correct, I was simply explaining that auto tranny failure is not uncommon. How common it is in the r56 is not known to me as I don't much attention to that chassis.

 

been driving manual transmission cars, got an auto mini. I don't regret it one bit.

 

Thanks for all your comments.

I did buy the Mini, it is a 2010 Model S, with 86k miles on it. It is automatic. I test drive it and feels great, I think the price was right, $11,600 out the door.

I will take care of the trasmission oil right away.

Do you think I made a good purchase?

How many miles does your auto trans have?

 

When I really think about it I hear of more issues with everything else, but when it came to automatic transmissions failing it's probably the thing you only hear of a few times here on NAM for the R56 S or non-S. I hear more about blown engines, timing chain issues, water pumps, thermostat housings, fuel pumps LPFP/HPFP and turbos to name a few.

 

Too late I joined in to say to go with a manual for no other reason than to convince management not to totally discontinue offering the manual gearbox. But you bought used so the whole point of this is moot. Enjoy your new ride but do check and replace those fluids religiously, engine and gearbox.

 

Thanks,

I have read couple of options to change the transmission oil, one filling up from the top plug of the transmission, other using a VW tool?

I think I feel more comfortable filling up from the top, is that the easiest procedure?

I'm afraid that the oil is no going to drain down to the pan thru that little hole?

 

Frankly, all of the transmissions on the R56 cars seem to be pretty robust. We don't seem to hear about them anywhere near as much as other problems, at any rate. So you may come out ahead on $$$ with an auto, because there is no clutch--and clutch problems seem to show up here far more often than transmission problems.

As for fuel mileage, the autos turn some of the engine power that gets to them into heat. Quite a bit, actually, until the torque converter locks up, which it tends to do at higher RPMs and/or low loads. So around town, a decent part of your fuel is going into heating up the oil in the torque converter.

That said, the manual transmissions seem to be geared shorter than the autos, for a more sporty feel. So you'll be turning higher RPMs on the freeway to go the same speed. That hurts economy, so for long freeway trips on level ground the auto may actually get better mileage than the manual.

BTW, the only times that I know of that auto gearboxes shift faster than humans are when the autos are dual-clutch setups, not traditional torque-converter boxes like our cars have. Most "slushboxes" take a noticeable amount of time to shift, and if you count shift time including time when the torque converter is slipping the auto takes much longer than the manual.

Oh, and there are specific drag-racing auto gearboxes which do shift very quickly. But they are not very suitable for actual street cars used on a daily basis.

 

I was going to say" if you live in a flat area the auto is ok, and if you really don't want to "drive" the car go for ti". BUT, it's a Mini . They are meant to be DRIVEN. I live in western Carolina. These cars are meant to be driven, not ridden in......but thats just me.

 

I don't agree with that blanket statement. I have an auto and "drive" the snot out of it, and I live in hilly terrain. Paddle shifters in sport mode work great. I went in looking for manual but got offered the right deal on auto. Probably would still lean toward manual because I like the whole feel of shifting myself but no regrets overall.

 

Taking care of the trans fluid ASAP is a smart move - 'lifetime' fills only last until the part breaks, usually out of warranty.

Auto trans drain and refill should be done every 30k. Manual every 50k.

 

Happy wife....happy life.
Nuff said.
If she needs to drive it, go auto...
If it is a 3rd car she will never drive, feel free to get a stick...

 

my wife insists on manuals only

 

 

Having a manual transmission is also a hedge against car theft. The vast majority of people today can't drive a manual and that includes car thieves. Google "car" "thief" and "manual" or "stick" and you'll see what I mean. (No quote marks, of course.)

 

I concur. I was VERY apprehensive of getting a MINI in AT. My mom has a JCW GP and after driving that I couldnt imagine driving an auto. I get to much enjoyment using a clutch blipping when appropriate.

However I didnt realize how sophisticated the paddle shift and tranny is on the 2nd gen cars. Ive never driven a car like I have this.

In traffic its great here westside of LA. Recent reports of the latest gen MINIs shift fast in AT then manually. Ill take that as anecdote because driver skill varies.

 

Shift speed is definitely not why I only own manuals