[pixie1224]

I was a proud 2002 Mini Cooper owner up until yesterday morning, when my car stopped running on the way to work. I stopped at a traffic light, went to accelerate, the car rumbled, i heard a pop and then a wind down sound and that was it. My car would rev but would not move forward or backward.

Not knowing what to do, I had it towed to my dealership, which is 20 miles away from where I broke down. I have always been loyal to them and I was trying to do the right thing. A few hours later, I get a phone call that my transmission went - in a car that has under 60,000 miles. They couldn't tell me what was wrong with it. They said they don't repair transmissions, they don't look at them, NOTHING. They only replace them and the cost to do the job is 7000.00.

My warrantee expired at 50,000 miles. I have always taken great care of my car, getting maintenace checks, purchasing the extended warrantee, etc. and everytime I needed anything for the car - new windshield, new tires, etc. I have ALWAYS taken it to my dealership. And now they are telling me that I am out of luck and if I want my car fixed, I will have to pay that amount.

I started to look around onlline and realized that other people have had the same problem as myself. So I called service and they would only come down 1000.00 dollars.
I still feel as though this is UNACCEPTABLE. So I've moved on to corporate... We will see how far I get. I don't want to give up my MINI but I can't justify spending that much on the repair.

I am still so sad that MY car, the car that I have LOVED and treated so well, is no longer in running condition and I had no warning. No lights came on, nothing. I still owe 4000.00 on the car, so to repair it for 7000.00 when it is only worth around 11,000 book value right now, seems wrong.

I'm just not sure how to proceed, and in the meantime, I have no vehicle to drive, yet I am still paying for one. It just doesn't seem fair. I am wondering if anyone else with the same problem has any advice, as I need some insight on what to do next. I am at a loss.

Thanks.

[Tio Barry]

You mentioned that you bought the extended warranty - does that cover your problem?

[moskv]

Dear Sirs,

I would like to ask you, maybe somebody knows...

When I change automatic transmission fluid, I need reset adaptation values .

How can I do it ?

Maybe I can do it without BMW tester? Like on old models of BMW , we can make reset by ground pin 7 for reset service light???

Thanks for any answers.

Andrey

[yellowminijim]

There are suggestions on resetting the miles-to-next service on other threads here at mini2.com. I printed them out some time ago, but can't put my hands on them right now. You might try the Search feature, as it works well. Cheers!

[yellowminijim]

Pixie,

There are a couple of threads on mini2.com about CVT failure. The posts I've seen from people who got BMW to come down from $7000 had them coming down $2-3,000. I seem to recall some of them getting the run around from the dealer and only getting the larger discount when they went to corporate. Hope it works out for you!

[aiiee]

Quote: Originally Posted by MightyBoognish (original)

Hello MINI CVT owners! My 2003 CVT has 47,000 miles on it and seems to be running fine... however, once in a long while, while driving I think I feel a slip in the tranny...the RPMs don't fluctuate, but the car seems to slip for a second or two, like as if the tranny went into neutral for a second or two. Could this be a slipping CVT belt?

My question to everyone who has had CVT failure: Were there any noticeable signs of impending CVT failure, or was everything same as usual and then just "Wham! CVT failure out of the blue!"

Because if there are signs and symptoms, it would be great to know what to look out for.

Thanks.

Motor on!

-MightyBoognish

Mine hasn't failed yet, but it is making a thrumming, growling kind of noise indicating unusual friction. I expect it to fail soon. MINI has washed their hands of me, and refused any help whatsoever, so this will be my last MINI. I can't afford to just drop $7000 at the drop of a hat.

[Caypay]

Long story short, and I apologize for the cross posts because this is also on NAM and Metroplexmini.org:

Monday, with 70900 miles and change, my 04 CVT tranny died. Randomly. No warning, no smells, one short and quite noise, and that was it. It seems as if ya'll have heard this type of story before, only, here's a new twist:

My MINI dealer wants $10,000 to replace it. I was told $6200 - $6800 for a new tranny, $3500 for labor, plus taxes.

That's not including the labor it is to find out what the problem is (I don't know what that is as of yet).

I am calling MINIUSA in the morning, but even at half price, that's a good chunk of change. I've never had any problems, and I love my MINI. I'm at a total loss and have no idea what to do.

If ya'll have any ideas, suggestions, people to call, or any other creative solutions, I am all ears.

Thanx!!

[wils]

Quote: Originally Posted by Caypay (original)

Long story short, and I apologize for the cross posts because this is also on NAM and Metroplexmini.org:

Monday, with 70900 miles and change, my 04 CVT tranny died. Randomly. No warning, no smells, one short and quite noise, and that was it. It seems as if ya'll have heard this type of story before, only, here's a new twist:

My MINI dealer wants $10,000 to replace it. I was told $6200 - $6800 for a new tranny, $3500 for labor, plus taxes.

That's not including the labor it is to find out what the problem is (I don't know what that is as of yet).

I am calling MINIUSA in the morning, but even at half price, that's a good chunk of change. I've never had any problems, and I love my MINI. I'm at a total loss and have no idea what to do.

If ya'll have any ideas, suggestions, people to call, or any other creative solutions, I am all ears.

Thanx!!

04 CVT? u should still be under warranty? and even if ur not, it should JUST be out of warranty.
that's not good enough in my opinion, i would complain and get that fixed for free. no way a 2 and a bit year old tranny should be going kapoot like that
if ur dealer says no, take it up with someone higher, if they say no, take it up with someone even higher. bmwusa would have some sort of customer service thing that u could get someone's attention at. no way would i be paying $10,000+ to fix something that shouldn't have happened in the first place.

same thing happened to me, 2year something car, tranny went bye bye, but luckily i had just extended my warranty and the dealer was cool abt it and changed it for me, but they said it would only cost $7000ish? maybe that was just for parts but i'm in australia so conversion rates etc, shouldn't be more than $5000ish for u?

good luck getting it sorted mate, it's the worst when there's no warning and it just stuffs up

[bethandlouis]

When my tranny went I talked to my SA and told him that there seemed to be a rash of CVT failures (backed up by this thread). He really went to bat for me with MINIUSA and got them to go halfs with me. But it was half of $7500 not $10,000. It's hard when you have a newish car not far put of warranty and something happens. I was told that MINIUSA may be aware of early build CVT problems (mine is an early 03 build) so I don't know if 04 is still an early build. We are going to trade mine in next year and I'm getting a manual.

[Caypay]

Little update:

I’m still in negotiations with MINIUSA and MINI of Dallas. I’ve spent most of the week playing phone tag with them and finally got an answer late Friday. I am hoping to have some sort of decision by Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest.

As suggested by a member of NAM, I have looked into the nhtsa.com and Consumer Affairs Online to see the complaints about the CVT transmissions. There are a few. Also, you may have noticed my other postings calling for people who have had to have their tranny replaced. I would like to get some sort of head count that would show that MINIUSA has some knowledge of this problem and hope to bring costs own further.

If you think of anything else that I can/should do, I am all ears. And, if there are any other forums out there with CVT threads, I’ll be more than willing to take a look at those.

As always, I will keep ya’ll updated.

Thanx, and Happy Motoring!

[DaFlake]

FIrst, 70000 miles on a tranny is not bad. Secondly you are WAY out of warranty so I wouldn't even consider going to a dealer for repairs as they are going to be WAY over priced as you are finding out. Have you tried finding a local mechanic that is wiling to work on it? I'm willing to bet that it would be a lot cheaper...

[AprilWhine]

Have you looked into buying a rebuilt CVT and replacing it yourself? Someone else here did that and it was fairly cheap. He documented the procedure very well too.

I don't think you have a case against MINIUSA, 70k miles on a transmission isn't bad. The CVT isn't as robust as the Aisen, but it still made it to the end of the warrenty.

[DOT191]

I have a 2003 MC. It has the CVT. I bought New. Took deliverly on 03/01/03. I have not had ONE
problem with the Mini. It has been trouble free. I must admit i am now concerned About the CVT
after reading the problems listed here. Hope it does not happen ,but if it does , i guess will have to deal with it. I am not to thrilled with the 2007,s so purchasing a New one would not be an option for me.

HAFPINT

[Caypay]

Quote: Originally Posted by Flakemeister (original)

FIrst, 70000 miles on a tranny is not bad. Secondly you are WAY out of warranty so I wouldn't even consider going to a dealer for repairs as they are going to be WAY over priced as you are finding out. Have you tried finding a local mechanic that is wiling to work on it? I'm willing to bet that it would be a lot cheaper...

Parts alone are looking to be about $6800, so while it may be cheaper, it's still a good chunk of change. There are only 2 independent mechanics who know and are willing to do a CVT swap that I have found. Both are asking a lot in labor too.

And, since I drive a lot -- I have had a Pontiac that had rolled over on miles once and the tranny died at around 250K miles, a Chrysler that I put 150 + miles on in 6 years, and a Toyota Camry that has 250 + miles and counting, then 70K shouldn't be a problem. My MINI dealer also agrees, saying that a failure at this point shouldn't have happened. My SA actually advised me to ask around and call MINIUSA about the problem.

I thought that I was alone in the problem, but the more I read, the more other MINI owners I find who had the same problem. I'm just trying to see what they did and how they got MINIUSA to help them. I just want to know if this is the more common problem than most people believe it to be; not only to help myself, but to help anyone else who may be in the same situation as me in the future. And to let other people know of the issue to help them decide, much as I am, what do to with the CVT once it gets fixed (if it does).

Quote: Originally Posted by AprilWhine (original)

Have you looked into buying a rebuilt CVT and replacing it yourself? Someone else here did that and it was fairly cheap. He documented the procedure very well too.

I don't think you have a case against MINIUSA, 70k miles on a transmission isn't bad. The CVT isn't as robust as the Aisen, but it still made it to the end of the warrenty.

Buying it rebuilt, is looking to run between $4400-$5200, plus additional parts that need to be replaced. I have no mechanical knowledge, so doing it myself isn't an option. I'm not trying to build a case against MINIUSA, just asking for help, and thought it would be better to ask for that help with a little more than general knowledge. It's that whole knowledge is power thing.

Again, having a tranny make it to warranty or just having 70K miles, doesn't seem right to me. When I bought my MINI, they laughed when I told them how much I drive, but soon found out that I wasn't kidding when I hit 36K within a year and a half. After which, they still assured me that the high mileage wouldn't be a problem. Having my tranny fail was just as much a surprise to them as it was to me. Even though this has happened, my relationship with my dealer and MINIUSA is fine, there are no harsh feelings on either side -- we are just trying to work together to find a good solution.

[DaFlake]

Quote: Originally Posted by Caypay (original)

Parts alone are looking to be about $6800,

And, since I drive a lot -- I have had a Pontiac that had rolled over on miles once and the tranny died at around 250K miles, a Chrysler that I put 150 + miles on in 6 years, and a Toyota Camry that has 250 + miles and counting, then 70K shouldn't be a problem. My MINI dealer also agrees, saying that a failure at this point shouldn't have happened. My SA actually advised me to ask around and call MINIUSA about the problem.

I'm not sure who you are talking too, but that still seems very high to me for parts.

As for the other cars, consider yourself lucky. I am willing to bet that all of those cars were a standard automatic and not a CVT. Standard transmissions usually make it between 70 and 120K miles. I had a Ford Escort that only made it to about 85K before the first clutch plate and throw out bearning were replace. I still can't understand why you are dealing with the dealer on this.

What has MINIUSA said about it? Your problems are that you are out of warranty so I am not sure what you are going to get from the community. It sounds like you have been given good advice on rebuilds or repair. If you haven't spoken to a tranmission specialist then that should be your next step. Find one that can recommend the best course of action.

[AndrewH]

Quote: Originally Posted by Flakemeister (original)

As for the other cars, consider yourself lucky. I am willing to bet that all of those cars were a standard automatic and not a CVT. Standard transmissions usually make it between 70 and 120K miles. I had a Ford Escort that only made it to about 85K before the first clutch plate and throw out bearning were replace. I still can't understand why you are dealing with the dealer on this.

There is a big difference between replacing a clutch and throw out bearing and a transmission FWIW, I had an 81 Mazda 626 which was a family car hand-me-down that had over 525,000 kilometres on the clock when I sold it and it was still running on the original auto transmission quite happily

Although it's not an auto tranny, I would personally consider a CVT failing after just 70000 miles to be very poor

[Caypay]

Quote: Originally Posted by Flakemeister (original)

I'm not sure who you are talking too, but that still seems very high to me for parts.

I have talked to a number of dealers in the US, and a number of places that sell reman CVT for MINI. The price ranges, for both new and reman, from $4400 - $6800. Besides slavage yards, which isn't much of a price difference, I have not found a place that imports the CVT that goes in MINIs. If you know of one, please let me know as my efforts have been firutless.

Quote: Originally Posted by Flakemeister (original)

IAs for the other cars, consider yourself lucky. I am willing to bet that all of those cars were a standard automatic and not a CVT. I still can't understand why you are dealing with the dealer on this.

You're right, my other cars are/were a standard automatic transmisson. I understand that there is a difference. I'm dealing with the dealer because, in the midst of being literally in the middle of no where, that's where I had my car towed to (66 miles away), all other options were at least double that. I have always dealt with the dealer first, I have never had a problem with them. Again, they are the ones who orginally suggested that I ask other people in the MINI community, shop around, and call MINIUSA.

Quote: Originally Posted by Flakemeister (original)

What has MINIUSA said about it? Your problems are that you are out of warranty so I am not sure what you are going to get from the community. It sounds like you have been given good advice on rebuilds or repair. If you haven't spoken to a tranmission specialist then that should be your next step. Find one that can recommend the best course of action.

MINIUSA has given me the impression that they are truly surprised that my tranny failed like it did and with ONLY 70k miles on it. They have also told me that they would help, gave me an offer, and a few days to think about it or come up with another option. They also suggested that I ask around and explore all options before getting back with them. I have talked to MINIUSA on a regular basis about what's going on and what I am doing, they totally understand and agree with my course of action. I am simply trying to make sure that I cover all my basis and exhaust all resources. Again, I am not trying to build a case, involve lawyers or resort to slander -- I am just looking for information. The relationship between myself and MINI is still good, has open communication, and respectful on all parts.

As far as a transmission specialist in the area, or state, that has done CVT/MINI work, they tell me that they have to get the parts from MINI (at the same costs) to guarantee their work. They can really only cut me a deal on labor at this point. Since my car is still in pieces at the dealer, I don't want to pay extra towing until I feel as if I truly understand the situation and the options available to me before I make a decision as to where/who/when/how/if my MINI gets fixed.

Again, if you know of one in Texas that I should call, please let me know.

All I ask from the MINI community is a little bit of guidance, and I figure that the best advice would come from people who have had this problem. When it first happened, I was under the impression that I was one of the FEW (meaning less than 10) people worldwide that this has happened to -- I have found that is not the case. I am simply asking what they did to fix the problem and see if there are any other options I missed. I think that's a basic principle of conflict resolution, and not an unreasonable request.

Best case scenario, I would like to call MINIUSA back and say, "From what I understand, at least X many other CVT MINI owners have had the same problem, and you have done Y for them. Could you at least do that for me?" Or, "I understand that several hundred CVT MINI owners have had the same problem, don't you think that there is a major problem that you should look into and cover most of the repair costs for?"

They could say no, or they could say yes. Either way, I am hoping that it's a better solution than a $7000- $10,000 bill to fix my car when it's valued (at least when it's working) at $12-18 K. And, once it is fixed, I need to know if I will be keeping the car, or selling it due to tranny issues and history. I think that if any of you found yourselves in my position, that you would probably do the same. And I hope that none of you ever have a problem like this and wish everyone many happy motoring miles.

With all that being said, let me repeat this point:
"Again, I am not trying to build a case, involve lawyers or resort to slander -- I am just looking for information. The relationship between myself and MINI is still good, has open communication, and respectful on all parts."

For the few who have, or are thinking about it, please do not send me any more PMs or emails, either here or on NAM, that are negative.

I did not mean to offend anyone, and I am sorry that I have caused such a controversy. Again, I am simply trying to be an informed consumer, not start a smear campaign.

[DaFlake]

Quote: Originally Posted by AndrewH (original)

There is a big difference between replacing a clutch and throw out bearing and a transmission FWIW, I had an 81 Mazda 626 which was a family car hand-me-down that had over 525,000 kilometres on the clock when I sold it and it was still running on the original auto transmission quite happily

Although it's not an auto tranny, I would personally consider a CVT failing after just 70000 miles to be very poor

I doubt that the tranny is totaled to the point that it can't be repaired.... MINI does not work on the trannys, they simply replace them as a unit so that is the reason the price is so high. The point is that it can probably be repaired and not replaced so a specialist should be found. This would be a lot cheaper (but still pricey).

We can argue about when it will or should fail, but the point is that it is a moving part that wears and we don't know how the car was driven. Under normal conditions, a tranny could last a lifetime (my VW Bug had 200K on it), but under harsh driving conditions who knows. I have worked on cars for a while and all I can say is that it varies. I had a guy with a TransAm (while I was in the Army) that would waste a clutch in 30K. How do I know this? Because I replaced it TWICE! Is it possible for the tranny to have had issues due to build? Sure, but at 70K with no complaints lodged against it, it will be hard to argue. I truly feel for this person as I used to make that same trip (Austin to Dallas) and being stuck with a dead car on that road really sucks. Maybe MINI will step up and help as a good will gesture but I am certain that it could be repaired rather than replaced....

[DaFlake]

Quote: Originally Posted by Caypay (original)

MINIUSA has given me the impression that they are truly surprised that my tranny failed like it did and with ONLY 70k miles on it. They have also told me that they would help, gave me an offer, and a few days to think about it or come up with another option.

It sounds like they are really trying to help but remember that they are not obligated to do anything.

Quote: Originally Posted by Caypay (original)

Again, if you know of one in Texas that I should call, please let me know.

Unfortunetly I have not lived in Dallas for a few years now, however, I do remember there being several good import mechs in the Plano/Richardson area.

Quote: Originally Posted by Caypay (original)

All I ask from the MINI community is a little bit of guidance, and I figure that the best advice would come from people who have had this problem. When it first happened, I was under the impression that I was one of the FEW (meaning less than 10) people worldwide that this has happened to -- I have found that is not the case. I am simply asking what they did to fix the problem and see if there are any other options I missed. I think that's a basic principle of conflict resolution, and not an unreasonable request.

Less than 10 is being a little very generours and nowhere near realistic. I would say that out of thousands of cars sold you probably have met less than 100 on these boards that have had problems and most of those were probably in warranty. As for guidance, we are trying to help but I am sure that some people are going to bash you.

Quote: Originally Posted by Caypay (original)

Best case scenario, I would like to call MINIUSA back and say, "From what I understand, at least X many other CVT MINI owners have had the same problem, and you have done Y for them. Could you at least do that for me?" Or, "I understand that several hundred CVT MINI owners have had the same problem, don't you think that there is a major problem that you should look into and cover most of the repair costs for?"

There is no way that MINI or any other dealer would admit fault. If they did, it would require a recall and it sounds statistically that they are well within their margin of error. They have already made an effort by cutting the cost for you. This is for a full tranny, not a repair....

Quote: Originally Posted by Caypay (original)

They could say no, or they could say yes.

I hope they do step up and help you a little more.

Quote: Originally Posted by Caypay (original)

With all that being said, let me repeat this point:
"Again, I am not trying to build a case, involve lawyers or resort to slander -- I am just looking for information. The relationship between myself and MINI is still good, has open communication, and respectful on all parts."

For the few who have, or are thinking about it, please do not send me any more PMs or emails, either here or on NAM, that are negative.

I did not mean to offend anyone, and I am sorry that I have caused such a controversy. Again, I am simply trying to be an informed consumer, not start a smear campaign.

I never thought this at all and if there are people bashing you, you can report them. You have a valid complaint and I was just trying to give you options while at the same time playing the devils advocate. If MINI won't step up to the plate and help you to your liking, I would recommend that you find a really good mechanic and see what they can do. Anytime a car dies like this it is never fun a always expensive. Good luck with your repairs...

[DaFlake]

AH! It has come to my attention that you have actually tracked the car... This tells me a WHOLE lot more. There is no way that a tranny is going to last over 70K under those conditions. I would say that if MINI is offering you a break that you take it and just remember that racing costs big money.

At this point I definitely can say that MINI is off the hook for this one and you are on your own. There is no way that you can compare your car to anyone else that have had issues as the driving conditions variables are too diffrent.

With that said, I would seriously start making some calls to transmission specialists and see if they can help. As big as Dallas is, there has to be someone that can help.