How can I tell if my transmission is bad or going bad on my 2007 Mini Convertible, Automatic 6 speed?

 

What problems or issues are you’re experiencing?

The pic in your other thread shows a regular, non-S model convertible which should have a CVT “automatic” transmission. A CVT is completely different than the Aisin 6 speed automatic used in the 1st gen S models.

The CVT (Continously Variable Transmission) doesn’t have gears like a regular automatic. The general concept would be similar to a bike having a smooth cone on the back wheel where the chain could theoretically slide up and down to provide infinite gearing between the gear cogs, as opposed to only 10 preset gears. The “6 speeds” in the CVT are preset ratios that the transmission control module sets, most likely included because people are used to driving cars with “gears”

This distinction is important for accurate advice, info, and quotes for your repair.

 

In general, the car has to be going between 65 and 70 MPH before the RPM settle back to 30,000. This transmission also has the fake standard type shifting capability, which shows about the same RPM's as when it's in regular Auto Transmission mode.

 

I guess what the previous post meant to clarify: a 2007 convertible is not a R56, but the 1st gen. If it's a non-Turbo first Gen Auto, then you would have a CVT, and this would not be a good sign.

Maybe you can use a VIN decoder to check if it's an R56 or not, then let's go from there.

 

what do you mean it would not be a good sign? Part no longer available? The engine is a 1.6 4-cyl SOHO (MFI). Does this help?

 

I haven’t driven a CVT to know how they normally operate, but in concept the RPM’s would act differently than a regular auto or manual because the gear ratios are constantly variable. Hopefully some who drives a CVT can tell post what is normal behavior or what to look for in failing CVT.

From his pic in the other post it’s a 1st gen non-S and should have the CVT. The point I was trying to make is using a generic term like automatic transmission when you have a CVT can cause some issues or lead to misinformation. The repair costs and options are a lot different between these two so it’s important to be clear on which type of transmission is in question. Not everyone will know there were two variants of a “2007 MINI Cooper Convertible”, regular or S, and that they had two different types of “automatic” transmission.

Having two different generations of chassis in 2007-2008 already causes enough confusion with MiNI’s.

 

Not a good sign in the sense the CVT’s in a MINI had a reputation of failing catastrophically, and internal parts to repair them were hard or impossible to come by. Parts availability and repair knowledge might be better now, this wasn’t the case early on.

If your CVT lasted this long and that many miles, especially without any maintenance like regular fluid changes, that was good.

Going back to my post in your other thread, if you really like your car and it’s in good condition, it could make sense to go ahead with the repair assuming you will get as much use out of the repaired/replaced transmission, or more.

For some, they wouldn’t touch a CVT or put that much into an old MINI which leads to the big variance in advice.

One thing to definitely do do is try to find a reputable independent shop and get another quote. The dealership usually is the highest, part of which is they almost always replace with brand new or factory rebuilt and don’t go into the transmission for repair or install used.

 

To all the previous comments, I will share what I have done. I began using the M/S Mode when driving, possibly forcing the transmission to go through the gears. By doing so, the transmission is now operating properly and never gets up to the 4000 RPM range when in the automatic mode. I continue to use the M/S mode driving around town and on highways. Now going 70 MPH the RPM's rarely get over 3000RPM's.

I have checked with several Transmission Repair shops, and they say no to repairs because they would not be able to program a new transmission. I would have to have it done at the dealership and that would mean $8000.00

Right now I am happy with the car.

Another curious thing, I asked the dealership to tell me what kind of a transmission the car had. Using the key fob and VIN number I was told it had 5 gears. But when I use the M/S mode there is a 6th gear I shift into before going 65 MPH, Does this make sense?

 

Hello everyone. I bought a 2007 R52 Mini Convertible Base last year. It was a great car. A few weeks ago it will not go past 30 MPH and tachs at 4,000 RPM. I guess something broke. I live in Charlotte, NC.Does anyone know of a repair shop that I can take it to?

Thank you in advance.

I have always wanted a Mini. I hope that I did not buy a bad one.