The window sticker of my Mini (which I just bought on Sunday) says:
Engine: Germany
Transmission: Japan

Does anyone know if:
F56S A/T is from a different maker from previous years?
Could it be Aisin Seiki of Japan?

Some time ago I read an article saying that 2014 A/T is much better/smoother shifting than previous years. Has anyone read a similar article? Hope it is.

 

Aisin

 

its the same Aisin unit from the R56 but the software has been re-mapped to improve the overall performance

 

Has the Aisin A/T used on Mini have been a reliable unit on previous model years?

Knowing that there is no dip stick for engine oil on F56, I bet there is no fill plug or hole for the F56 trans pan... I couldn't find a dip stick or fill tube for the A/T, becoming very common these days.

Is Mini claiming that F56 A/T is "sealed for life" not needing the fulid change?

 

It is the same which is the Aisin transmission. Its a good transmission. But I would highly recommend a fluid change. Doing so will keep your AT transmission happy!

 

I thought the F56 auto trans was 10x better than what my R56 has. But if I had to do it over, I would have got a manual. Definitely do the trans flush anywhere from 50-80k miles, IMO.

 

I really liked the F56 auto during my test driveand this is coming from someone who only drives manual. I was leading towards getting the auto but my wife insisted on getting the manual trans instead.

 

She's a keeper

I really wanted a manual but my wife was adamant that we need an auto. And that was totally understandable since she's the main driver of this car and commutes in heavy Los Angeles traffic. My 2 other cars are stick (RAV4 & Integra).

 

Any idea how to drain/fill on F56 A/T?
I don't see an A/T oil dip stick under the hood of my new MCS.

 

That was exactly what I read on an some kind of online automotive related atricle some where.
Since I've never driven a R56 auto, I can't say/confirm.
I'm glad you chimed in, and even gladder to know that, awesome!

 

I was very impressed. It shifted quickly with authority and no harshness. Very impressive unit that won't disappoint.

 

I have only owned manual transmission models, but I have had two friends that had to have their AISIN transmissions replaced on their Cooper S's. One R53 at about 60K and the other is an R52S with 44K miles - currently fighting with MINI. The first friend got no help from the dealer or MINI and traded the vehicle in for a Honda Fit - which better "fit" his life living in SF proper. The other friend bought the R52S used and was offered 50% off parts which still leaves him with a $6600.00 bill to replace the transmission. He is currently fighting for more coverage. Not sure if either vehicle ever had a transmission fluid service. And I know of at least one other Motorer with a 2008 Clubman that had a similar issue with the AISIN automatic and MINI replaced it 100% under warranty as a good will repair.

I have heard/read of many folks having issues with the AISIN unit. Abrupt gear changes, rough shifting and holding gears too long after the vehicle has been driven for a while and hot. This is also the same transmission that Fiat uses in the 500 hatch/convertible.

I am sure that the new AISIN unit is better, but it is way too early to tell. Eventually, MINI is supposed to switch to the ZF 9-speed unit that Chrysler is using in the Jeep Cherokee and Renegade and Chrysler 200. I had read that ZF originally designed the unit for MINI, but MINI turned down an "exclusive use" offer that Fiat/Chrysler took advantage of - might be 2 years. So MINI may have the option of adding it to the 2016 models or 2017 LCI models. It is a highly compact version of the 8-speed automatic that it developed for the BMW models that use the N20 twin power turbo 4-cylinder.

 

Any more detail why having to have fight?
To me... if in warranty, should DEMAND for coverage.
If out of warranty, should BEG for coverage.
I know it's not always black & white clear, but just curious to know the background more in detail.



So 8-speed trans will be used on now already 3-year old N20, and the 6-speed trans is used on a brand new B48 which is in our 2014 F56 MCS?
I guess MINI was in a hurry...

 

Both vehicles are out of warranty. No coverage exists. 1st friend just wanted out of the vehicle and it still drove (and when cold, did not have an issue), so he traded it to Honda.

2nd friend is not the original owner, has not serviced the vehicle at the dealer/no history and MINI's offer was 50%. It is not usually negotiable. The fact that they are covering anything at all in his case is pretty good (IMHO), but he is not happy and is trying to get them to cover it all. He has been FALSELY citing the class action suit which ONLY involved CVT equipped vehicles during a certain production range and has now been closed. I have no idea if MINI will counter-offer.

If either vehicle had been under warranty, the transmission would have been replaced without any issue. If the vehicles are purchased new at the servicing dealer and not too far out of warranty by time and mileage, there is a certain amount of goodwill assistance available. After a certain point, only MINI can determine assistance.


The 8-speed has been in use since the N20 was introduced. My 2012 BMW Z4 was equipped with that transmission and I LOVED IT. It is an amazing unit - quick, crisp shifts, lightning fast and great fuel economy and power.

The 8-speed unit does not fit in the MINI, so ZF, knowing that MINI was going to use the B38/B48 series engines, developed the 9-speed compact unit. But, according to what I read, BMW did not take advantage of ZF's exclusive use offer and Chrysler did. So now BMW/MINI has to wait to use it. AISIN updated their unit with new programming and mapping that dramatically improves performance and feel. Everything I have read and the MINI reps I have talked with elude to the fact that MINI will use the ZF unit in the future.

 

Some of the non-cvt Aisin automatic transmission problems have to do with the valve body, which is much much cheaper to fix, like a $1000 total, have your friend look into that.

 

Let me verify exactly how it is filled and drained when im at the MINI dealership. Im almost sure it will be the same as the R56 which is drained and filled from the bottom of the transmission pan. Basically the same drain plug is used to fill it. Look under your MINI and see if you have a drain plug. If you do then its going to use the similar procedure as the R56. Or at least it will be on the same lines as the R56. I will mention though that most good transmission shops will tell you to change the ATF every 30k. And to be honest they are correct when saying this. Also I would highly recommend using a synthetic ATF over what the standard is used. The R56 models never used anything fancy. Thus in my opinion didn't do these transmissions any favors!

 

There are several factors that play apart on these type of transmission failures. From some of what your friends have described really comes down to the break down of the ATF. Once that occurs the transmission will develop many of the things as you have stated. The biggest problem has to do with heat. Part on the design and use that MINI/BMW has adapted them into there cars. Its not completely the fault of the transmission. One of the biggest problems is how the transmission is cooled. That is why I always tell people to use a synthetic type ATF. It holds up much better then your standard ATF that is used. Even my new MINI I replaced my ATF out at 2k with a full synthetic that can handle the heat and protect the transmission at the same time. Now even with that said I do feel MINI should be standing behind there cars better because no one should be paying out of pocket for transmission failures with such low mileage. Ive just learned to adapt over time on what can give these cars the best chance for longevity because we all know how expensive these repairs can get!

 

Great information! Thanks!

 

ZF 9-spd A/T in MINI sounds like a great plan!
Thanks for the info!

 

I have an 2014 f56 MCS. their is a fill and drain for the f56 MCS transmission. the fill bolt is a t55 located just under the right side of the air filter box. it is best to remove the air box for access. It's super easy. I just Don't know how much trans fluid to fill.

 

Aisin makes very high quality transmissions.The software is constantly upgraded.The ATF oil is not cheap but has to be replaced (see manual) Every oil degenerates.Often you have to flush the box.Only a professional service can do this job properly.
I have one: it shifts quickly and smoothly.
Problems are often due to persons that try to "save" on regular maintenance.
Aisin is the only manufacturer that makes such small transmissions for frontwheel drives.

 

I agree, the transmission oil will degrade overtime and should be replaced. Mini does not service F56 transmission for fluid change due to their life time fluid policy. I will perform the change myself. They also charge $42.00 a quart for f56 and $22 for r56. I personally think that is way too expensive for a non-synthetic oil. If you don't know how to do it you should bring it to a professional. I own a tuned 335is and two TL and I work on all my cars, so performing a transmission fluid change is a walk in the park. Changing transmission oil will not cause the transmission to fail if you use the proper fluid and procedure. To me, sharing knolwedge and saving a few dollars is what this forum is about.