car (Press the clutch, left off the gas and so on).

I heard that March 2003 production MINI CVTs onwards will have the steering wheel mounted steptronic paddles. Can anyone confirm this?

[nonsequitur]

This is an excellent technique question, Lisa, exactly what we are trying to figure out here. Thanks for pushing the questions, and the responses from those who have experience.

There is NO mechanical reason that you must or should lift off the throttle at the shift selection point with the CVT. It is OK (checked with MINI) to make "shifts" at full or partial throttle.

But it may be a smoother shift to lift slightly.

Or, lifting may cause another software map response that makes the shift worse, since the computer would see this action as "input". I haven't gotten this far yet.

In fact, I'm quite interested in what happens. This is very similar to throttle modulation in a corner where the transmission seemed to get confused with too much throttle movement.

Let us know what you find out. You can't hurt the transmission either way.

[Sejanus]

Sometimes pressing on the gas while shifting seems to make for a rougher transition, while steady pressure during the shift seems to work quite well.

[jonesl]

Hi everyone - thanks for all the suggestions! I've found the same as Sejanus -- steady pressure on the gas is good when shifting. Letting up or pressing down makes it rough. I don't generally use the steptronic -- the roads I'm on don't make it useful -- but I'm now using the SD mode to start from a stop and then shifting into D once I'm at speed.

[Thefreddo]

I have noticed that on my MINI, when I am in "D" attempting to accelerate quickly, or even not that aggressively, I get:

1) a very slow response for the first moment or so (I think that is normal for "D"), then

2) a big burst of torque from, say, 4-5 mph to 10-15 mph, followed by

3) a kind of mushy period where the engine keeps taching up but the car doesn't speed up accordingly. And even at it's 4000 rpm powerband, it seems like the transmission is slipping and not pulling the MINI like it should at that rpm range.

If I then punch it to the floor, it finally seems like the engine and wheels are again solidly connected with no slippage.

I plan to have a service tech check this out soon, but I am pretty sure they will tell me "that's normal" unless I have some other forum input on the subject to share with them.

Can anyone here give me their experience to compare? It really seems like when a standard transmission has its clutch halfway engaged. I know this car has more gumption than that. Of course it does much better than that in "SD", but even then it can have a slight slipping feeling, with the tach increasing faster than the car's speed.

Comments?

(2003 Cooper with CVT, 1400 miles)

[cooper4us]

What's the build date of your Cooper CVT? I hope it wasn't built during September-October 2002 as these cars were recalled for incorrect low viscosity transmission oil put at the factory. It seems that some early production 2003 Cooper CVT's have suffered some undesirable secondary effects due to the low viscosity oil.

Also, do you have DME software version 32.1 installed in your car?

My early August build 2002 Cooper CVT with 5,500 miles does not behave in the way you have indicated for yours. I get steady, smooth acceleration from the get go in "D" mode.

I would suggest to have your car checked and also call MINIUSA and provide them with your VIN number to see if your car was not affected by the CVT recall.

[nonsequitur]

Thefreddo sensitively describes behaviors that we may all be seeing, more or less. First follow the advice from cooper4us because each item there should be checked.

I understand that the computer map for "D" is really the same as the one for "SD", except engine rpms are held 20% higher (does the math work here?) which gives higher internal transmission pump oil pressure for the tighter, quicker responses in SD. But, I also understand that these items may generate behaviors we notice:

An internal transmission oil pump generates up to 40bar pressure for operating the transmission clutches, ratio motor, lubrication, and cooling. It runs at engine rpm. Might this account for the "slow" initial response at Launch?

There is a specific "pull away" or "low ratio" position of the pulleys used for Launch. Once moving, the belt is repositioned for acceleration based on throttle pedal position. Could this be the very low speed "burst" of power, that then relaxes when the ratios begin to continuously adjust?

There is also heavy computer management of the engine during all of this. There is some difference between the D and SD engine map until you reach higher speeds (I was told 50mph) to make D smoother, more gentle or some such word. This sort of lines up with that comment #3?

[Electrc109]

Quote:

Originally posted by johnewald
ARitz, cooper4us, Electrc109, onfastmini, and anyone else with experience and technique to share, please post some ideas on the Cooper CVT driving technique thread (now moved over here to the Cooper section where it belonged).

SD mode - right foot down all the way on the pedal furthest to the right. Steer by slowing down a bit by letting off the gas and braking with your right foot. (if you don't have to slow down very much, keep your accelerator steady and left-foot brake) if you want to be crazy and drive fast, i find it more fun to use a little e-brake when you think the car will understeer. this causes oversteer and can be controled by how much and how long you use the e-brake. NOTE! THIS IS ILLEGAL, IT IS FUN AND DANGEROUS! If you wish to enjoy the teznique of maniacs, get used to it where you cannot run into things before you play with other people around. THIS IS ILLEGAL! =) Just trying to avoid any trouble from me potentially causing trouble.

-Abe

P.S. I am not an expert at this style of driving, and am sure that there are more refined techniques, I am just letting you folks know how to maximize the quirks of a sturdy FWD car.

[Thefreddo]

cooper4us: No, my build date was Jan 17 2003. When I picked up my car Feb 19th, I asked the salesman if he knew or could check the DME software version, and at first he acted as if he didn't know what I was talking about, but later mentioned that he reads some of the forums and was in fact familiar with the software updates, but said he didn't know what I had. He said if I could hang around for another hour or two the shop would have time to do the programmable options and maybe the tech could tell me the DME version. It had been a long day, so I didn't wait.

I was assuming that it was not the latest, which at that time was 32.1. I will be having a tech drive it to check, but unless I have a convincing argument, I think he's likely to say that they're all like that.

Now that the break-in is over I'll be driving a little more aggressively to see if I can train the thing to go the way I want it to.

[nonsequitur]

With a 2003 build date, I'm right-next-to-certain that you have CD#32 (Manual MC or MCS) or 32.1 (MC CVT).

I learned that there isn't a "national" service database, viewable from any dealer. 1-866-ASK-MINI cannot view individual VIN service records either. You can call your own dealer service (as long as some service entry has been performed there) to confirm the software version installed. Try it to see what they say.

[Thefreddo]

Thanks, I will definitely be asking when I go in to have my programmable options set up.

[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.