Wow - can't believe it went into immobilization mode!

Thanks for bravely paving the way for other CVT owners to do this - looking forward to the update!

 

Tom- were you able to resync the ECU to the immobilizer, so at least you can drive the car while figuring out the long-term solution?

 

Way - would this get cruise control working too? Or would that require a manual ECU?

 

I'm kind of dying to hear how this all worked out. Any updates?

 

does anyone know if dealerships will do the install?

 

I doubt it, since it's not a standard stock set up or official upgrade like the JCW tuning kit or sound kit. More of a job for yourself, a performance shop or someone like Way who knows MINIs in and out.

 

Trw92a, follow the "Busted CVT Options" thread- Way Motor Works is going to find the answers to your questions!

 

very interesting thread, I have the Aisin 6-speed auto which actually works great but am looking to swap to a getrag 6 -speed for the track. Sounds like the cpu is going to be the trickiest part unless i'm willing to buy a used one from a manual tranny car. I figure a doner car from the junk yard should have all the required parts.

 

Ok - for the latest update. I have gotten the mini cooper finished...I ended up taking to Import Car Center in Grapevine Texas. They spent alot of time and energy getting the computer mods written and re--programmed. The car now runs like it always had a manual transmission. They charged me roughly $300.00 to do the ECU re-write. So, when donig this - find someone in your area that specializes in ECU mods and get a quote to factor into your budget. I basically did the entire swap for around $2000.00 and that before I re-sell my old parts and recoup towards the investment. It was definetely worth the time and the money.

Blessings,

Tommy

www.alpengt.com

 

good to know, i'm still factoring in $4000 for a tranny swap just to be safe. are you doing a write up of what all you did (along the lines of a continuous cleaned up How-to)?

 

so did you use all you original components, ECU, etc...

 

That's about what I'm planning it'll be too using parts pulled from a retired S with as little mileage as I can find when the day comes. The 05-06 getrags have a more optimal gear ratio for our justacoopers, but they're a little more expensive than the 02-04 ones. I'm also figuring there will be other things to replace while the front end is apart.

 

the Aisian was the updated CVT right? i heard it was a little heavier but much more reliable.

 

i believe the 6-speed Aisin is in the 05-06 S's. its been good so far and the paddle shifters make it more "manual-like"

 

With Mods all done - I have decided to put the Mini up for sale. Attached is a picture of the car. I am asking $10,000.00 for it, a fair price for the amount that I spent in upgrades. If your interested - you can email me at tommy@alpengt.com.

 

Wow, what happened? after all that work? I'm still trying to figure out what is involved in doing the computer mods for the swap.

 

Here's a couple pics we took

 

I'm looking at doing this to an 02 Mini as the CVT is giving me some problems. Is everything the same as the 03 model?

 

I believe it is.

 

Yes it won't matter what year CVT you have.

 

what Way said, the CVT itself is the problem across all years that had the transmission.
(knock on wood) mines still "fine" which is good since it'll be awhile before i can do my swap

 

Great thanks! mine is having some problems now that seem to be the cvt. When I'm driving on the highway when I let off the gas the engine actually rev's higher, acting like a manual would if I left it in gear and took my foot off the gas.

 

Way,
what would you charge to do this tranny swap service?
I have an '06 6-speed auto which works fine but want to change to a Getrag more for performance and track reasons. I'm sure I could sell my current auto trans for a couple bucks to help offset the cost a bit. Curious what this would cost including parts, approx +- .

 

That can be fixed by clearing the ECU's adaption values. I had it happen to me before.

How much for the auto tranny??

 

lol not sure, I know a 6-speed getrag is around $1800+- used.