MINI2

Kestrel74 · Jun 17th, 2003, 01:22 AM

Hi everyone,
I am going to be due for a new vehicle soon and have been considering the mini. I am very new to these cars and have probably what you would call a silly question...I just want to make sure I have this right; the Mini Cooper has a CVT where you can drive it like an automatic and change to manual if you like. And the Cooper S only has a manual transmission? I was hoping the S has a cvt also but can't seem to find that anywhere...seems like from what I've read it has only a manual. Is this correct? Thank you so much for the info.

I know my current truck is on it's last legs. Still going strong but a 1994 Ford Lightning with 195,000 miles can only go for so long. lol. Now, you're all probably thinking, why go from a 'race' truck to a MINI? Well, this was originally my husband's truck and now it's mine. I don't race it, just enjoy driving it. I like it but just want to go with something UNIQUE and that gets more than 11 miles per gallon in the city!

Thanks,
Heather

stryder · Jun 17th, 2003, 01:40 AM

Welcome to MINI2.

You can't get an S with anything except a 6 speed manual. (The general view is the CVT can't handle the torque) Many people will suggest you just get a manual, even if you can't drive one, you can learn. Ignoring that idea, the CVT has 'gears' (since its totally variable by design, the gears are actually just set points in its variability) that you can select if you chose that mode, otherwise it drives similar to a normal automatic that it chooses the ratio for you and you only handle gas and brake. I'd very much suggest test driving one if you're interested in how they work.

You may want to try the search feature for cvt for more info, also, if you write more specific subjects, you'll get better responses.

Kestrel74 · Jun 17th, 2003, 01:46 AM

Thanks so much for the information.

Heather

Spy Car · Jun 17th, 2003, 04:12 AM

Heather,

The MC comes with either a 5 speed manual or a CVT. The CVT does have a mode that lets the driver choose "gears" like a "Steptronic" or "Triptronic" but there is no clutch, so its not like you can go from automatic to fully "manual".

The MCS comes with a Getrag 6 speed. IMO this transmission is a absolute marvel and one of the greatest reasons for owning a MCS. The Getrag transmission brings the car up to its full potential.

If you haven't driven a manual previously, the Cooper S is a car that will make the effort to learn a manual pay off in a huge way.

You may want to look at the "Automatic Cooper S?" thread over in the Future Variants" section to read an on going discussion on the (un)desirablity of an auto MCS. It's pretty funny

Good Luck

ayn · Jun 17th, 2003, 04:22 AM

It's kindda against the point of getting a MINI if you get a CVT... MINI is supposed to be FUN to drive, CVT and fun don't go together, IMHO...

It's worth learning how to drive stick for a car like the MINI or the MCS! and boy I'm glad the MCS only comes in 6spd, way to go for BMWNA/MINI! I only wish the regular Cooper only comes in 5spd also... that would eliminate people who buy these cars only because they "look cute"...

I do understand and believe some ppl buy the CVT for good reasons and they are true enthusiasts as well, like if you have more than 2 hours of stop-and-go traffic daily and stuff...

--Andrew

MINIsota_Cuke · Jun 17th, 2003, 05:27 AM

Quote:

It's kindda against the point of getting a MINI if you get a CVT... MINI is supposed to be FUN to drive, CVT and fun don't go together, IMHO...

Probably one of the most ridiculous statements I have ever read on MINI2. I test drove an S and then test drove a CVT a week later. I found the CVT to be just as much FUN without the hassle of shifting in traffic.

Quote:

I only wish the regular Cooper only comes in 5spd also... that would eliminate people who buy these cars only because they "look cute"

Gee, I'm glad that BMW had the foresight to see that maybe some people prefer automatics over manuals.

You are also discrediting the vast amount of technological advances that went into offering a CVT transmission. It is not just another automatic slushbox. In reality, in many ways it is far superior to a manual transmission.

Quote:

I do understand and believe some ppl buy the CVT for good reasons and they are true enthusiasts as well, like if you have more than 2 hours of stop-and-go traffic daily and stuff...

I'm glad I don't have to meet some ludicrous requirement (like driving a minimum of 2 hours a day in stop-and-go traffic) in order to be allowed to buy a CVT.

It really comes down to what enbodies a FUN driving experience for a particular individual. I agree that for some people there is nothing like having the control of meshing your own gears together. For others there is the sheer joy of driving one of the best handling cars on the road without having to shift gears. In the CVT with the alternate steptronic mode, BMW has created a best of both worlds atmosphere.

To Kestrel74: Test drive them both and buy what suits your needs and fun-factor the best.

Shawn

AprilWhine · Jun 17th, 2003, 06:01 AM

This shot would have been impossible if I hadn't been driving a CVT:

Spy Car · Jun 17th, 2003, 06:08 AM

Shawn, While protesting ridiculous statements you go and make one of your own:

Quote:

Originally posted by MINIwannahave
In reality, in many ways it is far superior to a manual transmission.

In what way is a CVT superior?
1) Burns more gas.
2) Gets less performance.
3) Adds a lot of weight.
4) Adds mechanical complexity.
5) Repairs are sure to prove costly and difficult.
6) No clutch.

While we will certainly disagree about #6, in all other ways the CVT is clearly out performed by the manual, so in what way is the CVT "far superior"?

I also don't understand the willingness to give up all the advantages of driver control you get with a manual to avoid the so-called hassles of driving in traffic.

Granted we may not face the kind of big city ttraffic nightmares here in Los Angeles as you do there in Shakopee

but I have never found the manual to be a "hassle".

And I would have to disagree strongly that steptonic represents the 'best of both worlds."

Kestrel74 · Jun 17th, 2003, 07:00 AM

AprilWhine, where were you when you took that pic?
Heather

stryder · Jun 17th, 2003, 07:10 AM

Ok guys, we're not getting into another debate on CVT vs Manual, go look at the other threads and revive one of them, not point in sidetracking a simple question.

AprilWhine · Jun 17th, 2003, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kestrel74
AprilWhine, where were you when you took that pic?
Heather

Hi Heather and welcome to MINI2!

I took that photo while driving the Dragon, the first weekend in May. If you go to the USA National forum, there is a very long thread about the 2003 Dragon Run, and another thread planning for Dragon Run 2004.

You are fairly close down there in FL, you should consider joining the fun next year.

And BTW, love your truck too.

Kestrel74 · Jun 17th, 2003, 07:46 AM

Aprilwhine...thanks for the info. Glad you like the truck. It's been through alot before I became it's owner. It used to pull our horse trailer (now have a ford f-250 for that), used to drag race, and was driven by my husband to deliver furniture throughout the state! Everyone tells me it wouldn't have made it to 195,000 miles if I hadn't started driving it! lol

But, I know soon enough my luck and the truck's will run out and I'll have to buy something else. I like UNIQUE and the mini seems interesting, that's why I joined this message board to get all the info I can. I don't have a set date for when I purchase one, but I can say it's the day the Lightning dies

AprilWhine · Jun 17th, 2003, 08:07 AM

If you want something truly unique, you should consider ordering your MINI exactly as you want it. That's the only way I could have a silk green with green leather.

As you browse this board, you will see some color schemes that have a different slant. One person ordered his liquid yellow MCS with a lapis blue interior, for his school colors. And a member from London has a yellow MC with the red interior. Makes me think of McDs every time I see it!

MINIsota_Cuke · Jun 17th, 2003, 08:21 AM

Stryder is right. We need to take this debate elsewhere. I'll respond to some of your points in the Automatic Cooper S thread.

You will notice that I didn't attack your comment. It was ayn who made the outlandish statements. I think even you will agree that BMW would be fools not to offer some type of automatic version of the MINI.

Finally, just an FYI: Shakopee is currently the fastest growing suburb of Minneapolis. I once made it to the Metrodome on a Sunday morning in just over 20 minutes, however on a weekday with ongoing construction the commute can take well over an hour.

Shawn

AprilWhine · Jun 17th, 2003, 08:32 AM

Guys, have some sympathy for a new poster and please take your fight outside.

I've got my popcorn ready for the next round in the automatic Cooper S thread!

ayn · Jun 17th, 2003, 08:38 AM

Well, to the original poster: just go test drive both and buy/order the one you like most, problem solved... :thumbup:

Sorry to have stirred up such a flame, for those who know me from other bimmer boards, they would know that I made the biggest mistake having ordered the Steptronic in my 2001 330Ci, it was no fun at all, and at the track it sometimes couldn't hold onto a gear and shifted for me at turns and stuff, very scary... I sold that and got a 5spd instead, and I'm much happier... and really can't see myself driving a car with a torque converter again... I test drove the SMGII and would even prefer having a clutch pedal (6spd) than having a computer manages all that for me, unless of course the car will be mostly for the track.

Anyway, it was only my past experience that having a torque converter is no fun... but to each his/her own, I apologize if I offended any CVT owners out there...

--Andrew

MINIsota_Cuke · Jun 17th, 2003, 08:55 AM

Thank you, Andrew.
I'll take that apology even though I am not a Cooper CVT owner, yet. Sorry I got a little hot with my response.

Heather,
You mentioned waiting to get your MINI when your truck dies. If you are planning on ordering one to your specs, you might want to check and see how long the wait will be at your dealer. Especially if you decide to get an S - the wait could be several months.

Shawn

ncdave · Jun 17th, 2003, 09:07 AM

Heather - I would drive both and make up your mind. The manual in the MC is truly one of the easiest sticks to drive.

AprilWhine - how did you get emerald green leather on your silk green? I was lusting after that combo when I ordered mine and was told that green leather wasn't available. Too late now, and I love my SG with panther profile but I was just wondering . . . Any interior pics?

Spy Car · Jun 17th, 2003, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MINIwannahave
I think even you will agree that BMW would be fools not to offer some type of automatic version of the MINI.

No I would not

See you in the Automatic Cooper S thread

Heather I hope this helped

Spy Car · Jun 17th, 2003, 10:55 AM

Did I mention, Welcome to MINI2!!!

Jun 17th, 2003, 01:22 AM	#1
Kestrel74 MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Florida Local Time: 12:02 AM Posts: 5 Offline	Not a MINI owner yet, a question... Hi everyone, I am going to be due for a new vehicle soon and have been considering the mini. I am very new to these cars and have probably what you would call a silly question...I just want to make sure I have this right; the Mini Cooper has a CVT where you can drive it like an automatic and change to manual if you like. And the Cooper S only has a manual transmission? I was hoping the S has a cvt also but can't seem to find that anywhere...seems like from what I've read it has only a manual. Is this correct? Thank you so much for the info. I know my current truck is on it's last legs. Still going strong but a 1994 Ford Lightning with 195,000 miles can only go for so long. lol. Now, you're all probably thinking, why go from a 'race' truck to a MINI? Well, this was originally my husband's truck and now it's mine. I don't race it, just enjoy driving it. I like it but just want to go with something UNIQUE and that gets more than 11 miles per gallon in the city! Thanks, Heather

Jun 17th, 2003, 01:40 AM	#2 (permalink)
stryder Sponsor/Moderator/Other Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Cleveland Local Time: 12:02 AM Posts: 3,358 Offline	Welcome to MINI2. You can't get an S with anything except a 6 speed manual. (The general view is the CVT can't handle the torque) Many people will suggest you just get a manual, even if you can't drive one, you can learn. Ignoring that idea, the CVT has 'gears' (since its totally variable by design, the gears are actually just set points in its variability) that you can select if you chose that mode, otherwise it drives similar to a normal automatic that it chooses the ratio for you and you only handle gas and brake. I'd very much suggest test driving one if you're interested in how they work. You may want to try the search feature for cvt for more info, also, if you write more specific subjects, you'll get better responses. Magic 8-ball was correct. All be in awe of Magic 8 ball.

Jun 17th, 2003, 04:22 AM	#5 (permalink)
ayn Gone Motoring! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Bay Area, CA Local Time: 12:02 AM Posts: 140 Offline	It's kindda against the point of getting a MINI if you get a CVT... MINI is supposed to be FUN to drive, CVT and fun don't go together, IMHO... It's worth learning how to drive stick for a car like the MINI or the MCS! and boy I'm glad the MCS only comes in 6spd, way to go for BMWNA/MINI! I only wish the regular Cooper only comes in 5spd also... that would eliminate people who buy these cars only because they "look cute"... I do understand and believe some ppl buy the CVT for good reasons and they are true enthusiasts as well, like if you have more than 2 hours of stop-and-go traffic daily and stuff... --Andrew 2005 Evolution MR 2004 MINI Cooper S 2003 OB/NB 330Ci (sold) 2001 SB/Tan 330Ci (sold)

Jun 17th, 2003, 05:27 AM	#6 (permalink)
MINIsota_Cuke MINI2 Regular Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Twin Cities, MN Local Time: 12:02 AM Posts: 117 Offline	In response to ayn's post Quote: It's kindda against the point of getting a MINI if you get a CVT... MINI is supposed to be FUN to drive, CVT and fun don't go together, IMHO... Probably one of the most ridiculous statements I have ever read on MINI2. I test drove an S and then test drove a CVT a week later. I found the CVT to be just as much FUN without the hassle of shifting in traffic. Quote: I only wish the regular Cooper only comes in 5spd also... that would eliminate people who buy these cars only because they "look cute" Gee, I'm glad that BMW had the foresight to see that maybe some people prefer automatics over manuals. You are also discrediting the vast amount of technological advances that went into offering a CVT transmission. It is not just another automatic slushbox. In reality, in many ways it is far superior to a manual transmission. Quote: I do understand and believe some ppl buy the CVT for good reasons and they are true enthusiasts as well, like if you have more than 2 hours of stop-and-go traffic daily and stuff... I'm glad I don't have to meet some ludicrous requirement (like driving a minimum of 2 hours a day in stop-and-go traffic) in order to be allowed to buy a CVT. It really comes down to what enbodies a FUN driving experience for a particular individual. I agree that for some people there is nothing like having the control of meshing your own gears together. For others there is the sheer joy of driving one of the best handling cars on the road without having to shift gears. In the CVT with the alternate steptronic mode, BMW has created a best of both worlds atmosphere. To Kestrel74: Test drive them both and buy what suits your needs and fun-factor the best. Shawn '03 Cooper "Aileen" Silk Green/White, CVT, Premium, Sport, Cold Weather, Xenons "All things being equal, I'd rather be in a MINI." . . . Me

Jun 17th, 2003, 06:01 AM	#7 (permalink)
AprilWhine Loves the Fuzzy One Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Gypsy Local Time: 11:02 PM Posts: 16,915 Offline	This shot would have been impossible if I hadn't been driving a CVT: Attached Thumbnails Global Moderator

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Jun 17th, 2003, 01:46 AM	#3 (permalink)
Kestrel74 MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Florida Local Time: 12:02 AM Posts: 5 Offline	Thanks so much for the information. Heather

Jun 17th, 2003, 04:12 AM	#4 (permalink)
Spy Car I miss Ruthie Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: City of the Angels Local Time: 10:02 PM Posts: 6,359 Offline	Heather, The MC comes with either a 5 speed manual or a CVT. The CVT does have a mode that lets the driver choose "gears" like a "Steptronic" or "Triptronic" but there is no clutch, so its not like you can go from automatic to fully "manual". The MCS comes with a Getrag 6 speed. IMO this transmission is a absolute marvel and one of the greatest reasons for owning a MCS. The Getrag transmission brings the car up to its full potential. If you haven't driven a manual previously, the Cooper S is a car that will make the effort to learn a manual pay off in a huge way. You may want to look at the "Automatic Cooper S?" thread over in the Future Variants" section to read an on going discussion on the (un)desirablity of an auto MCS. It's pretty funny Good Luck

Jun 17th, 2003, 06:08 AM	#8 (permalink)
Spy Car I miss Ruthie Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: City of the Angels Local Time: 10:02 PM Posts: 6,359 Offline	Shawn, While protesting ridiculous statements you go and make one of your own: Quote: Originally posted by MINIwannahave In reality, in many ways it is far superior to a manual transmission. In what way is a CVT superior? 1) Burns more gas. 2) Gets less performance. 3) Adds a lot of weight. 4) Adds mechanical complexity. 5) Repairs are sure to prove costly and difficult. 6) No clutch. While we will certainly disagree about #6, in all other ways the CVT is clearly out performed by the manual, so in what way is the CVT "far superior"? I also don't understand the willingness to give up all the advantages of driver control you get with a manual to avoid the so-called hassles of driving in traffic. Granted we may not face the kind of big city ttraffic nightmares here in Los Angeles as you do there in Shakopee but I have never found the manual to be a "hassle". And I would have to disagree strongly that steptonic represents the 'best of both worlds."

Jun 17th, 2003, 07:00 AM	#9 (permalink)
Kestrel74 MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Florida Local Time: 12:02 AM Posts: 5 Offline	AprilWhine, where were you when you took that pic? Heather

Jun 17th, 2003, 07:10 AM	#10 (permalink)
stryder Sponsor/Moderator/Other Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Cleveland Local Time: 12:02 AM Posts: 3,358 Offline	Ok guys, we're not getting into another debate on CVT vs Manual, go look at the other threads and revive one of them, not point in sidetracking a simple question. Magic 8-ball was correct. All be in awe of Magic 8 ball.

Jun 17th, 2003, 07:28 AM	#11 (permalink)
AprilWhine Loves the Fuzzy One Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Gypsy Local Time: 11:02 PM Posts: 16,915 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by Kestrel74 AprilWhine, where were you when you took that pic? Heather Hi Heather and welcome to MINI2! I took that photo while driving the Dragon, the first weekend in May. If you go to the USA National forum, there is a very long thread about the 2003 Dragon Run, and another thread planning for Dragon Run 2004. You are fairly close down there in FL, you should consider joining the fun next year. And BTW, love your truck too. Global Moderator

Jun 17th, 2003, 07:46 AM	#12 (permalink)
Kestrel74 MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Florida Local Time: 12:02 AM Posts: 5 Offline	Aprilwhine...thanks for the info. Glad you like the truck. It's been through alot before I became it's owner. It used to pull our horse trailer (now have a ford f-250 for that), used to drag race, and was driven by my husband to deliver furniture throughout the state! Everyone tells me it wouldn't have made it to 195,000 miles if I hadn't started driving it! lol But, I know soon enough my luck and the truck's will run out and I'll have to buy something else. I like UNIQUE and the mini seems interesting, that's why I joined this message board to get all the info I can. I don't have a set date for when I purchase one, but I can say it's the day the Lightning dies

Jun 17th, 2003, 08:07 AM	#13 (permalink)
AprilWhine Loves the Fuzzy One Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Gypsy Local Time: 11:02 PM Posts: 16,915 Offline	If you want something truly unique, you should consider ordering your MINI exactly as you want it. That's the only way I could have a silk green with green leather. As you browse this board, you will see some color schemes that have a different slant. One person ordered his liquid yellow MCS with a lapis blue interior, for his school colors. And a member from London has a yellow MC with the red interior. Makes me think of McDs every time I see it! Global Moderator

Jun 17th, 2003, 08:21 AM	#14 (permalink)
MINIsota_Cuke MINI2 Regular Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Twin Cities, MN Local Time: 12:02 AM Posts: 117 Offline	Hey, Spy Stick! (whoops, I mean car) Stryder is right. We need to take this debate elsewhere. I'll respond to some of your points in the Automatic Cooper S thread. You will notice that I didn't attack your comment. It was ayn who made the outlandish statements. I think even you will agree that BMW would be fools not to offer some type of automatic version of the MINI. Finally, just an FYI: Shakopee is currently the fastest growing suburb of Minneapolis. I once made it to the Metrodome on a Sunday morning in just over 20 minutes, however on a weekday with ongoing construction the commute can take well over an hour. Shawn '03 Cooper "Aileen" Silk Green/White, CVT, Premium, Sport, Cold Weather, Xenons "All things being equal, I'd rather be in a MINI." . . . Me

Jun 17th, 2003, 08:32 AM	#15 (permalink)
AprilWhine Loves the Fuzzy One Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Gypsy Local Time: 11:02 PM Posts: 16,915 Offline	Guys, have some sympathy for a new poster and please take your fight outside. I've got my popcorn ready for the next round in the automatic Cooper S thread! Global Moderator

Jun 17th, 2003, 08:38 AM	#16 (permalink)
ayn Gone Motoring! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Bay Area, CA Local Time: 12:02 AM Posts: 140 Offline	Well, to the original poster: just go test drive both and buy/order the one you like most, problem solved... :thumbup: Sorry to have stirred up such a flame, for those who know me from other bimmer boards, they would know that I made the biggest mistake having ordered the Steptronic in my 2001 330Ci, it was no fun at all, and at the track it sometimes couldn't hold onto a gear and shifted for me at turns and stuff, very scary... I sold that and got a 5spd instead, and I'm much happier... and really can't see myself driving a car with a torque converter again... I test drove the SMGII and would even prefer having a clutch pedal (6spd) than having a computer manages all that for me, unless of course the car will be mostly for the track. Anyway, it was only my past experience that having a torque converter is no fun... but to each his/her own, I apologize if I offended any CVT owners out there... --Andrew 2005 Evolution MR 2004 MINI Cooper S 2003 OB/NB 330Ci (sold) 2001 SB/Tan 330Ci (sold)

Jun 17th, 2003, 08:55 AM	#17 (permalink)
MINIsota_Cuke MINI2 Regular Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Twin Cities, MN Local Time: 12:02 AM Posts: 117 Offline	Thank you, Andrew. I'll take that apology even though I am not a Cooper CVT owner, yet. Sorry I got a little hot with my response. Heather, You mentioned waiting to get your MINI when your truck dies. If you are planning on ordering one to your specs, you might want to check and see how long the wait will be at your dealer. Especially if you decide to get an S - the wait could be several months. Shawn '03 Cooper "Aileen" Silk Green/White, CVT, Premium, Sport, Cold Weather, Xenons "All things being equal, I'd rather be in a MINI." . . . Me

Jun 17th, 2003, 09:07 AM	#18 (permalink)
ncdave MINI2 Senior Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Raleigh, NC Local Time: 01:02 AM Posts: 654 Offline	Heather - I would drive both and make up your mind. The manual in the MC is truly one of the easiest sticks to drive. AprilWhine - how did you get emerald green leather on your silk green? I was lusting after that combo when I ordered mine and was told that green leather wasn't available. Too late now, and I love my SG with panther profile but I was just wondering . . . Any interior pics?

Jun 17th, 2003, 10:52 AM	#19 (permalink)
Spy Car I miss Ruthie Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: City of the Angels Local Time: 10:02 PM Posts: 6,359 Offline	Re: Hey, Spy Stick! (whoops, I mean car) Quote: Originally posted by MINIwannahave I think even you will agree that BMW would be fools not to offer some type of automatic version of the MINI. No I would not See you in the Automatic Cooper S thread Heather I hope this helped

Jun 17th, 2003, 10:55 AM	#20 (permalink)
Spy Car I miss Ruthie Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: City of the Angels Local Time: 10:02 PM Posts: 6,359 Offline	Did I mention, Welcome to MINI2!!!

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