Hi
I've recently decided to get myself a used MCS for a commuter car. Because my wife can't drive a manual I need to get an automatic so she can drive it (I have a Lotus Elise for my "fun" car so please no editorial comments on how or why I should get a manual). I have read that the CVT's are prone to catastrophic transmission failures at 60+k miles

So here's my question.

Are all the 02 through 06 automatics CVT or were there conventional automatics and a separate CVT automatic option??

TIA

 

I'm pretty sure you won't find an "S" with a CVT, so no worry there.

 

The "S" has Steptronic Transmission.

Works just like the CVT in that you can put it into Sport Mode or Manual Mode.

And by most accounts I've read, the later model CVTs do not have the same problems the earlier models had.

 

when you say I won't find an MCS with a CVT are you saying that there is no such thing (MCS with CVT) or implying that not many MCS buyers bought an automatic???

is the steptronic mechanically different than the CVT?

 

All MCS automatics had a conventional automatic transmission. Only the base Cooper had the CVT as an option. There have been too many complaints about the short lifespan of the CVT to risk getting one.

From a durability standpoint, you should be safer with the MCSa.

I admit I am strongly biased toward manual transmissions, but my family and I have had enough trouble with automatic transmissions that I consider them to be too risky once the warranty expires. Get an 06 with some warranty left, then add as much aftermarket warranty as you can!

Rawhyde

 

CVT is Continuously Variable Transmission. Have you ever driven a gas powered golf cart? It works the same as that. It is basically a belt running in two variable pitch pulleys with a helluva lot of electronics and hydraulics making it work. There are no discrete ratios in a CVT in "Drive". When in "manual mode", it approximates the action of a conventional automatic by using discrete steps in the pulley's effective diameter. The CVT is available only in the MINI Cooper (non-S) of the 1st Generation.

The "Steptronic" is a conventional automatic transmission with a torque converter. It is electronically controlled, and the only difference in it and an "old school" automatic is that the gearshift must be moved to the side from "Drive", then to the "+" or "-" position for manual shifts. The steptronic is only available in '06 Cooper S models. Since the introduction of the 2nd generation MINI, the steptronic is the only choice if you want an automatic (2007 and newer) in both Cooper and Cooper S models.

I hope this helps.

Rawhyde

 

This may help for some further info: R50/R53 Buyers Guide

 

I am in a market for a used Mini as well and completely ignoring all Minis with CVT transmissions. (i just don't want to take chances)

2006 and below base models (non-S) are CVTs and starting with 2005, S models came with Aisin (toyota owned) 6 speed proper automatics

 

I know of at least one exception to your statement and that is my '05 MCS Convertible.

 

I stand corrected. The MCSa first became available as a mid-year '05 option (same as the LSD). Both became available as of Jan '05 production.

Sorry about that,

Rawhyde

 

I think it's been covered well by others with more knowledge than me, but the short answer is that there is no CVT in a "S".