ZF ecoTronic VT1F Gearbox Functionality Map

[nonsequitur]

This document may stimulate some exchange on how this gearbox works from the driver's perspective.

There are three gear lever "Selections" which are then driven in one of two "Modes" using the throttle pedal input. Feedback will improve this functionality map.

Selections/Functions/Modes Map

New:
http://www.mini2.com/cvt/MINI_CVT_040930_VT1F_Map.pdf

[Dooks]

Thanks for that! VERY interesting read!

[Paul!]

Definitely interesting!! Thanks!

-Paul!

[nonsequitur]

Some feedback on this thing will help make it better and a more relevent reference for our driving and understanding the gearbox. Please offer up any suggestions.

It is the document that caught our observations, recorded terms from web-searched articles, manuals, and the Description. It helped frame the concepts of Selection and Mode. Many of these terms (like "CVT-mode" and "AT-mode") have since been confirmed by ZF Group, BMW Group, or both.

[nonsequitur]

I'm a bit surprised that this thing hasn't generated more argument or criticism?
What's that old rule; "All documents need revision."

[caminifan]

Quote: Originally Posted by nonsequitur

What's that old rule; "All documents need revision."

Unless, of course, the document was quite thorough and comprehensive. Which, I believe your document was. Now if you want me to nitpick, there was an inconsistency on one of the line weights of the gridlines that separated your different subjects....

[nonsequitur]

OK, I'm going take it with me today and come back here with some items where conclusions have been guessed at, or where I thiink something is amiss. How about that? Then you guys and gals, can pull it apart from there!

Some examples:

Do the operating concepts ("selections", "modes, and "functions") make sense to you? I think that "modes" should be moved up the middle because then the driver-controlled items (selection and throttle pedal activated mode) will be together, and the computer-controlled functions will be separated.

Automatic Transmission mode (called "AT-mode" by the ZF engineers) should be shown as "AT" not "sAT" (which I was using to get three letters to match "CVT" length). The s was supposed to mean "stepped" which is the industry term for a geared shifting pattern. Oh well.

[Vanwall]

Actually, John, after reading it over three or four times now, I can't find anything amiss. It would be nice if BMW had such a nice presentation regarding the CVT.

BCNU,
Rob in Dago

[Paul!]

Quote: Originally Posted by nonsequitur

I'm a bit surprised that this thing hasn't generated more argument or criticism?
What's that old rule; "All documents need revision."

Actually, I kinda thought that it was an official document!

Personally, I can't find anything wrong...

-Paul!

[nonsequitur]

I did mess with the formatting somewhat, and added more details to a few of the "Notes" section line items. The order would become Gearbox Selections (Shifter-left, Shifter-right, Shifter-Tip +/-), Gearbox Modes (CVT, sAT), Gearbox Functions, and EmergencyProgram (EP). Still one page.

Don't download again, because it has not been updated to this thread yet. I'll alert when that's done.

Before asking Paul to do that again, an original idea was this sheet should be no more than one page. It could grow to two pages (2-sided) with expanded information on the back, if you have suggestions and criticisms to push it that way. We're developed a lot of material in this Forum. Should it to be longer, and what would be included?

[valnmike]

For my 2¢, it makes no difference to me if it expands to more than one page. Paper is cheap.

[nonsequitur]

Paul Mullet loaded an updated version of the CVT functionality map into Post #1 and also here; ready for your download and critique.

Updated Selection/Modes/Functions Map

New details are provided, and the format is altered to better present what we've learned here in the Forum. One step at a time...