My GUESS is that Aisin has changed the part that is prone to fail, OR that the design of the 2nd gen MINIS has more adequate cooling for the transmission fluid in the design of the car. We have seen that faulty parts can be changed without changing the part number, it has happened in other parts. Since I could not find any instances of 2007+ cars having the issue, but lots of 2006 and older, it stretches logic to think that it is just mileage. This should go to a more general forum to test the idea. I will gladly post it in a little while, where everyone can see it and chime in. Thank you for an interesting discussion.

 

my friend installs the same part number transmission in all 6-speed auto minis that need a new transmission

also, as he related to me all of the transmissions he has opened he attributes the failure to sludging/fluid failure due to not changing the fluid

edit: my friend also noted that both toyota and vw now call for fluid changes on F21 trannys

scott

 

Hi everyone, I haven't read the thread too close, but I wanted to share my experience. First and foremost, so many non-Californian's love to bash California. It makes me smile when they do, because California is a wonderful place to live as a consumer.

I bought a mini brand new in 2007. Standard cooper, automatic, sun roof, dimming mirror, auto climate, and heated sports seats where my customization's.

At 8k my check engine light came on, and that was when the fun began. Things that where replaced through the life of my mini:

water pump
radiator
catalytic converter
footwell module (x2)
transmission

My sunroof would never open when it was hot out, the answer was always to program the car. I also had a tailgate latch malfunction, the mini advisor played with the hatch stops, sinking them, he then went to slam the tailgate. It didn't latch, but bounced off the stops. Later on when I asked another dealer to line the tailgate up they claimed it was bent, and that the body shop said it couldn't be lined up without significant work.

California's lemon laws are quite clear:

Two or more failed repair attempts on a LIFE critical system
Four or more failed repair attempts on a non-life critical system (sunroof)
Thirty or more days in the shop while under warranty (42 days)

You only need to qualify for one of the three conditions and I qualified for two. Californa has a formula that must be used by the manufacturer when going through the lemon process to handle mileage. This is easily googleable, but essentially I only paid for 8k miles of wear and tear, because that's when my first repair was.

Additionally California says you can recover lawyer fees from the manufacturer if you use one.

I simply put a letter together stating why I was interested in a dealer buy back (NOT A LEMON), citing my states qualifications for a lemon, and providing all my service records. It's in their best interest to cooperate with you on a dealer buy back. Getting to put dealer buy back on the title means they can resell the car (I feel sorry for whoever bought mine) and don't have to scrap it out. Additionally in my case working with me was much cheaper than working with my lawyer.

The process was fairly straight forward, I sent my letter off registered return receipt requested mail. Within three days of receiving my letter I got a call saying they where looking at my case. Within two days they gave me a call saying they where agreeing to a buyback, and I needed to provide some additional paperwork. The lady I worked with on the phone was absolutely wonderful, and if the dealers had ever taken care of me like she did I wouldn't have gotten to that point.

Notice when all the things go wrong with your mini they never offer to extend your warranty free of charge?

Anyways, long story short, do your research on your local laws, and don't be taken advantage of. I got all but $2k back of what I spent on my mini.

 

IF true (note BIG "IF"), this is the key. Change your fluid every 30-50K to be safe!

I did extensive research on my 2012 Mini Cooper MCa purchase. Not a hint of 2 GEN issues with the current 6spd auto was found. Not true for the "clutch" part of the manual equation, but I "think" they got a handle on that now.

CLEAN PROPERLY TEMPATURED FLUIDS ARE A MECHANICAL DEVICES LIFE BLOOD!!!

 

+100

We will make sure to do our trans fluid at that interval, just to be safe. Has anyone a clue whether the cooling system for the Gen 2 tranny fluid is better than that for the Gen 1? Even if the transmission itself was not changed, the cooling system might have prolonged the life of the fluid, so fewer reported problems. Even so, changing it before there is a problem is the best idea.

 

1. Wife picks out 6th subaru outback.
2. Husband doesn't want another boat.
3. Wife says husbands car must be boat so it's just like her car.
4. Husband test drives MINI and falls in love.
5. Husband takes wife for test drive in MINI.
6. Wife sort of ok with MINI, but still wants boat...argument begins.
7. Husband now waiting for new forester to be available for test drive as compromise.
8. Wife happy....husband bummed....still wants MINI.
9. Husband now looking for ways to sabotage forester test drive!

 

Solution! Have wife read this. True story.

1) Bought a 1996 Subaru Outback with 7,000 miles on it.
2) In just a few thousand miles Outback engine started knocking at start-up.
3) Took to Subaru, they said it was normal and sent me away.
4) Outback continued to knock at start-up; louder and longer with time.
5) Took to Subaru, they said it was normal and "tried" to send me away.
6) Bitched and moaned up as high as I could until someone listened.
7) Subaru replaced entire engine and sent original engine to headquarters for inspection.
8) Happily drove the Outback for a few thousand miles...
9) See #2
10) See #3
11) See #4
12) See #5
13) See #6
14) Subaru got results of original engine defect. Outback motor has a piston pin oiling design defect.
15) See #7 only they "claimed" this engine had a redesign to correct design defect in past Outback engines.
15) SOLD SUBARU OUTBACK IMMEDIATELY!
16) Ongoing living nightmare over...

I will never own another Subaru unless it is a full race quality prepared car. Better engine, better brakes, better seats, better well... EVERYTHING!

 

1. Wife picks out the MINI
2. Husband doesn't question the Wife about the MINI.
3. Husband pays for the MINI.
4. Husband is lucky to have a good Wife, who loves the MINI.
5. Husband expresses desire for new small car.
6. Wife picks out the color and options of the Husbands MINI.
7. Husband is grateful that the Wife knows what he wants, more than he knows what he wants.
8. Wife keeps both MINIs clean.
9. Husband pays for both MINIs.
10. Happy Ending.1. Wife picks out 6th subaru outback.
2. Husband doesn't want another boat.
3. Wife says husbands car must be boat so it's just like her car.
4. Husband test drives MINI and falls in love.
5. Husband takes wife for test drive in MINI.
6. Wife sort of ok with MINI, but still wants boat...argument begins.
7. Husband now waiting for new forester to be available for test drive as compromise.
8. Wife happy....husband bummed....still wants MINI.
9. Husband now looking for ways to sabotage forester test drive!

What I take from this is male Mini drivers & wannabes need to grow a pair! maybe go hang out in the Jeep forum for awhile?? (jk)

 

Where there are threads like "tall Jeep, short wife"! And the Jeep gals have their own sub forum. It definitely is more male oriented over there! GRIN

 

I could easily just say it's what I want and you are gonna live with it....but, there are always consequences to such actions. Just as there would be if she did the same thing. A $30k+ priced vehicle is something we both need to be in on the decision for in our house as we don't walk in money. Plus, if I went around her and ANYTHING goes wrong with the MINI, the I'll never hear the end of it.

 

My problem is that as I stated we have had 5 subarus and never had a major issue. My outback (2.5 xt) is still running strong at 140k miles and will become my sons car. We have only had subarus in the family for the last 10 years and I'm ready for something more fun, that isn't huge and made of all aluminum....but she wants to ensure its something reliable as our subarus have always been. She also doesn't like the thought of going from a $20 dealer oil change to a $70 dealer oil change (that does seem nuts) Driving here in the mountains of colorado you need reliable vehicles in winter. None the less, thanks for the story and sorry to hear you had such a disaster.

 

That seems to be the norm for many other Subaru owners as Consumer Reports ratings indicate. This is exactly why I thought "my" Subaru story was somewhat relevant to this thread. People have very different experiences with many auto brands. I'm puzzled to this day how Subaru got away with not having a full recall and replacing ALL engines for everyone; those egnines had a significant "design defect" that prevents proper oiling of the piston pin causing excessive wear and loud knocking...

I can only assume they have long since corrected that design defect (like any auto maker would once aware of it) and the third engine installed in my 96 Outback may very well have been a good one with the correction, but Subaru had already lost my trust. I had no way of knowing if they did or didn't.

Other issues Subaru are/were known for in general is cheap rotors that warp and some of the most uncomfortable seats in the world. These too many have been resolved over the years.

I'm not going to get between you and your wife (I know better!). Just remember the first 3 years of ALL maintenance are included in the price of a MINI. After that, any mechanic (or mechanically inclined owner) can change the oil for much less. I do mine myself between the dealer included oil changes.

All I will say is MINI = FUN and FUN = HAPPINESS, thus MINI = HAPPINESS!

Now back to the OP's rant...

 

I can honestly say the cheap rotors are still an issue for us...multiple replacements of brakes till I bought brakes built for small race cars and haven't had an issue since.

Your last line was absolutely accurate, and really gave me a smile ....it's the very reason I'm interested in getting a MINI. I went over to test drive that car expecting nothing and came away with a huge smile. Each time I've driven one I had an absolute blast...something I can't say about any of my subarus.

 

DITTO! I think I will add that to my signature.

 

Awwwwww I loved my WRX and it was crazy fun! Minis and subarus are best friends

 

+1, I'm still in love with my 02 WRX bugeye wagon.


Most reliable and fun car I have owned, but then I have not owned a Mini. Countryman is/was on my short list for the inevitable replacement ...although what I have been reading here and elsewhere is making me decidedly nervous about going down that route!!

 

13,000 trouble-free miles in 11 months. I have a 2012 Countryman S automatic. There are people having problems and they are real. I can only say this is a fantastic, fun vehicle that I plan to keep for a very long time. I chose not to get All4 due to the lower gas mileage and have been very pleased with the wet traction and handling in every weather situation I have been in, although sleet is the worst we've had so far in Georgia. Good luck with whatever you decide but it may just be they have worked the kinks out by now.

 

I can't blame you there at all. WRX was on the top of my list till they made it look like a little kids Revell model kit a year ago. I on the other hand, I have had outbacks and an impreza....not exactly in the same league as your WRX. This is why the MINI was so much fun for me to drive. Most fun since my old '86 RX-7.

 

Sometimes they are even more than that! Here’s my project that never got completed. It’s a 1967 Austin Cooper mated to a 1985 Subaru RX Turbo 2dr Sedan 5spd Hi/Lo manual AWD shortened uni-chassis. Group 5 flares with Pirelli wrapped 13’s. An imported WRX engine was in the plans before they were available in the states. The inside door jam seam on the RX body matched the body width of the Austin and the body door jam sill became a outward rocker panel down the whole side between the Group 5’s. Gotta love the size of the original classics. The whole 67 Austin Cooper fit onto a 4’x8’ plywood trailer!



A department closure and relocation required me to sell it for lack of storage. Some body shop owner in Long Beach, CA bought it. I don’t know what became of it. ANYONE SEEN IT COMPLETED?

That thing would have pasted a grin on your face from ear to ear that could never be removed!

 

To once again get this thread somewhat back on topic...

I just ordered a CM S All4 with the manual. I did so with the full knowledge of the ongoing clutch issues and knowing of the revisions the MINI has incorporated into the newer builds - and honestly, I'm not all that concerned about having clutch issues.

While I have been gone for a few years - I'm not a new MINI owner having owned a 2003 MC and a 2005 MCS and in some cases experiencing the growing pains that those cars had. Indeed many of the teeth gnashing that there used to be on NAM for things like excessive stress cracks and pitting on windshields (I had one that looked like it was sandblasted after 6 months), power steering fan issues, and yes even 1st gen CVT issues echo much that is being said today about the CM clutch issue... Heck you think this thread is heated - go through the archives and read about the windshield stress cracks back in 2003-04...

So I'm not worried about it - and if it looks like the clutch is an issue on this car and I can't get it covered under warranty then I'll have a talk with Chad at Detroit Tuned and discuss options for a more robust clutch, because if I'm going to have to replace the clutch on my dime I'll do so with something a bit more rugged...

 

Been there, done that. I've yet to meet a hill in Pittsburgh I can't concur.

 

That might just be what it takes...

I hope this new All4 beauty has a beefy rally worthy clutch deserving of the JCW label:



Available starting March 2013. No need to splice cars together anymore. Simply awesome!

 

I've had my Countryman S ALL4 for 4 months, I've put just over 13k miles on it. While a fun car to drive, coming from a WRX to a CMSALL4, performance is lacking. I knew it going in and I'll continue to know it as I sell it.
No "MAJOR" issues, but just as relationships with people go, its the little things that add up and surprisingly fast.
Upon the 40k marker, I'll probably look to sell it unless alot changes.
To keep my MINI, I need
~ Defined answers to questions/issues/service at dealers. 3 dealers and I get far too many puzzled looks when I ask things. MINI makes 3 motors and the GP variant. Why cant I get descent answers. Chevy/dodge/honda/lexus/etc make significantly different models with more variety and I get more confirmed answers. This was a "culture shock" to me. I've never experienced this amount of lack of product knowledge except at Wal MArt
~ I come from Japanese tuning cars, everything is available readily, easily, and again, 1000000 combinations not to mention custom parts. I need performance parts and I dont see but a few manufacturers, they seem to be just the basics, tuners are even more scarce.
~I need to feel confident that I will have a long lasting car, I am nowhere near feeling like @ 125k I can take this car up from FL to NC/VA without being stranded. This past weekend I saw 3 MINI's 1 1st gens and 2 2nd gens on the side of the road, no flats, hazards on, 2 bonnets up. I had time on the trip up to stop and ask if they needed help, and the issues were things MINI needed to take care of.
My next car will be back to a WRX STi (2014 model if the STi comes out then) or I'll go with a BRZ for fun and get another Lexus IS to match the wife's IS. Her 09 IS250 with all the bells and whistles is at 167k and only routine maintenance aside from 2 minor recalls that were fixed during a brake job. F Sport parts installed at dealer, no issues, runs great, fuel mileage is great. Highly recommend

 

I had two minis and not one problem with either of them. I guess I only kept each for 2 years, but both cars and maintenance service I regularly got were spotless. I cheated a bit with the arrival of kid#2, thought my Mini days were over, got scared reading this thread, but frankly, there is no other car like a Mini. So I just ordered myself a JCW Countryman! I agree that regular Countryman are underpowered. Very excited to take a leap of faith and to hope that my third Mini will be a blast just like the others. Fingers crossed!

 

I would never buy a mini again .
I have a 2012 countryman s all4 manual. (3100KMs)
my clutch is fine... but the car has been leaking.... badly... it failed the mini/bmw approved water testing done at the dealership. so badly that they have to replace many modules and electric items. The car has been in the shop since June 28th 2013. i have not seen it since. I have called the dealership where i bought it and Mini canada. i get the run around on lemon / buy backs. each time i get differance responses. including "SIR we just make the cars we don't sell them, is you are having issues talk to the dealership" - Mini Canada

Dont worry though they are more then happy to sell me a new car! at full price

Worst car i have ever owned!