I'm still in the hunt for my first MINI and could use more advice. I've narrowed my search to 2011-2013 MCS automatics. Someone at the indy shop I would be taking my MCS to told me outright not to buy a MINI automatic because the transmissions often go.

Is this true in the 2011-2013 models?

If I get one under factory warranty would that repair not still be covered? If I buy an extended service warranty would that repair be covered - the indy mechanic said yes with the
one they sell (Diamond)?

I've searched the threads and mainly see issues with the 2001-2006 models and I've read about the lawsuit that was settled. I've also read about changing the transmission oil every 30k miles. Thanks in advance for your help with this!

 

The automatic is probably the least likely area of these cars to break down! The auto that is used in the MINI, seems to be quite trouble free for most drivers.

 

They're quite reliable. I'm on my second. I didn't feel like worrying about the clutch. On MINIs it's just not worth the risk. But I'm at 71k miles on my MCS. I'm doing the first trans flush in 2k miles with my next oil change. I think every 30k miles is overkill, but depends on how much you drive and how many miles on the car.

 

From what I've researched it really seemed like it was the earlier transmissions with the issues. Glad to hear some of you are doing great with the automatics! Wouldn't a transmission be covered under the remainder of a factory warranty and/or extended warranty? The mechanic said the biggest issue with that was making sure they would cover a new tranny, not a used.

 

From what I've read on several Mini forums the current automatic does just fine. My '13 Hardtop automatic is great. It did take a short while to adjust to the engine braking but I consider that a benefit.

 

Read the warranty to make sure what you think is covered is actually covered. Don't assume and definitely don't take anyone's "word".

 

Excellent advice, thank you.

I'm in the Durham myself area and hoping to find my MCS soon.

 

Ditto what others said. I've seen very few posts concerning the auto transmission in that year range. I have a 2012 MCS auto with 35k on it, no problems..

 

I love my automatic. First to second gear can be lazy but the other gear changes are pretty fast.

Let me know when you get one.

 

2nd gen MINIs ('07+), and possibly a few 1st gen MCS's, use Aisin/Toyota 6-speed automatic transmissions. As does VW, Toyota, and many others. Even when neglected (no oil/filter changes for 100+K miles), they last.

There WERE issues with 1st gen (-'06) plain-cooper Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs), but they are all dead by now

Aisin tranny is the only part of the car that is nearly bulletproof.
Manual trannies eat clutch disks aggressively. Aisin slushbox just keeps on truckin'.


It would normally be covered under original 4-year 50K mile warranty.
Be very careful with the fine print of the extended warranties. Most cover significantly fewer things that OEM warranty, have deductibles, and are generally a PITA. Don't trust what people selling you things are saying - read the exclusions yourself!

None of this applies to the cars in your target years.

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Anyone here have experience on changing the automatic transmission filter on a N18 engine? How many liter of ATF oil JWS 3309 needed? There is a torx bolt M6 x 19 above the main chassis frame limited space to reach it, any solution to reach the screw? Thanks in advice.

 

2010 Cooper S R56 63,000 miles, Aisin 6 speed auto broke, no gradual slippage or flared shifts, from stop sign a thud crunch zero forward, reverse, or park function at all, just a coast to the curb with awful gear noise from trans, motor still running.