New chick CVT owner...

[sleslie]

I have about 1100 miles on my 2004 MC-CVT. I am afraid to use the anything other that the basic "Drive" position. Can I screw the transmission up whilst learning the other positions?

I will need to print the step by step instructions from other drivers because I have no understanding of engines and RPM's and how it all works. It probably seems easy to most of you. I am visual and I'd learn better by watching someone shift, but I have no one around with a car like mine. I am 100 miles from my dealer, also.

I have visions of jamming up the transmission.

[mignon]

Quote: Originally Posted by sleslie

I have about 1100 miles on my 2004 MC-CVT. I am afraid to use the anything other that the basic "Drive" position. Can I screw the transmission up whilst learning the other positions?

I will need to print the step by step instructions from other drivers because I have no understanding of engines and RPM's and how it all works. It probably seems easy to most of you. I am visual and I'd learn better by watching someone shift, but I have no one around with a car like mine. I am 100 miles from my dealer, also.

I have visions of jamming up the transmission.

hi sleslie,
i am a 'chick cvt owner' and like you was nervous about using anything but the drive selection. i checked out the instruction manual (told you i am a shiela) and have been happily shifting from drive to manual selection. you can start off in manual mode or can shift from drive across as you are driving along. the gears won't change to an inappropriate selection even if you do happen to choose the wrong one. it is extremely user-friendly. am sure that others will give you more advice regarding performance driving techniques and the cvt.
enjoy!

[Paul!]

Quote: Originally Posted by sleslie

I have about 1100 miles on my 2004 MC-CVT. I am afraid to use the anything other that the basic "Drive" position. Can I screw the transmission up whilst learning the other positions?

I will need to print the step by step instructions from other drivers because I have no understanding of engines and RPM's and how it all works. It probably seems easy to most of you. I am visual and I'd learn better by watching someone shift, but I have no one around with a car like mine. I am 100 miles from my dealer, also.

I have visions of jamming up the transmission.

As soon as you get past the break-in (1250 mi.), just put it into SD and steptronic modes and have fun. The computer is programmed to not let you do anything too horrible to the car (and believe me, I find this out about every day! ). The computer will just put you into a sensible gear, or won't let you shift in the first place.

And don't be afraid to let the revs go up to around 5500 - 5900. That's when things start getting fun! To start out, my suggestion is to find a big, empty parking lot and to start playing and 'see what in can do'. After a bit, you'll get the feel for the car. Once you have that, start on some back roads with a few light twists and turns, and go from there.

Have fun!

-Paul!

[punkeyfunky]

Quote: Originally Posted by sleslie

I have about 1100 miles on my 2004 MC-CVT. I am afraid to use the anything other that the basic "Drive" position. Can I screw the transmission up whilst learning the other positions?

I will need to print the step by step instructions from other drivers because I have no understanding of engines and RPM's and how it all works. It probably seems easy to most of you. I am visual and I'd learn better by watching someone shift, but I have no one around with a car like mine. I am 100 miles from my dealer, also.

I have visions of jamming up the transmission.

Hello...

First things first - get the break in period done with (1250 miles).

Next - one of the truly great things about the CVT is that its computer controlled, and even if you try to break it, the computer won't let you.

Flick the stick across and play with SD mode. It works the same way as D, that is, ratios are selected for you, but it's rather more aggressive - you can rev the engine harder, and the car will certainly move more quickly! You'll notice that SD will rev the engine harder, and thats 'cos most of the power is above 4000rpm.

Then have a go with 'manual' or 'tiptronic' mode. Get into SD first, and then push the stick forwards or backwards. That'll change the ratio's between the 6 pseudo gears (look at the speedo display to see which one you are in). Because the CVT is computer controlled, it won't let you select a gear that won't work. So, when stationary, you can only choose 1 or 2. On the flipside, if you are in 6, on the freeway, and try to change down to 1, it won't let you (it'll only go as far as it knows the engine can take). The tiptronic mode is great when you want to select a particular ratio, and be in the power (e.g. for overtaking)

when you are finished in SD or tiptronic, push back across to D, and cruise home

There's not really much more to it than that - go play, and discover the funzone at 4000+ rpm

-Lee

[valnmike]

sleslie, Welcome to the ranks of the MC CVT owners. When you do get 'round to "shifting" the CVT, you do not have to lift off the gas pedal "between gears" like you would with a regular stick-shift. Just keep your foot on the gas and flick the shift lever back to up-shift. Nothing to it once you've had a go at it. There is a whole bunch of information in the thread "Cooper CVT driving technique" which is usually the second thread from the top in the CVT Forum here on MINI2. Best wishes and happy motoring.