R55 2012 S Clubman shifting problems

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Jan 31, 2025 | 04:26 PM

Mugmud

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2012 S Clubman shifting problems

Hey y'all, I have a 2012 mini Cooper s clubman that is stuttering pretty badly between gears when it's in automatic, but doesn't stutter in manual mode. It DOES shake badly in manual mode though and has a high pitched screech if my foot isn't actively pressing on the gas pedal. It has 104,169 miles and I'm not sure how good the maintenance has been as I got it used (12,000 miles ago) and it has a salvage title. Looking up the VIN tells me it was in a pretty bad front end accident at some point.

Any ideas what to test or what the problem is? I'm not the most knowledgeable on cars but I am trying to learn. All I can figure is the transmission is likely dying

Oil levels are good (I check it every week as I have a small leak and I know the turbos are sensitive). Coolant is good too (that gets checked everyday as I've had it dump coolant from multiple locations, all of which I have fixed but I'm paranoid about it happening again) I do have some stored codes after having a spark plug go bad but my cheap OBDII reader can't clear them so I can list the codes I have currently if necessary.
I pray this is an easy fix but with all I've had to do on this car I doubt it...

Last edited by Mugmud; Jan 31, 2025 at 04:48 PM.

Feb 3, 2025 | 11:53 AM

ECSTuning

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Joined: Jan 2013

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From: Wadsworth, Ohio

Yes, something might have been hit and damaged in the transmission. Not many internals can be bought. https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/par...Cooper_S&mg=24

I would have the transmission inspected. Also i would get a good code reader, some of those code readers dont show all the codes. Just the ones that effect emissions. https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d-q-and-a.html

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Feb 4, 2025 | 07:36 AM

spaktacular

3rd Gear

Joined: Jun 2023

Posts: 266

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From: SW Connecticut

The 'screech' could be either the belt slipping on the water pump pulley or a PCV issue - it can make noise when at idle or not under load.

As for the transmission, I'd recommend a fluid/filter service as the first step. It's highly likely that the transmission fluid was never changed - MINI/BMW stated that the fluid was 'lifetime', even though it's not.....and consequently many of these Gen II cars didn't receive transmission service. This results in the shift solenoids in the valve body clogging and not functioning. And as there is no dipstick, it's impossible to know if you even have proper fluid level in the transmission.

Good luck!