[btsave]

2002 Mini with CVT

Anyone have problems with the CVT as follows:

1, On start up, when shifting from Park to Drive, RPM's drop off to below 500. It is worst when the AC is on. A couple of times the "service engine soon" & EML(?) light stayed on after going into drive, though the chip memory didn't verify this.
2, When shifting from Park to Drive, with foot on brake, a loud clunk is heard and the car shakes as it goes into gear. This is especially evident when first starting in the morning or after being parked in covered garage during the work day. Car is parked on a level grade.
3, When accelerating, the car is non-responsive (slow) up until 2000 rpms when in the Drive mode. It is much worst when the AC is on. This is a constant problem.
4, When stopped at lights, in Drive with foot on brake, idle begins to "hunt" up and down rather than stay steady at 1000 rpm. You can hear the engine idle charging up and down. It is much worst when the AC is on to the point of almost stalling at times. (Once it actually did stall out!)This problem is becoming worst over time.
5. When braking, car seems to grab at the brakes too quickly, almost jarring one out of the seat, as if the driver was slamming on the brakes.

[foxcasper]

Hello,

THe development CVT boxes were notoriously variable - variable in terms of one box to another (Not as in gear!).

It sounds like your box is putting a higher load than expected on the engine (especially in idle area).

I'm a bit rusty on CVT stuff bnow, but it could be:

- something stuck in the box - there are a few solenoids that alter things inside the box that could increase the load - unfortunately can't remmeber the names of them (secondary..?,

- dirty oil was a problem on development boxes - that caused a lot of problems - mainly increased load and 'thumping into gear.

- there is possibly a state where when you have your foot on the brake and come to a stop in Drive, that the box goes into 'N' to save fuel etc.

- maybe that is not happening.

The ECM controls the gearbox, so its unlikely it would be controlling it to give a higher load than expected - its likely that there is something mechanically or hydraulically wrong with the box to make it differ form the norm.

Your description of the MIL and EML lamps is correct for the bulb check - after starting the engine they will remain on for a small period of time, and switch off - the EML takes longer to switch off than the MIL.

There will defienitely be a code stored if soemthing has happened (and retained for a t least 40 warm-up cycles of the car. Try checking temporary codes as well as confirmred (Mode $7 as well as Mode $3).

As I say I'm not 100% on this subject - get in touch with your dealer though.

[PigLick]

Darn darn darn, up until now I've heard of no problems with the CVT (which I plan to get) and I was hoping none would develop.

I know several other people have had problems with some sort of fuel sensor that caused some problems similar to some of the things indicated here, perhaps it could also be some sort of sensor problem? Just a shot in the dark, I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to car mechanics (especially modern electronically-controlled cars), but it seemed like a plausible possibility.

PigLick

[MiNiGuY]

Sounds like the car may need to see your dealer unfortunately.
See how it goes, if the problems continue in the next couple of days then it needs attention.
Your description sounds engine related rather than box.
Sounds like a Flywheel sensor to ecu communication problem but of course it could be anything.
As for the brakes, it doesn't sound like a problem - cvt brakes are much more aggressive than manual mini at lower speeds. Excellent brakes - familiarity and gentle pedal control are the key.
I've been caught out a couple of times - 15mph-0 instantly!!
Hope it's sorted soon.

[Mini Tech]

Sound pretty normal to me, obviously take it to the dealer and have it checked, but more than likely they will find nothing wrong. The CVT takes some getting used to and will tend to act "funny" compared to "normal" transmissions. About the only thing I can think they can do is raise the idle 100-200 RPM to keep it from dying out. Until a new DME update comes out you will pretty much have to live with these tendencies.

I will agree that the engine is really bogged down by the A/C, especially in CVT form. Unfortunately, again, pretty much normal.

[btsave]

Just an update, the dealer has a Factory Service rep scheduled to review the car for this problem as well as the paint problem. Anyone have experience with MINI Factory Reps? Do they really try to solve problems or are they just for show?

Bart

[btsave]

Just another update, after my CVT being in the Dealership since Last week,(YES they gave me loaner 2002 BMW 330i... )
Monday of this week the Factory Rep, head honcho viewed the car....
This morning, Wednesday, I was contacted that "Techs from BMW" were coming into the service center to work on the car themselves...

I appreciate the service...but if it's this hard to diagnosis/ repair a problem, can I really feel secure in this car?

Comments welcome.

Bart


www.worldsearch.cc

[btsave]

Another Update...

Now they have removed the EML (?) chip and are sending it back to BMW for reprograming... then they'll start to work on the REST of the problems... I'm getting REALLY ****ED OFF!

They're servicing the car, but It's only 2 months old... WHY IS THIS HAPPENING!


Bart