Was the S always availible with an auto? I swear it always was, but someone is telling me they didn't start selling an auto S until 2005. Links to support the true history greatly appreciated.
Another option introduced in the 2005 model year MCS (starting with 01.05 builds) was the much debated Aisin 6-speed automatic gearbox. The gearbox offered mediocre performance (almost a full second slower than manual cars) but allowed for easy operation in heavy traffic. It also featured paddle shifters that allowed for a semi-manual option. In the real world however, the computer still would over-rule this manual control from time to time. While it was a welcome option for some, it was derided by most in the MINI community as pandering to the US market. Yet that didn't stop as many as 50% of soon to be MINI owners from checking the box on the ordering sheet.
OK if someone could find something that shows the S always had an auto tranny that would be great. But it looks like I got some crow to eat.
The Aisin autobox in the Cooper S came out in 2005. I ordered a 2005 Electric Blue/White MINI Cooper S automatic because I didn't know how to drive stick at the time. I was going to order a Justa for that reason until I learned that they just introduced the autobox on the Cooper S. And I can attest to the fact that the autobox did make the car slow, which is why I purchased a brand new late-build 6-speed manual 2006 MINI Cooper S off the lot in early 2007, and learned to drive it - in Boston - over a weekend.
That is one of the biggest things Robb always complains about with the S. "the way they ruined it by allowing it to be an automatic when it didn't used to be an option"
Yeah Robb has changed his tune a little bit now but at the time the auto S came out he was a "purist" lol He still doesn't care for driving any automatic "sporty" car including mine
I saw the title of this thread and thought it was about my checkered past. Having been accused of being an S Tranny a time or two. Both times by minimark.
I always wanted an MCS, but the wife doesn't drive a stick, so I settled for an MCSa. I bought an '06 in '06 and don't think I'll ever go back to a stick. The BMW MCS got the automatic in '05...it was either go that way or put a ...gasp...CVT into it. I'll take the automatic I have in my MCSa anyday.