Hi everyone, I’m currently in the market for my first Mini Countryman S 2017-2020. And I have a few questions…here’s my first. They come in a 7 spd DCT or 8 spd Aisin automatic transmission. Which one is better?
This car would just be a daily driver, so I’m interested in the more reliable, less issues, better performing transmission. Thanks.

 

The 8-speed is the older one, and is the one found on the "All4" models. When the FWD not-JCW models switched to the 7-speed DCT, the JCW models kept the 8-speed. I've driven the 7-speed FWD models and was very impressed with the power...it feels less sloppy (because it is less sloppy) than the 8-speed. But, that doesn't mean the 7 speed will last longer. BUT I do see the BMW's are using the 7-speed in some of the All4 models, although I THINK the higher-powered ones still use the 8-speed. You'll need to check me on that, I could be wrong. I know my 300+ HP JCW 2020 8-speed is much crisper-shifting than my 2019 JCW 228 HP 8-speed. I asked about the transmission fluid (because I like to drain/fill at about 30,000 miles), and the Mini Dealership showed me that the ATF fluid was different. So, something about the higher-powered engines seems to relate to using the 8-speed, and now at the very least the friction modifiers in the ATF have changed in the newer 8-speed.
SO: the 7-speed DCT is probably more efficient than the slush-box 8-speed. But, you won't get All4 in the 7-speed (unless that has changed since 2020 models).
I think all this is correct, but I don't claim to be an expert.

 

Thanks for your input, appreciate it.

 

The Aisin 8-speed is a very reliable transmission that's found in a lot of transverse engine cars, including Toyotas. It can take a lot of power/torque (it's used in the JCW) and I find that it shifts smoothly and quickly. I have no experience with the DCT, but if it's like the DSG in my Audi TTS, there are some compromises when compared with a torque converter automatic transmission, mainly in situations where you need to creep slowly (like a car wash) and when pulling away from a complete stop. This may be moot, anyway, since likely the Aisin 8-speed is what you get if you want All4 (you do!).