[rsteed]

I'm a new CVT owner and am becoming more diconcerted by the slow "engagement" of the CVT from a standing start. It feels like I'm driving a manual transmission and letting the clutch out very slowly.I'm still breaking the car in, an '04 with only 500 mi, so I'm not really nailing it under any circumstances. Maybe the perception of slow engagement would go away if I were driving more aggressively. My questions are:

Is this slow "clutch release"-like behaviour normal under granny-like take-off?

Exactly how is the engine connected to the transmission? Is there a torque converter? I would be interested in reading a technical description of the CVT if anyone can recommend one.

Thanks.

-rsteed

[Paul]

Have you checked the draft FAQ: http://www.mini2.com/forum/cvt-automatic/41926-cvt-faq-draft-discussion.htmlLots of information there.

[nonsequitur]

Getting the most out of the CVT has a lot to do with driving technique. I'd recommend doing your break-in period correctly and completely, enjoy all the other aspects of your new MINI, and then come back to improving these characteristics.

If your "slow 'clutch release'-like behaviour" description results when taking your right foot off the brake when stopped and moving it to then apply throttle to get underway (Setting-off), then you can apply changes like left foot braking, switching to SD, or even "the 1-D-SD Flick" to tighten up the car's response and behaviors.

All of that should come after you have a conditioned machine.

[Spookyfish]

I've noticed that after almost 4000km the car launches alot better than when brand new. I think this has to do with a number of factore, like:

- Clutch wear in
- Engine developing more torque/power after break in
- Transmission AI adaption

If you want to truly launch your MINI, hold the car with your left foot on th brake and rev the engine up. Then release the brake. I think SD will work best, but 1-D-SD may be faster?

[valnmike]

Quote: Originally Posted by Spookyfish

I've noticed that after almost 4000km the car launches alot better than when brand new. I think this has to do with a number of factore, like:

- Clutch wear in
- Engine developing more torque/power after break in
- Transmission AI adaption

If you want to truly launch your MINI, hold the car with your left foot on th brake and rev the engine up. Then release the brake. I think SD will work best, but 1-D-SD may be faster?

RE: the 1-D-SD flick. Some have posted that it is not faster, but I have not see any with any hard data like ET's from a drag strip. If someone could get a CVT to a strip or get hold of a G-Force analyzer, perhaps we could put this question to rest for good. (Or at least have facts to back us up). I have never gotten the MINI's wheels to spin except when doing the 1-D-SD flick. To me, it feels faster, but that's just perception again.

[davidma]

Try turn off the "ASC" or "DSC". When you have it turns on (by default), it prevents wheel spins and thus, the power you want may not come out as you apply the gas.

[antsmini]

Also the CVT DOES NOT have a torque converter.