Hi all. Really close to finally upgrading to new MINI F56. Moving from F55S to F56S. Don't need 4 doors anymore.

• New 2023 has DCT transmission vs. my current 6 speed auto Aisin. I have tried to research and no real answers. Any issues with the 7DCT? At least as good and reliable as VW DSG? Lifetime fluid I assume?
• Is the B46 different at all from 2017 to 2023? Are the engine mounts more robust in the latest versions by chance? My 2017 has been reliable. Still on original battery and engine mounts.
• Turn and wiper stalks are different (no self centering) and center screen is bigger.

Any other big changes to be aware of or pay attention to? I guess I really wonder is the 7DCT a ticking time bomb like the Ford DCTs? Or are these more stable? I notice some BMWs are being coming with DCTs now, so hopefully these are pretty good. VW recommends 40k fluid changes on their DSG which makes things last longer.

If I should be aware of anything, please let me know. 4th MINI if I get it! Thanks!

 

The B46 remains unchanged.

The DCT is made by Aisin, I trust them to make exceptional boxes.

 

I thought the DCT was Getrag or maybe Magna? I like Aisin too, made in Japan.

 

Hearsay, but I heard that you can't turn off Auto Start/Stop.
In my 2019, it remembers what setting you have (off or on), I heard in newer models, it always defaults to on.
I think safety "features" were made mandatory/standard too like lane assist or the like.

Someone with a newer Mini should confirm.

 

My 2022 JCW had the auto start stop on by default, but it can be disabled each time you get in the car, or use Bimmercode to set it to disable that feature or remember your last setting.

 

ANSWERS INLINE

• New 2023 has DCT transmission vs. my current 6 speed auto Aisin. I have tried to research and no real answers. Any issues with the 7DCT? At least as good and reliable as VW DSG? Lifetime fluid I assume? :: I belive the transmission is Asin. I have found online no issues either. The Cooper (non-S) has a max 2021 ft/lbs torque ut can handla. Not sure the S. Great transmissino with great software to run i. Recmmendation is change the fluid at 36k intervals as the wet clutch is inside the transmission. In summary not a ticking time bomb
• Is the B46 different at all from 2017 to 2023? Are the engine mounts more robust in the latest versions by chance? My 2017 :: Don't know. But do know there are no pop-burblmes and no more JCW software upgrade kit. I think in US JCW pro exhaust fits, but not in Europ due to the particl filter. Upper ening mounts secund upgrade in October 2020 seem to fix the problem Also the contrl arm bushings are upgraded but forget the year. Still on original battery and engine mounts.
• Turn and wiper stalks are different (no self centering) and center screen is bigger. :: I don't have 2015 experience to comment.

Any other big changes to be aware of or pay attention to? ::: I love the cloth seats we have. The digital display is great too. I like the nav that shows route in the main digital dash. Don't forget to select heated steering wheel, roof rack in case want to have racks, choice between hand brake or parking brake button. I'd site in the sport seat and regular seat too to compare. , maybe more, I ordered a 2023 Cooper and wife 2023 Convertible. I remember the Cooper build sheet more. You won't get a jack or lug wrence. You can order the jack/wrench/cover removal tool/screwdriver/chalk/foam holder (that fits snugly below boot floor) from dealer. You should have tow hook already, maybe screwdriver. I'd order the rubber floor mats ahead of time from parts.



I guess I really wonder is the 7DCT a ticking time bomb like the Ford DCTs? Or are these more stable? I notice some BMWs are being coming with DCTs now, so hopefully these are pretty good. VW recommends 40k fluid changes on their DSG which makes things last longer.

 

Here is a great pieceon a general DCT: https://auto.howstuffworks.com/dual-...ansmission.htm

 

The BMW/MINI DCT (7DCT300) is made by Getrag. Yes, Getrag made the horrific (dry clutch) DCT found in some Fords. BMW’s been using the FWD DCT in Europe and elsewhere for many years at this point in their FWD-based vehicles. MINI’s been using it for I think 5-6 years now, maybe even longer (I think it was introduced in the UK/Europe in 2017??). There are other makes/models that use it, too (I think maybe Renault…I forget at this point). I don’t recall reading anything about systemic issues or similar. Yes, MINI says lifetime fluid, but if it were my car I’d be changing the fluid and filter much sooner than “lifetime” (look at VW’s DSG).

 

Thanks for the the replies everyone. I have researched that Getrag 7DCT300. I don't see too many bad reports either. Which is odd for a DCT? I guess the Ford versions were dry and old and the BMW/MINI versions are wet and have the kinks worked out? Fingers crossed.

Thanks again for all the replies.

 

Yes, the older 6-speed Ford DCT used dry clutches. The 7-speed BMW/MINI DCT uses wet clutches like most DCTs.

 

I thought I read there is a 7DCT400 t(not 300) hat can carry more torque. But my memory is poor so I could be wrong.

 

There’s a 7DCT400 and a 7DCT500. MINI uses the 7DCT300 in its current vehicles. Next-gen Countryman will have a DCT across the board for ICE models like the new X1. Not sure which version of the DCT that gets.

 

So double checking the 7DCT300 rated at 221 ft/lbs is in the S? The S is 209 ft/lbs (not 100% on that) So basically don't tune a DCT S?

 

Up until earlier today had a 2023 MINI S with the 7-speed Sport Dual Clutch transmission. I really liked that transmission.

(Traded in the MINI S for a 2023 JCW with a 6-speed.)

I don't subscribe to that lifetime fluid BS so had I kept the car I would have had it in for an early transmission fluid service.

No experience with the VW DSG transmission. But FWIW the time -- Dec 3 2022 to Feb 27 2023 and approx. 7250 miles -- I spent with the 7-speed dual clutch transmission in my S I had every expectation that it would turn out to be a fine long lived transmission. But I would still get a fluid service done.

So I test drove the JCW and while I was a bit rusty working the clutch in a short time I was ok and the test drive went well.

So then the purchase was made and after a bit I transferred all my stuff -- I drove from Benton County AR to Loveland CO to buy the JCW -- from my old car to the JCW -- handshakes all around and off I went. As I was making my way onto the freeway and dealing with some traffic I had some 2nd thoughts about getting back into a manual. That dual clutch transmission really spoiled me.

But after some 20+ miles through some traffic on my way south to Denver then taking I70 east me and the 6-speed were old friends...

Now with just over 500 miles of JCW under my belt I feel right at home with the 6-speed. But if MINI offered a JCW with that dual clutch transmission I'd be sorely tempted to get one.

A pic:



Added: Almost forgot. The blue JCW is not my first JCW. I owned a 2018 JCW with a 6-speed for 25K miles and 2.5 years (Dec 2017 to June 2020) and loved it.

Have to say ignoring the 2023 JCW's heads up display and NAV -- which my 2018 JCW didn't have -- the 2023 feels/looks about the same as my 2018.

 

Congrats on the new JCW RockC. Like the blue in the JCW. Is that Island Blue or something else?

I got Chili Red with red multi-tone roof. Fun!

Did your car come with a maintenance book? Mine came with Owners Manual and Warranty Book but no maintenance book. So no idea when fluid changes are due.

 

As far as I know, the F54/55/56/57/60 with the DCT use the 7DCT300, and according to Magna (which owns Getrag now) the 7DCT300 is rated at 320nm of max torque. That translates to 236 lb-ft of torque if I recall correctly.

https://www.magna-jx.com/english/product-introduction/

It’s also worth noting that somewhere I remember reading that MINI said the reason the GP3 has an 8-speed auto is because it’s the only transmission in its lineup that can handle the torque, which at least implies the DCT that MINI currently offers isn’t a high-torque application. That being said, I’m almost positive there are folks who’ve tuned their Cooper S DCT. Check over at www.minif56.com since that site has a lot of UK/Europe folks and the DCT has been available there for much longer than in the U.S.

 

**Very cool information thanks **

 

For RockC with the 7CDT to JCW 6M transition... I went the other way. Had a Paddy Hopkirk F56 S 6M. Needed an auto for health reasons, so sold for a Cooper DCT. The 6M had rev hang that was maddneing. Other than that great. The DCT is smooth and gets the most oug t the 3 banger. In sport mode is a bit more fun, holding gears longer. All in all I love mine. Hope you will continue to love yours too.

 

Hi cargusjoh. You have a 2023 with apple CarPlay? Does your screen, just below the hard Hazard and Safety buttons, have a line in it, going north/south? like maybe just a few mills long? I know there is a horizontal line across the entire thing where the hard buttons for Hazard lights transition to touch screen. But I have what looks like a scratch going north/south. Weird thing is, it is right in the middle, so I wonder if it is intentional? Thanks!

 

Never mind, it is not a "scratch" but a notch to help remove the screen cover if you want:

https://www.mini2.com/threads/2022-m...ceable.362627/

 

Reply yes, it is the screen cover. I brought mine back to dealer. Sales person and warranty (service advisor) were ready to put in a new head unit. Then parts manager came over looked it over, examine a bit then found it was the plastic film. He has not seen this situation before. So don't feel bad, it tricked several other people lol.

 

Did your 2023 come with a Maintenance Book? Mine came with Owners Manual and Warranty book, but not a Maintenance Book like they used to. By that I mean the little book that would show the intervals for required or suggested services. Did you get one or is it all on the app now? Thanks very much!

 

Hi,
I received: Owners Manual, Warranty book, Sirius FM manual, MINI safety tips, MINI Driving programs (see picture). No book of intervals. It is all driven by the magic MINI key "based on your personal driving". I still do oil at first 1,000 miles and 5k intervals. Plan transmission fluid change at 33k or so. Hope that helps!

 

Great! Thanks so much! That is what I got too.

 

My dealer said the Maintenance Booklet is no longer being printed. I received a .pdf version of it instead.
I suspect the same situation applies to the Navigation/Entertainment/Communication manual; that is available on the MINI Motorer's Guide app, also in .pdf form.