I just picked up my first 2006'- S last week with the Aisin 6 speed automatic with 62k. I have a few questions if anyone can chime in. Do these automatics shift differently than american automatics so to say? It feels like it is shifting fine but just seems different than all the other automatics I have drove in my life. I'm not sure how to describe what I mean exactly..

I may take it in to get the fluid swapped out at my local speed shop because I know lifetime fluid doesn't exist as BMW would like you to believe!

Any input is welcomed

Thanks!

 

I'm right there with you. I joust bought an '05 MCSa and it shifts quite heavy. Hopefully we will get more input from other owners here.

 

I also have an 06 S auto. It is just short of 100k miles. It has always shifted hard compared to other autos I have owned. I did perform the fluid change at about 70k, not sure it changed much. But hopefully will prolong tranny life.

 

06Coopah I also have a 2006 MCS automatic that I recently had to do a valve body swap at 100,000 miles because of terrible shifting problems which I hope doesn't happen to you.

You can see the DIY thread here:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-at-80k-9.html

I've heard that our cars typically aren't smooth shifters to begin with which was the case with mine before all heck broke loose and it started slipping and slamming gears. Now that I put a new valve body in I'm back to normal (not as smooth shifting as other cars) and happy to be out motoring!

 

Well here is what I can chime in with...First off these trans don't shift at all like your more typical type of auto. trans.. One main reason is the valve bodies that are used in minis are operated by electric solenoid valves..these valves are located in the valve body.. while your more old school type trans are mechanical..there valve bodies operate by fluid pressure to accuate them.. I think the trans that mini uses are more harsh..there shift points are more sharpe..

 

Here is another problem I have found though on doing a trans flush on a few minis with autos.. You cant do a true flush.. When you drain the fluid you only get about 40% of it out.. Im not sure if anyone on here knows how to get it all out or not but your more typical auto. trans. has a external cooler that you could easily tie into and do a real good flush.. While all the autos in minis that I have done there trans have internal coolers...theres no way to tie into the trans to get a good flush..which is very trouble-some to me..because that leaves you with about 60% of the old fluid in the tranny.. I am curious to hear if there is away to get it all out though if anyone would care to share that!

 

Great! Thanks for the replies..

 

You can do a full flush, but you'll have to drop the pan.

06coopah, these transmissions are indeed different than your average slushbox. I especially like the way they shift down when you're coasting in sport mode (ie taking a freeway exit), or how they hold a gear going downhill. And congrats on the purchase!

 

I recommend doing multiple flushes to get MOST of the fluid out. I have had the service done 3 times now in the last 6 months. I was having shifting issues at 35k and now everything is fine. I plan on doing one more flush during my next oil change.