I own a classic mini, but in my desire for more power and a continuously variable transmission, I am thinking of replacing my sad little 998cc with one of the first gen new mini engines with a CVT.

Does anyone know if the cars have any easily identifying factor such as a badge or is there a way to easily tell by looking under the hood for when I start junk yard scavenging?

Thanks!
Melissa

 

No identifying badges, as far as I know. Easiest way might be to look for '02-'04 Coopers and then check the shifter to see whether or not it's a 5-speed. I believe the non-cvt automatic showed up in '05, so any Cooper without a 5-speed would be a cvt.

 

Actually all automatic Coopers (i.e. non-S) models from 2002-2006 were all CVT. 2005 was indeed when the 6-speed automatic showed up, but only for Cooper Ses.

And, if I'm not mistaken, the CVT continues on in 2007 & 2008 Cooper convertibles, as they are still 1st Generation models. Not 100% sure on that last point though.

 

If its an AUTO and a MC 02-06 then its a CVT.


Guess I just wasn't fast enough

 

Ah. Thanks for the clarification. I'm all about manual transmissions, so I haven't followed the others.

 

Thanks everyone! I wish I was all about manuals, but unfortunately I still can't shift for myself. Luckily for me, they made auto minis in the UK and overseas shipping isn't that expensive...

 

You might want to think twice (or more) about getting a CVT car. There have been problems with the CVT reliability-wise. It is interesting to note that the R56 does not have the CVT as an option.

 

That's unfortunate considering the technology has existed since the late 1800's. You think they would have figured it out by now...