[Sejanus]

More than enough power getting onto the freeways even when the ramp is uphill and the traffic is cruising at 80+mph. Use it in steptronic and you're at 90 almost before you know what happened.

[cooper4us]

I agree, Sejanus, once you "master" the CVT's Steptronic mode you can juice the engine in ways only a 5-speed Cooper owner could dream of.

Johnwald...did you get the 33.2 update? Do you notice an differences in terms of performance and overall feel?

[MINIsota_Cuke]

Well, after having my heart set on owning an S, I am going to test drive a CVT today. I'm hoping it performs as well as what I am hearing. I'll report back later today.

[cooper4us]

Did you take the CVT test drive?

[MINIsota_Cuke]

Well, I have a big smile on my face!

The CVT performed much better than when I drove it a year ago and only had it in D mode. As soon as I left the parking lot I switched it to SD. The revs went right to 3000 and the fun began. At the first stoplight I floored it, which produced a short - maybe 2 seconds - lag and then the car took off. It took me a few seconds to figure out how to put it in steptronic mode and then a few more seconds to figure out that you pull back to shift up and push forward to shift down.
I then came to a stopsign. I put it all the way back to 1 and this time I applied slow, even pressure. There was no lag this time and the car got going a lot faster.
Next I had it out on the highway. What a joy! I was upshifting and downshifting and zooming in and out of cars. I looked over at the speedo and saw I was doing 90!
At one point, I downshifted into 5th. The RPMs were between 5-6k and I was doing around 85. I tried to downshift into 4th, but the computer wouldn't let me. Probably because it would have sent the RPMs past the 6000 cut-off.
Back on the city streets I kept trying to be first in line at the lights. When I could, I would try different techniques for getting off the line faster. I tried hitting the kickdown detent like johnewald suggested, but I am not sure if I got it quite right.
I would have to say that I still wish it had a little more low end torque, but it still blows away my Honda CR-V. Once it gets rolling, the CVT is fun to drive in all three modes and it is great to have the option of switching from one to the other.
I loved it! Now I just wish there was a little more cushion in my budget. My wife and I have decided we might wait just a little longer before diving into another car payment. So, I'll just have to be happy reading about it for a while longer.
Also, you might find my post (#206) on this thread interesting.
http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...164#post395164

[ScooterMan]

When I'm using the Manual mode and come to a stop without downshifting the transmission automatically shifts down to 2 (second gear). I would think it would go to 1 (first gear). Anyone notice what yours does?

[MINIsota_Cuke]

In an earlier post, somewhere on this thread, I remember reading that the CVT does exactly what you describe. I also noticed this when I took my test drive. I can't answer why, though. Maybe the idle speed in second gear is set proportionately to get the car rolling, and downshifting into first manually sends the RPMs a little higher for a little extra boost. (just a guess)

Shawn

[AWOL]

Thanks to everyone who'se responded to my "Decision...Decisions" post! It's been really helpful. I've decided to go ahead and order the CVT I've got one more decision I'm unsure about: wheel color. Has anybody ordered white wheels? If so, any chance you could email me photos to awol@myway.com? I'm particularly interested in the 8-spokes. Thanks again!

[MINIsota_Cuke]

AWOL,
Have you test driven the CVT yet? You definately need to because in your post you said, "I crave performance." I'm not saying the CVT isn't right for you; I'm just saying you need to drive it before you decide.
As far as your wheel color choice goes, it would be helpful to know what body and roof color combo you are going with in order to decide what wheel color would be best.
Shawn

[cooper4us]

White wheels can only be ordered with a white roof. I personally don't like white wheels as these look cheap to the eye and the dirt and brake dust is even more prominent.

I have the 15" 8-spoke rims in silver and look like "Mini S-lites". I prefer the look of the 16" 5 star rims or even the standard MCS' 16" V-spoke rims.

[ScooterMan]

15" Star have no cracks and crevices to clean. Just a practical thought.

[ARitz]

Quote:

15" Star have no cracks and crevices to clean. Just a practical thought

16 . I love my 5 stars, i cant find many aftermarket wheels i like better, but i wish they came in a 17 inch version.

-Andrew

[ScooterMan]

For you experts: When you come to a complete stop with the CVT running in the Manual Mode my car automatically downshifts in to Second Gear. I then have to manually shift it to 1st or start out like a turtle in 2nd. Does everyone else's car do this?

[cooper4us]

Scooter:

All CVTs in Steptronic mode follow the downshift behavior decribed by you. This is part of the fail safe programming of the transmission. You can start the car perfectly fine in "second" gear but for a more brisk take-off the computer gives you the option to manually select "first" gear. Remember thatthe CVT has no gears and Steptronic is just a computer simulation of 6 forward gears, so you can't really expect the controlling software to follow the logic of a manual tranny in requiring downshifts all the way to 1st gear.

Perhaps Johnwald could give us more insight as to why this logic has been added to the Steptronic mode code.

[n3nyongmini]

easy to clean.

3 min. tops.

[nonsequitur]

I'm hoping for some real and official feedback shortly that we can use to understand these programmed behaviors.

I don't have the programming logic for the CVT reset to "2" in Steptronic, although the "Fast-off" program (or whatever it is really called) may dominate from Idle to 1,600rpm anyway. I don't know that this is true at this point.

I too have tried to launch from D, SD, 1, and 2. Also tried them with left-foot brake, and revs too. I have opinion, but don't "know" yet.

Now that I have CD#33.2 onboard, it's time to re-energize the Cooper CVT Objective Testing thread because so many of these questions can be sorted out with facts. I need to find a good location, a Cooper 5-speed, and a Cooper S 6-speed to help ...

[intrigue182]

Long post...here goes:

Took delivery of my MINI CVT on Saturday, in torrents of rain. The 60-mile trip home was a blast, despite the heavy rain -- the MINI handled like a charm -- and one thing is for sure: NO LEAKS! (I have the sunroof option). It's remarkable how fast and sure-footed the MINI feels, even going about 70-75 MPH on a major highway in pouring rain. Never once felt like it hydroplaned. Must be the wide stance and deep-grooved 16" runflats that helped channel the rain and kept the rubber in constant contact with the road.

Anyway... With only about 225 miles logged so far over the weekend, I'm still getting used to the CVT's "behavior." I don't know what version software my MINI has, it was manufactured on May 14, 2003. I don't even know if it has those "new" shocks. All I know is it is a blast to drive! Much fun.

One thing I've noticed that from a standstill, there is a quick initial "bounce" or jerk from take-off, when giving the car mild to moderate throttle. Almost like it's immediately "shifting" out of first and into second. It's not a problem, it's just an observation. I've only ever had the RPMs go to about 4000 -- I'm taking the break-in recommendations of not going above 4500 RPM until the first 1,200 miles seriously. The CVT easily cruises along at 80 MPH well below 4000 RPM. I've not used SD or S modes yet.

The back-and-forth sensation in slow traffic (crawling) that I experienced with both test drives (both 2002 builds) is not apparent in this car. Maybe has to do with software version. I'm glad they took care of this.

I also noticed that, at a standstill (idle) it normally idles around 900 RPM. Sometimes it seems even a bit lower, but never on the verge of stalling or shaking like it's going to stall.

Interestingly, (and I think this has to do with new programming) when I switch on the Automatic Air Conditioning, I notice that the idle speed *slowly* creeps higher by anywhere from 100 to 300 RPM. I suppose this is to offset the load of the A/C compressor on the car's engine, and to keep idle from falling so far as to create an impending stall. If this is a matter of new programming -- all I can say is: good job!

Also noticed that the shifter seems to have more tactile "sticking points" when moving from P, to R, to N, to D. What I mean is, some cars have a very sloppy (loose) automatic shifter...this one gives good tactile response as you move it from Park to Drive or Reverse or whatever....Nice.

Again, have only had the car since Saturday morning, only have about 225 miles on it, but it's a blast so far.

My only complaint (very minor and purely cosmetic) is that there was a strip (about 2" long) of sticky tape residue on the driver's side door sill, at the very top, and it was a real chore to remove it. I assume this sticky tape was something applied during shipping. The detailers at dealer prep could have done a better job. Other than that minor glitch, I love everything about this car. I'll slowly but surely put the CVT through its paces, thanks to this informative thread! Keep up the great work.

Rock on,

Joe

Also, is that an oil cooler bolted above the radiator? I didn't know the "regular" MINI came standard with an oil cooler (I know the "S" has it) nice touch if it is.

[nfo]

enjoy your CVT!

[cooper4us]

Quote:

Originally posted by intrigue182
Long post...here goes:

Took delivery of my MINI CVT on Saturday, in torrents of rain. The 60-mile trip home was a blast, despite the heavy rain -- the MINI handled like a charm -- and one thing is for sure: NO LEAKS! (I have the sunroof option). It's remarkable how fast and sure-footed the MINI feels, even going about 70-75 MPH on a major highway in pouring rain. Never once felt like it hydroplaned. Must be the wide stance and deep-grooved 16" runflats that helped channel the rain and kept the rubber in constant contact with the road.

Anyway... With only about 225 miles logged so far over the weekend, I'm still getting used to the CVT's "behavior." I don't know what version software my MINI has, it was manufactured on May 14, 2003. I don't even know if it has those "new" shocks. All I know is it is a blast to drive! Much fun.

One thing I've noticed that from a standstill, there is a quick initial "bounce" or jerk from take-off, when giving the car mild to moderate throttle. Almost like it's immediately "shifting" out of first and into second. It's not a problem, it's just an observation. I've only ever had the RPMs go to about 4000 -- I'm taking the break-in recommendations of not going above 4500 RPM until the first 1,200 miles seriously. The CVT easily cruises along at 80 MPH well below 4000 RPM. I've not used SD or S modes yet.

The back-and-forth sensation in slow traffic (crawling) that I experienced with both test drives (both 2002 builds) is not apparent in this car. Maybe has to do with software version. I'm glad they took care of this.

I also noticed that, at a standstill (idle) it normally idles around 900 RPM. Sometimes it seems even a bit lower, but never on the verge of stalling or shaking like it's going to stall.

Interestingly, (and I think this has to do with new programming) when I switch on the Automatic Air Conditioning, I notice that the idle speed *slowly* creeps higher by anywhere from 100 to 300 RPM. I suppose this is to offset the load of the A/C compressor on the car's engine, and to keep idle from falling so far as to create an impending stall. If this is a matter of new programming -- all I can say is: good job!

Also noticed that the shifter seems to have more tactile "sticking points" when moving from P, to R, to N, to D. What I mean is, some cars have a very sloppy (loose) automatic shifter...this one gives good tactile response as you move it from Park to Drive or Reverse or whatever....Nice.

Again, have only had the car since Saturday morning, only have about 225 miles on it, but it's a blast so far.

My only complaint (very minor and purely cosmetic) is that there was a strip (about 2" long) of sticky tape residue on the driver's side door sill, at the very top, and it was a real chore to remove it. I assume this sticky tape was something applied during shipping. The detailers at dealer prep could have done a better job. Other than that minor glitch, I love everything about this car. I'll slowly but surely put the CVT through its paces, thanks to this informative thread! Keep up the great work.

Rock on,

Joe

Also, is that an oil cooler bolted above the radiator? I didn't know the "regular" MINI came standard with an oil cooler (I know the "S" has it) nice touch if it is.

Intrigue, congratulations on your new car....you'll have an absolute blast behind the wheel....now don't forget the mandatory pictures

The 33.2 programming seems to be working perfectly fine and I am pleased to report that after nearly a month since I got the update the car has been running like a champ...very pleased with it so far.

[nonsequitur]

intrigue182, You seem motivated to understand and share, which are the characteristics you've seen in several others here. Welcome, and as nfo said above, "Enjoy your CVT!"

You've got fresh eyes and senses in this configuration. Pay close attention to your experiences and bring good observations and any driving suggestions back into us.

There is lots of programming going into in any mode in this car: at Launch (Idle to 1600rpm, or 2000rpm?), 0-50mph (in D), the whole "virtual sequential 6-speed" Steptronic is software, and of course simply moving forward or reverse is wonderfully complicated, also in software. This is a cutting edge device, with many pieces intended for much wider use in the industry.