[+++MadMatt+++]

I have owned my BRG 2002 mini a month now, and am very happy with it. But Im a bit overly cautious with driving it, sure I put my foot down, but my gear changes are fairly relaxed, and I dont absolutely burn it.

What im wanting to know is at which point do people change gear from 1st to 2nd, then onto 3rd etc. Caus Id like to get the best experience out of driving it, and I dont want to be stuck in too lower gear for too long as I may be killin the engine. Its prob a really silly question, but its something Ive always wanted to know.

Another habit Ive gotten into is when Im in traffic, and want to edge along and stop I kinda half lift the clutch, apply a bit of gas then move forward, push down clutch then brake, Im worried if i lift the clutch off il smash into car in front or have too litte amount of gas for it to keep running in first.
What am I doing wrong?

Makes me sound like a bit of a novice and prob shouldnt have just admitted that but hey! lol

[+++MadMatt+++]

Anyone going to help me out with this one??

[Darthbladerni]

Efficiently, first gear to second about 2500-3000 rpm. Same the whole way up. Seems to get me about 340 miles on a tank of petrol.

But for fun, change about 4000 rpm, seems decent without wasting petrol.

I have found that fourth gear is best up to about 55mph as fifth gear doesnt pull enough.

Traffic lights just as you said but with more confidence, you wont go flying into the car in front, just a lil bit of gas or even ride the clutch if you are worried but not for too long.

BTW- all this is coming from a MINI one driver who has been driving for under a year

[+++MadMatt+++]

Thanks Darth,



I have been driving for about 5 years, and all my previous cars have been written off due to stupid fools on the road and my last car sucked up a load of water in some local flooding and died, so im a bit nervous driving the most expensive car I have ever owned, but will try to be a bit more confident In it.

Also useful Info on changing gear, will try that next time im out, and see if it feels more natural.Cheers!

[Darthbladerni]

Oh right i understand.

I am aware that it is hard to regain confidence after crashes or even get back into a car. We have had a car sold before because my mum couldnt get back into it after a crash.

[James]

i used to find the clutch in my mini one was very annoying in traffic, it seemed as soon as you lift up on it, it shoots forward and there didnt seem to be a way to slowly edge forward in traffic without riding the clutch...i ended up trading it in for an auto cooper s though

[+++MadMatt+++]

Yeah Crammy thats what Im worried about, as you say 'shoots forward' . I dont really want that happening so I do seem to ride the clutch alot, which I really hate doing! I dont know how much damage this causes?!

[Darthbladerni]

riding the clutch is ok for a short while on flat ground but if your on a slight slope use the accelerator a bit. Just dont let your foot off the clutch fully and it will creep without solely riding the clutch.

[James]

well my clutch did break but it wasn't completely to do with riding it but it probably didnt help

[Mark S]

Hey Mad Matt,

I have just recently purchased a 2003 mini cooper s and is probably the most powerful car i have ever owned so i am just getting used to it although to get the most fun out of it i have been pushing it up to 6 thousand revs. I sometimes think i shouldnt but the mini ans in patricular the s is a sporty car and built for that purpose i guess.

The main thing that sticks out about your post is riding on the clutch which i dont think is great fot the clutch atall, i try to avoid riding on it at all costs if possible!!

Hope my experience hepls.

Mark

[MINI&MERCGUY]

Does anybody notice with the R56 MINI One, when you are driving uphill and changing from first to second and then from second to third, the car snatches into gear?

[Darthbladerni]

Quote: Originally Posted by MiniChilliS (original)

Hey Mad Matt,

I have just recently purchased a 2003 mini cooper s and is probably the most powerful car i have ever owned so i am just getting used to it although to get the most fun out of it i have been pushing it up to 6 thousand revs. I sometimes think i shouldnt but the mini ans in patricular the s is a sporty car and built for that purpose i guess.

The main thing that sticks out about your post is riding on the clutch which i dont think is great fot the clutch atall, i try to avoid riding on it at all costs if possible!!

Hope my experience hepls.

Mark

Yes, riding the clutch is bad!! But as i said, bit of gas then lift the clutch off slowly and it wont jump. He did say he isnt as confident with this car from past experiance of cars. Thats the reason.

[+++MadMatt+++]

Thanks ppl!!

[Woody'sCooper]

Hi Matt

I notice you're from Kent - have you visited Kent And East Sussex MINI Club yet?

[+++MadMatt+++]

Yeah I did have look at it, I watched some of the videos of minis driving round Italy / London. Are you a member?

[MiniOneSam]

Hi mate

I (and a lot of other 'One' owners on here!!) can recommend the Bluefin to you - tell Superchips you're a MINI2 member and they'll knock it down to £270 for you - gives an average 4mpg BETTER and 33bhp increase!! Will help with the fuel, and give you a bit more fun at 4xRPM For the best fun with Bluefin leave it to about 5.5xRPM, but depends how you drive

[Sportspack Mark]

All engines like being revved, thats my excuse anyway

More fun

[jimcupra]

Quote: Originally Posted by Sportspack Mark (original)

All engines like being revved, thats my excuse anyway

More fun

there is a rev limiter use it drive it like you stole it thats my motto

[MiniOneSam]

Quote: Originally Posted by jimcupra (original)

there is a rev limiter use it drive it like you stole it thats my motto

What number does it start bouncing at? Never dared take it that far

[I love MINI, Laura]

I found when I had my MINI One in slow traffic I would just lift the clutch without any gas. The revs are high enough to power the car without cutting out and this way the mini would only be travelling 5mph. Try lifting the clutch without any gas to avoid the lurching forward effect?