Hi There,

My 2007 S Convertible has 138K on the clock and I'm starting to experience some automatic transmission issues that I can't ignore. I had the trans flushed and new fluid recently and it hasn't improved - if anything its getting worse.

Changes are smooth when the engine is cool but as things warm up changes get pretty jerky. Its mainly an issue when shifting from 1-2 and 2-3 (I think). Sometimes when hot the change can be delayed and then it happens very suddenly - not realistic to drive it in this state.

I'm not sure what next steps would be. I've spoken to the shop that does my servicing (they're a hard-core British sports car outfit) and it looks like the next step is probably buying a rebuilt transmission for $6-7K.

I'd really appreciate any help with suggestions or confirmation that a rebuilt trans is the way to go.

Many Thanks,

Daniel.

 

One thought.can you determine if the tranny is slipping and needs a rebuild, or just a new valvebody...I guess you can do it by feel...if it is "slamming" into gear or having delayed shifts..might be valvebody....
I don't claim to be a tranny expert, but hopefully it is a simer issue than a tranny swap!!

Many folks have had valve body issues...so it might be worth looking around at more posts...
Good luck!

 

Zippy has good advice. Do a search on valvebody, several threads on this (a couple pretty recent).

 

OK thanks a lot - that's very helpful and I'll search around. What would you say is the solution and approx cost for a valvebody issue?

 

Just to follow up. I found a great transmission shop in San Diego with Mini Cooper experience. They replaced the valve body first and that did the job. Shifting as smoothly as new again. They noted that many minis need the valve body replaced at 60-70K so it was probably the highway miles that kept mine running to 138K.

Thanks for the help on this.

 

Could you kindly share the name of that shop? I'm sure your area MINI community would be most appreciative if ever they have the same encounter.

 

Sure. Southern California Transmissions http://scatransmissionrepair.com/. Based on my experience all the reviews are for real. Two thumbs way up!

 

Thank you!

 

Glad you got it fixed. Have the transmission fluid changed every 30,000 or so & you will continue to motor along automatically.