MINI COOPER :: North American Motoring

jwatson54 · #1 05-06-2009, 04:21 AM

We live downtown in Des Moines. We recently purchased a well-cared for 04, one-owner hardtop with 50K miles. Have read some things (on this site) about CVT trannies in MINIs which is causing us to rethink our earlier decision to pass on the extended warranty (at least for the drivetrain). Are MINI CVTs as problematic as stated, or is this just a vocal minority? Are CVT transmissions repairs really as pricey as $7-8K? Do most extended warranties provide adequate repair/replacement coverage for this? We LOVE this car, but this is keeping me up at night. Thanks!

**Gil-galad** · #2 05-06-2009, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwatson54

We live downtown in Des Moines. We recently purchased a well-cared for 04, one-owner hardtop with 50K miles. Have read some things (on this site) about CVT trannies in MINIs which is causing us to rethink our earlier decision to pass on the extended warranty (at least for the drivetrain). Are MINI CVTs as problematic as stated, or is this just a vocal minority? Are CVT transmissions repairs really as pricey as $7-8K? Do most extended warranties provide adequate repair/replacement coverage for this? We LOVE this car, but this is keeping me up at night. Thanks!

I sent D3m0N a PM about your post and questions therein. He's our local CVT expert!

jwatson54 · #3 05-06-2009, 08:25 AM

Many thanks, Gil-galad!
Jeff

D3m0N · #4 05-06-2009, 01:43 PM

Ok CVT's do they break yes
are they very expensive when they do yes (6 - 8 k)

That being said I dont think they break as often as represented here on NAM

I know of several over 100k with one over 200k

Biggest thing I would say replace fluid at a MINI dealer every 60k or so
dont take it to a BMW or no name shop I just dont trust them to know the ins and outs of the CVT. (resetting ECU and propper top off procedure)

I am at 78k right now I did get the optional waranty for piece of mind but here is hoping it was a waste of money.

I wish I had gotten the 5speed... but that being said of slush boxes out there I am very happy with the CVT...

jwatson54 · #5 05-07-2009, 06:09 PM

Thank you very much for some much-needed perspective.
One more Q--price for a 50K, 2nd inspection, ballpark?

D3m0N · #6 05-06-2009, 01:44 PM

oh and more on topic

WELCOME and Greetings!!!

MariaChick · #7 05-07-2009, 01:33 PM

Always good to see more minis in the QuadCitys welcome and injoy the ride

Miah34 · #8 05-07-2009, 01:46 PM

MariaChick... i didn't know you got a JCW! THAT IS AWESOME!!!! i deffenlty need to take a ride in it at the next meet!

**Gil-galad** · #9 05-07-2009, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miah34

MariaChick... i didn't know you got a JCW! THAT IS AWESOME!!!! i deffenlty need to take a ride in it at the next meet!

Since MC is too modest to show off, I'm pulling a couple of gallery pics up so we can have a better look. Charles Lee is a beaut, no question!

It's really great to have the Long Grove contingent back behind the wheel of a MINI again so soon.

D3m0N · #10 05-07-2009, 09:22 PM

I split mine up as I did a bunch of it myself but I would guess with CVT around 400 - 500 that is very much an estimate dont put any weight on that at all

jwatson54 · #11 05-08-2009, 03:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D3m0N

I split mine up as I did a bunch of it myself but I would guess with CVT around 400 - 500 that is very much an estimate dont put any weight on that at all

Thank you, D3mON. Since this is our first MINI, and it was purchased used, I'll use a MINI shop rather than doing anything myself. And I will talk to the mechanic about servicing the tranny now as opposed to waiting until 60K.
Planning to do the used car dealer's 'drive train' only extended warranty, if just for the piece of mind. Many thanks for your thoughts.

jyarrow · #12 05-25-2009, 09:12 PM

Hi all,

Looks like I'm moving my MINI to Iowa City. Job offer from the University and my family and I are making plans. I'll track you down once I got there - probably a couple months.

D3m0N · #13 05-26-2009, 04:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jyarrow

Hi all,

Looks like I'm moving my MINI to Iowa City. Job offer from the University and my family and I are making plans. I'll track you down once I got there - probably a couple months.

Glad to see you moving to Iowa City its a great area...

If there is anything you need just let me know as I am located in Iowa City.

**Gil-galad** · #14 05-26-2009, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jyarrow

Hi all,

Looks like I'm moving my MINI to Iowa City. Job offer from the University and my family and I are making plans. I'll track you down once I got there - probably a couple months.

Thanks for touching base with us. Look forward to hearing from you after you've completed your transition. I am, myself, a former 13-yr VA resident who relocated here to my home state of IA a couple of years ago. Perhaps we'll share some common perspectives.

Best of luck with your move.

**Gil-galad** · #15 07-23-2009, 06:55 PM

Greetings and salutations to our newest EIMer R U FREE from Cedar Rapids.

She found a EIM card on her MINI placed by D3m0N and used the info to complete the connection. Way to go Brian!

**Gil-galad** · #16 08-27-2009, 10:29 AM

If you happen to be in and around Iowa City on 10/10, or Des Moines on the following couple of days, keep one eye peeled for Iowa ex-pat Hawkeye. He'll be behind the wheel of the classy '09 PW/B MCS Clubman.

We have a unique connection...he currently hails from my previous home town of Burke, VA. Be sure to give him a friendly

if you see him as he's passing thru EIM land!

deanman · #17 11-05-2009, 05:40 PM

Why can't we make our own EIM calendar? We have almost two months to get it ready.