Stock Problems/Issues Discussions related to warranty related issues and repairs, or other problems with the OEM parts and software for MINI Cooper (R50), Cabrio (R52), and Cooper S (R53) MINIs.

05 MCS Slowness

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  #1  
Old 07-02-2005 | 05:56 PM
PayUpSucka's Avatar
PayUpSucka
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From: Portland OR
05 MCS Slowness

I picked up my 05 MCS on 5/30/05, and have noticed that it is fairly slow off the line. I will admit that I am not a pro driver, but even mini vans beat me from a dead stop. Is this typical?

Also, It seems sort of doggish in 1st gear from about 2-3krpm. Anybody else notice this? All the other gears seem to be peppy, but 1st is quite slow. Am I doing anything wrong?

Please let me know... THanks!
 
  #2  
Old 07-02-2005 | 06:55 PM
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BrianGoldbloom
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From: Amboy, WA
In an effort to troubleshoot your situation I have to ask: Are you a veteran of standard transmissions, or are they fairly new to you?

I find that it is significantly harder to get rolling with the AC turned on. You might try turning it off until you are well acquainted with you new car. Then try it with the AC on - this will require a little more gas pedal. In general MINI aren't monsters off the line, but with enough gas pedal it is pretty easy to smoke the tires. It probably just a matter of getting used to the car. Try revving a little higher as you get going, say 2000-2500 (That's a guess - actually I never look at the tach when I getting rolling, I do it by ear).

As far as RPMs are concerned, your engine will not really start to pull until about 3000 RPM.

Good luck
 
  #3  
Old 07-02-2005 | 07:07 PM
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DrBob89
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From: Altadena, CA
Try turning off the stability control. DSC doesn't like wheelspin. Rev to 4000 & let go the clutch. You'll then watch the minivan in your mirrors!
 
  #4  
Old 07-02-2005 | 07:11 PM
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gokartride
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For me learning to launch is a bit tricky in a MINI, slightly more so when the AC is on. I have a "summer launch" that is just the tiniest bit different from my normal launch....I mean tiny. I'd say: explore your launch. May have to raise the revs a little more and then smoothly apply throttle during clutch release. Don't overdo it though.

That said, I pull away from immediately from anything around here in my Cooper. Should be even more so for your MCS.
 
  #5  
Old 07-02-2005 | 07:28 PM
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inimmini
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From: SE PA
I know what you mean about 1st gear being slower than the other gears, and I've driven std trans cars all my life. I'm imagining it has something to do with having a small SC engine. Seems like 1st gear gets the system pressurized and some cool air flowing over the IC, then when you shift in to 2nd wham there is the torque. Get a 15% pulley (or smaller) and a CAI (or HAI) and 1st will be more fun.
 
  #6  
Old 07-02-2005 | 07:50 PM
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vegasdan
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From: Las Vegas, NV
Many factors will affect the way an MCS moves off from a stand still. Hot weather will cause a loss of HP due to the IC being hot due to conditions under the bonnet. AC on will cause a further loss. DSC on will not allow wheel slipage. Finally, you must give it a little more throttle when the first two conditions are present. Best launches-AC temporarily switched off, DSC off and rev it. Oh, and get a 15% pulley, CAI and performance exhaust.
 
  #7  
Old 07-02-2005 | 10:03 PM
PayUpSucka's Avatar
PayUpSucka
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From: Portland OR
Thanks for the input. AC and DSC isnt the problem. I live in Oregon, and it hasn't gotten that hot yet, only 60's .

Do you think that the Mini's work a little different off the line, than most other manual transmission cars? Is what I am experiencing normal for a Mini?

I can spin the tires off the line, and still dont feel like I am moving that fast. It sounds fast, but isn't really all that fast. But like I said, 2nd-5th are really responsive.

Maybe I will try a 15% pully.
 
  #8  
Old 07-03-2005 | 12:37 AM
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kyriian
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From: Toronto, ON
Originally Posted by PayUpSucka
Thanks for the input. AC and DSC isnt the problem. I live in Oregon, and it hasn't gotten that hot yet, only 60's .

Do you think that the Mini's work a little different off the line, than most other manual transmission cars? Is what I am experiencing normal for a Mini?

I can spin the tires off the line, and still dont feel like I am moving that fast. It sounds fast, but isn't really all that fast. But like I said, 2nd-5th are really responsive.

Maybe I will try a 15% pully.
you have an 05 tranny and i can tell you it does make a difference already... my 03 with A/c on in the dread of heat... launching requires me to drop clutch at 3k to make sure i get a good launch... any other rpm i'd bog like a turtle till i get 3 k

like everyone says.. u have to get to know how to launch the mini... i'd agree that minis are never very fast from 1-3k.. but it does get there
 
  #9  
Old 07-03-2005 | 08:39 AM
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mikem53
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From: Charlotte, NC
Originally Posted by DrBob89
Try turning off the stability control. DSC doesn't like wheelspin. Rev to 4000 & let go the clutch. You'll then watch the minivan in your mirrors!
Not a great way to take off the line, especially for a minivan?
Sounds like some time behind the wheel is needed before he figures it out. No need to abuse the driveline to launch. There are much better techniques to leave the line without abusing the car.
 
  #10  
Old 07-03-2005 | 11:51 AM
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kenchan
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yeh, wat are you guys doing 'launching' against a minivan anyway?

I have an 03' and even when I do have the AC on i can keep up
with minivans without dropping the clutch or doing anything special.
Now if they mashed the gas like some crazy middle aged bald
stressed-out looser jealous of others playing around with fun toys
like a MINI, then yeah, the van will accelerate faster cause
I am not doing a full throttle launch...

I think you need to practice how to shift the car without loosing too
much momentum between 1st and 2nd. 05's have closer ratios,
you should be able to easily keep up with minivans than my 03.
 
  #11  
Old 07-03-2005 | 02:27 PM
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BFG9000
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Originally Posted by kenchan
05's have closer ratios
Actually the 05's have wider ratios, which should especially prove helpful in 1st: http://www.mini2.com/forum/faq.php?s...r&titlesonly=1

Really though 2nd-5th are just as slow when the RPMs are as low as you see in 1st. I'll bet the peppiness of the other gears is because the RPMs are higher when you are in those gears.
 
  #12  
Old 07-03-2005 | 03:57 PM
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kenchan
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oops, that's what i meant.
 
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