There's a lot of talk about CVT problems so I thought it might not be bad to have a list of things people have done to avoid issues.

I've got 25k on my '05 MCc and I'm wondering if there's anything I can do to prevent problems.

So, whattaya got?

 

i think if they are gonna fail .. they will fail..
my 05 had all the services done.. and still was replaced in november.

i think you get a good one .. or not.

if you are having problems.. document it with your dealer..

 

With prices I've been hearing to repair those, if I owned one with a CVT, I'd be getting rid of it before the warranty expires. Had a CVT 2006 MC (put 23,000 miles on it) and was never impressed by it and certainly wouldn't want to pay to have it fixed.
Greg

 

is because the belt snaps. I'm not sure if there is anything to be done to ward this off, other than keeping stresses on it low. But that sucks cause it means not flooring the go-pedal!

If your car isn't modded, and extended warranty is probably the best bet, and just let them eat the cost if it goes.

Matt

 

I'm with the good Dr. on this one. Get an EW, have it serviced (I think only the oil can be changed) and don't abuse it. No towing, no power adders (how much could you get anyway), no nothing. Just drive it and enjoy. I'm good with that. I don't need my MINI to impress anyone (or myself) with power. Have other vehicles for that.
That probably relegates the CVT MINI to transport appliance status but at least it looks good doing it. Not like an ugly Prius...

 

Make sure the fluid changes are done every 28,000 miles - this CVT generates a lot of heat and if the fluid breaks down , it's over.

Mine has 76,000 miles and is doing great (I probably shouldn't have said that)

 

I'm definitely considering getting rid of it. Hopefully the timing will be right. It will be paid off in Aug 2010 and at this rate it will only get to around 45k miles.

I'm definitely going to change the transmission fluid this spring.

How hard is this to do in relationship to an oil change? Anyone have any DIYs for it?

 

I had mine changed this fall -- $207.00 at the dealer, it has to be pumped into the transmission, so unless you have the equipment probably not a diy job - also I looked into buying the fluid, it is available at bimmerspecialists.com but you have to buy 20 liters ($225.00) and a fluid change only takes 4.5 liters.

 

How to avoid CVT tranny problems....?

Check the manual tranny box on the order form.

Sorry, I just couldn't resist. OK, beat me to a pulp.

YD

 

Well, given that the earlier Cooper manuals came with the Midlands transmission you might not be that much better off if you do get the manual.

 

there's no real complaints on the Getrag 5 speed, and the Aisan (sp?) auto currently used seems to be a good unit as well..

Matt

 

I tried to teach my wife to drive a stick and it wasn't pretty. In the end I was just glad she wanted a MINI. In 05 weren't they way past the midlands?

I had an 02 with the Midland tranny and it did get replaced under warranty.

 

the midlands went the way of the Dodo sometime in the summer of 04... But I'm not sure...

Matt