MINI2

23Bull · Feb 18th, 2005, 08:32 AM

I've had my 2003 Mini (non-S) with the CVT for almost two years now. I have been using the SD mode to slow in traffic as a substitute for braking, then shift back into D when the traffic picks up. My guess is that I do this, almost subconsciously, about 40-50 times a day. I guess it's the same as one would downshift with a manual transmission. I've spoken to several other Mini owners with the CVT who also do this. So far, I've had no problems with the CVT, but I'm wondering if this driving technique may have long-term effects on the transmission.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

Rogier · Feb 18th, 2005, 12:41 PM

i don't think it should cause problems, cos, as you say, it will have the same effect on the engine as down shifting before/while braking in a manual car. asfor the CVT, i guess that it could have negative consequences. i hope not, though, cos i do it every day as well. i think it is one of the great advantages over a "regual" automatic (previous car was a peugeot 307/auto), whereby it often feels the car wants to move ahead when you want it to stop.

rogier

nonsequitur · Feb 19th, 2005, 01:34 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by 23Bull

So far, I've had no problems with the CVT, but I'm wondering if this driving technique may have long-term effects on the transmission.

There is a small "mechanical" aspect to this, which is the actual Selection movement of the shifter and the connections to gearbox and computer; back and forth, back and forth. Eventually, there may be some effect from these movements, but don't worry about it.

The gearbox itself should be completely protected. An advantage of the CVT.

Rally_it · Feb 19th, 2005, 07:37 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by nonsequitur

There is a small "mechanical" aspect to this, which is the actual Selection movement of the shifter and the connections to gearbox and computer; back and forth, back and forth. Eventually, there may be some effect from these movements, but don't worry about it.

The gearbox itself should be completely protected. An advantage of the CVT.

This is true, there is a small plastic pieces that allows it to "slip" over into SD...but i have looked at it and it seems to be rather strong, and would be easy to fix if it ever wore out. That being said, i do the same thing. I subconciously "downshift" into SD all the time now, and its been working great

Feb 18th, 2005, 08:32 AM	#1
23Bull MINI2 Newbie Join Date: May 2004 Local Time: 09:05 AM Posts: 19 Offline	Question on CVT Driving Technique I've had my 2003 Mini (non-S) with the CVT for almost two years now. I have been using the SD mode to slow in traffic as a substitute for braking, then shift back into D when the traffic picks up. My guess is that I do this, almost subconsciously, about 40-50 times a day. I guess it's the same as one would downshift with a manual transmission. I've spoken to several other Mini owners with the CVT who also do this. So far, I've had no problems with the CVT, but I'm wondering if this driving technique may have long-term effects on the transmission. Thanks in advance for any replies.

Feb 18th, 2005, 12:41 PM	#2 (permalink)
Rogier MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: The Hague Local Time: 09:05 PM Posts: 24 Offline	i don't think it should cause problems, cos, as you say, it will have the same effect on the engine as down shifting before/while braking in a manual car. asfor the CVT, i guess that it could have negative consequences. i hope not, though, cos i do it every day as well. i think it is one of the great advantages over a "regual" automatic (previous car was a peugeot 307/auto), whereby it often feels the car wants to move ahead when you want it to stop. rogier The driving is great fun, even in the traffic jam

Feb 19th, 2005, 01:34 AM	#3 (permalink)
nonsequitur MINI2 Master My Classifieds Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Seattle area, WA Local Time: 11:05 AM Posts: 1,471 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by 23Bull So far, I've had no problems with the CVT, but I'm wondering if this driving technique may have long-term effects on the transmission. There is a small "mechanical" aspect to this, which is the actual Selection movement of the shifter and the connections to gearbox and computer; back and forth, back and forth. Eventually, there may be some effect from these movements, but don't worry about it. The gearbox itself should be completely protected. An advantage of the CVT. '02 MINI Cooper CVT(6/12/02; Indi Blue/Black, R-81 7-hole 15x5.5" or NZO 16x6.5") '67 Austin Cooper S (6/26/67; Tartan Red/Black, 10x4.5")

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Feb 19th, 2005, 07:37 AM	#4 (permalink)
Rally_it MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jan 2004 Local Time: 02:05 PM Posts: 109 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by nonsequitur There is a small "mechanical" aspect to this, which is the actual Selection movement of the shifter and the connections to gearbox and computer; back and forth, back and forth. Eventually, there may be some effect from these movements, but don't worry about it. The gearbox itself should be completely protected. An advantage of the CVT. This is true, there is a small plastic pieces that allows it to "slip" over into SD...but i have looked at it and it seems to be rather strong, and would be easy to fix if it ever wore out. That being said, i do the same thing. I subconciously "downshift" into SD all the time now, and its been working great

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