sorry.. i searched.. and couldn't find this problem

i have an 05 auto mini cooper .. 'just a mini'
and when you put it in gear.. it kind of 'slams' into gear.. then if you go to reverse.. a long long...pause.. then slam.
i took it to the dealer..
i am still under warrenty.. they said something about a software update.. but it was already done.

the dealer said this is normal for the auto tranny..
yea right

now..

a new thing.. sit in traffic.. in gear.. and BAM .. feels like someone hit you in the rear.. just a hard slam.

i don't want to get stuck with a big bill once warrenty is over.. what do you guys think ?

 

Go back to the dealer and insist the problem be addresed. If you have the option go to another dealer.

Another option is to go to an outside company like AAMCO for a diagnostic.

 

Sounds like a CVT problem. I've been having very similar issues and came across some advice in another forum (see quote below). It seems like a common problem and I'm not sure if it can be resolved 100%? I plan on taking my 05 mini cooper to the dealer before my warranty runs out as well. By being extremely careful during the application of the initial gas / acceleration I can reduce the learching a little, but sometimes no matter how careful I am it tends to jump on me. It can be really annoying in traffic.

"Hello everybody,

I was reading all the above stories and can tell you this.I am a mechanic for over 40 years and I am specialised in repairing CVT transmissions fo the last 7 years.Before this I have done 4 years research in cvt technic.There are a lot of problems with some cvt transmissions like Honda,Rover,Nissan,Mitsubishi and the MINI.
The mini problems are jurcking,delays by take of and slipping when taking off. I have stripped CVT and checked everything but no faults where found.I replaced sensors,friction plates,seals etc.
But the main problem is the soft ware in the control unit.You can replace the control unit but this will not help.The best way is to delete the software complete from the TCU and than install the newest version. After this you have to clear all faultcodes from all other control units in the vehicle.
Start up the vehicle and do the proper adaptation procedure (see BMW Workshop Manual). It is possible that you have to do this two or three times before you got it right.
Hope fully this will help you out there.
If your CVT needs a service be sure that they do it the way as written in the BMW workshop manual, if they fail to do this you will get problems with your CVT."

Source:

http://www.motoringfile.com/2003/09/...comment-236791

 

What I think:
It is NOT normal
The dealer is blowing you off, probably because they have no clue.

How many miles on the car?
Has the fluid ever been changed?
Where are you located?
Can you find a better dealer or are you stuck with this one?

 

is this the cooper or the cooper s?

if it's the cooper, then it probably is the cvt tranny..

i would try different dealers and get it sorted before the warranty for sure..

 

Two suggestions from a previous CVT owner. Get an extended warranty or sell the vehicle. $7000 repair bills are not easy to take.

 

31k on the car.
fluids changed ? probably not.. i bought it with 24k miles.

i will keep on the dealer.. my warrenty is up june 09

it is getting worse..

is there a way to contact mini directly with a problem ?

 

Yes, you can try their websites:

http://www.miniusa.com/

http://www.mini.ca/

I was able to get a 1-800# for mini Canada and spoke with them in the past about my cars history / records. However, they will likely direct you to the nearest dealer?

Best of luck. Keep us informed on your progress!

 

Just my opinion but lack of maintenance does not make a warranty claim. The unfortunate part is that your dealer does not seem to know how to deal with this performance issue. I doubt you will get the fluid changed for free but there is no harm in trying.
Hopefully you can get this fixed before it causes permanent damage to the transmission.

 

i take it in and have them do what ever is required.. hey.. its free..

if there is a lack of maintenance.. it would be the dealer

i think it best not to wait til the warranty is over

hmmmm
that volvo c30 is looking pretty good now.. LOL

 

contacted the dealer today. expressed my concerns about warrenty coming to an end and problems looming. he said they were documenting all my complaints and mini would work with me if something happens later.. since i am having them check tranny slam now..
he said they need to clear the 'memory' since we have 3 drivers .. it is trying to 'learn' the shift points etc..
by clearing it , it will start a new memory .. erasing the previous owners habbits.

they are going to change the fluid etc..

seemed genuinely concerned and very helpful

midwestern mini coulumbus, oh

 

update.

the records show all the service was done before i bought the car. at 21k they did the levei 1 ? service which included a tranny fluid change..etc.

i have had it up 2 times ..
going back the day after thanksgiving.. and get this.

midwestern mini is going to have a new transmission there.. and if they can't diagnose the problems..

gonna put it in that day >!!!

how is that for service.

will keep you updated.

warrenty is good unti july 09

 

Now THAT is service!!!

 

Well..
new tranny installey.. wow. shifts smooth and drives like a new car


on the way home i got pulled over by a highway patrol.. NO REAR tail lights. !!

checked everything turned off car.. back on .

my headlight switch wouldn't turn off or on my headlights.. ?? what ??

finally got some tail lights to come on .

when i got home my dome lights .. small reading light in the front wouldn't work.. they worked all the way home.. wife read with one.

now.
it seems to be in DRL mode.. i can't control the headlights. ?
sometime the dome lights work.
sometimes the tail lights work

hmm
seems like the lucas elecrical demons have appeared..

they are towing it all the way back to columbus on monday . to fix.
he says it sounds like a programming issue . ?

any thoughts ?


oh
and
i get a 2 year unlimited mile warranty on the new cvt