| I have a 2002 Cooper CVT. Just topping 134k miles. Two days ago it starting making a whirring noise in the transmission. Got it checked yesterday. They say it's "probably" belt in the transmission and they suggested that I "hope that it goes away" as there is nothing they can do but replace the transmission for $8600 or something. I'm quite devestated. I had some glimmer of hope that maybe it would be okay and just be noisy for a while, but I started searching the MINI2 forums and heard how many people have had their CVT Transmission take a dive so much earlier than mine. It's quite sad as I LOVE my car. I'm practically in tears over the thought of having to get a new car. Right now, their suggestion is to drive it until it dies on me and then buy a new car. I'm completely bummed right this minute. I'm still hoping and praying that the sound goes away, although I'm not quite that naive. | 
