Got back from the dealer....they were able to replicate the shudder. Basically I was told that its a software issue and there is nothing they can do until next week when BMW is supposed to MAYBE release another software update. Also my airbag light came back on and they said they found a bad part that has to be ordered. I am really pissed off. I called MINI USA, and ALL THE SUPERVISORS ARE IN MEETINGS! They took all my info and will get back to me and also contact the dealer. Also Ryephille....this is the SECOND dealership I am dealing with now. Westchester's service department was incompetent to say the least. Prestige has been much more accomidating even though I have to drive an hour to get there. However, they can not fix this problem either. I have SEVEN pages of service appointments now. My parents are away and will be back on Saturday. I suppose I will have to get my Dad involved as he is a lawyer.

 

>>As you know I have had a huge list of problems with m car. Well today it got much worse.... My airbag light came on, so I took it to the dealer and they replaced the plug and all was fine. Well tonight while driving, THREE TIMES at stop lights, the car began to shudder like crazy...as if it was going to stall. I have a CVT, and have already had the wiring harness replaced for stalling. As a result I have NO CLUE what this could be. I feel like crap, this car just gets worse and worse, and I dont even feel like I can move to Florida anymore with the car like this. I dont know what to do at this point. Does anyone have any idea what this problem might be? The car didnt stall but almost got there..... was shaking bad. UGH I cant even type I feel sick to my stomach. I really feel I have wasted a huge sum of money on this car. It has screwed everything up. Now I cant move as a result...there is no way i can drive this car down there with peace of mind. I still owe four years on this car...what the hell am I going to do. UGH I feel sick.


Please post:

Build date

Mileage


Also need to know:

What is the latest known version of the DME software in your car?

(For the CVT you should have version 33.2)

In addition, if they replaced your wiring harness, why they did not replace the Throttle body control module??? Remember that some of these modules had defective plugs that when losing contact, would enable the EML warning light and either stumble or shutdown the car completely.

I have had software update 33.2 in my '02 Cooper CVT since May 17th, 2003 and after 5K miles haven't had any issues...smooth as silk and the engine works like Swiss clockwork....like a 1600cc engine SHOULD FEEL...POWERFUL!!!

 

>>Got back from the dealer....they were able to replicate the shudder. Basically I was told that its a software issue and there is nothing they can do until next week when BMW is supposed to MAYBE release another software update. Also my airbag light came back on and they said they found a bad part that has to be ordered. I am really pissed off. I called MINI USA, and ALL THE SUPERVISORS ARE IN MEETINGS! They took all my info and will get back to me and also contact the dealer. Also Ryephille....this is the SECOND dealership I am dealing with now. Westchester's service department was incompetent to say the least. Prestige has been much more accomidating even though I have to drive an hour to get there. However, they can not fix this problem either. I have SEVEN pages of service appointments now. My parents are away and will be back on Saturday. I suppose I will have to get my Dad involved as he is a lawyer.


BULL ****!!!

Demand to have software update 33.2 updated into your car ASAP!!!!!

33.2 has been the cleanest of all software updates released by MINIUSA for the CVT. I have it on my car and have been very happy with it.


Stick to your guns and tell them to upload 33.2. Also VERY IMPORTANT: THE TECHNICIAN PERFORMING THE UPDATE MUST CLEAR ALL ADAPTIVE SETTINGS, RE-SYNCRONIZE THE CVT CLUTCHES AND RECODE THE COMPUTER. A 33.2 UPDATE FOR THE CVT PROPERLY DOBE SHOULD TAKE ABOUT 2 HOURS TO COMPLETE AS THE TECHNICIAN NEEDS TO TEST DRIVE THE CAR IN 3 DIFFERENT CYCLES TO RE-PROGRAM THE DME ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND TRANSMISSION!!!!

 

11K Miles

BUILD OF 02/03

All software is up to date (and according to the dealer may have caused this shuddering problem)

 

>>11K Miles
>>
>>BUILD OF 02/03
>>
>>All software is up to date (and according to the dealer may have caused this shuddering problem)


Ants, you need to go back to the dealer and have the tech plug in the diagnostic BMW computer to find out the exact version of the DME software. Don't take NO for an answer..demand exact answers as this is crucial.


I ahve 33.2 in my August 2002 build Cooper CVT with 12.9K miles and have absolutely no problems. The car just runs perfectly and reliably...no sttuter, no stumble, no boggin, no rough idle with A/C on just smooth as silk. I bet you anything that you still have an older version of the code (31) and 31 was known to cause all these problems because at some point in time I had it too.

Your service dept seems clueless.

Tell them to call Franz Laman, Lead MINI tech at Lauderdale MINI at (954)763-4777. This guy is extremely knowledgeable and can help shed some light on your issues.

 

Antsmini,

I got my MC from Prestige and I think that they are excellent. I also had some problems with Westchester bmw service. Anyway, good luck!

 

I have a May 16, 2003 build MINI Cooper CVT, and I too have had an *occassional* low RPM at idle, that causes a shuddering (car shakes a bit), but when this happens, the computer seems to take control and help to *recover* the idle back up to normal...I can watch it on the tachometer...it usually idles at an even 900...but every once in a while (especially when "cold" (not cold outside, rather, if I've only driven it a few miles.) the idle dips to maybe 875 or 850 (it's hard to tell for sure), and causes the shaking. Car has 5,100 miles on it, never ever stalled, but it is annoying when it does seem like it will stall. Thing is, my car does have the latest version of the program in it, being a May 16, 2003 build, it has 33.2. So... what could be causing the occassional shudder at idle, then? Anyone have any clues? When I say occassional, I mean it--happens maybe two or three times month...but it does happen and it shouldn't happen at all on a brand new car, or any car for that matter!

One thing I have found that keeps it from shuddering at idle is if the AC is already on, because with the AC on, I noticed the computer edges the tach up higher than 900 to begin with. But I'm not gonna put my AC on in the winter, that's for sure.

Rock on,

Joe

 

>>
>>I have a May 16, 2003 build MINI Cooper CVT, and I too have had an *occassional* low RPM at idle, that causes a shuddering (car shakes a bit), but when this happens, the computer seems to take control and help to *recover* the idle back up to normal...I can watch it on the tachometer...it usually idles at an even 900...but every once in a while (especially when "cold" (not cold outside, rather, if I've only driven it a few miles.) the idle dips to maybe 875 or 850 (it's hard to tell for sure), and causes the shaking. Car has 5,100 miles on it, never ever stalled, but it is annoying when it does seem like it will stall. Thing is, my car does have the latest version of the program in it, being a May 16, 2003 build, it has 33.2. So... what could be causing the occassional shudder at idle, then? Anyone have any clues? When I say occassional, I mean it--happens maybe two or three times month...but it does happen and it shouldn't happen at all on a brand new car, or any car for that matter!
>>
>>One thing I have found that keeps it from shuddering at idle is if the AC is already on, because with the AC on, I noticed the computer edges the tach up higher than 900 to begin with. But I'm not gonna put my AC on in the winter, that's for sure.
>>
>>Rock on,
>>
>>Joe
>>
>>
>>
>>


What you describe is a known glitch in software 33.2.

 

>>What you describe is a known glitch in software 33.2.


Thanks for the speedy reply, Cooper4us. You seem to be extremely knowledgeable in regards to the CVT and the software programming... would you know if there is a known fix for this glitch?

Maybe I should wait until my first service (about 5,000 miles from now (approx 3 months at the rate I drive) when I hit 10,000 miles), and see if there's a new software upgrade then...

Rock on,

Joe

 

>>
>>>>What you describe is a known glitch in software 33.2.
>>
>>
>>Thanks for the speedy reply, Cooper4us. You seem to be extremely knowledgeable in regards to the CVT and the software programming... would you know if there is a known fix for this glitch?
>>
>>Maybe I should wait until my first service (about 5,000 miles from now (approx 3 months at the rate I drive) when I hit 10,000 miles), and see if there's a new software upgrade then...
>>
>>Rock on,
>>
>>Joe
>>
>>
>>
Joe, all I know is that MINIUSA currently is working on a protoype of the 34.x software update for the CVT. Like I said, 33.2 has been the cleanest execution so far so I am fairly confident that MINI will be able to address the remaining 10% of the glitches when the next update becomes available.

Stay tuned.

 

My car had the same problem at a stop light. I kept driving it, trying to ignore it, then the transmission failed. Luckly, it was warrantied, but they replaced my entire tranny! I know your car is a CVT, but it might fail on you like it did with me (in rush hour traffic, i might add). I only had around 3500 miles on the car when it happened.

GET IT LOOKED AT!!!

or sell it :???:

good luck!

oh, My mini: Build date = 02/01/02. #9 from Towson Mini. Reg. Mini.

Danny

 

>>>>As you know I have had a huge list of problems with m car. Well today it got much worse....
>>
>>Hey Ant,
>>Bring your car to Hassel MINI .
>>Ask for Alex....
>>They actually have mechanics that know the MINI.
>>Peace,
>>D
>>

i'm sorry dennis i have to disagree with you there! alex is a great guy but the rest of them have no clue what they're doing... i went in for a flat (just a simple flat) and they replaced the wrong tire and left the flat on.....??????

anyway, anthony i'm very sorry to hear this.. i think you might be better off using the lemon law if it applies to you. it'll give you way more peace of mind. i hated my old cooper cause of the problems it gave me... i don't miss it! i was glad to see it go!
keep calling miniusa and def get your dad involved if he's a lawyer! good luck!
according to this your car falls under the lemon law.....
_________________
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>>My car had the same problem at a stop light. I kept driving it, trying to ignore it, then the transmission failed. Luckly, it was warrantied, but they replaced my entire tranny! I know your car is a CVT, but it might fail on you like it did with me (in rush hour traffic, i might add). I only had around 3500 miles on the car when it happened.
>>
>>GET IT LOOKED AT!!!
>>
>>or sell it :???:
>>
>>good luck!
>>
>>oh, My mini: Build date = 02/01/02. #9 from Towson Mini. Reg. Mini.
>>
>>Danny


I think there was no need to replace the entire transmission. MINI dealers in the early days were totally clueless when legions of stumble prone CVTs began to show up in service dept driveways.

Your car is a very early build for the US market and that explains some of the issues you may have had. Sometimes it doesn't pay to be "The first kid on the block"

 

Just got off the phone with MINI USA. They have been looking into my shudder issue and say it is definately related to the software. They said they are being swamped with this complaint as well as with the stumble. They said they are working on the software and that they can not give an estimated time frame. They said that they want to make sure this software fixes the stumble and shudder before they release it, unlike the last one. I guess Ill have to wait and see what happens when I bring it in next week.

 

It's peculiar that the shudder ONLY started after the airbag was fixed.

I have a slight shudder occasionally and once or twice it felt like it was going to stall (again).

Anthony, no matter what happens service-wise, get the wheels in motion TODAY to process the lemon law (send out that letter to MINIUSA pronto). If you have any questions about the process, PM me. If you remember, I was THIS CLOSE to lemoning my MINI a few months ago.

Hope you manage to have some fun this weekend.

 

Anthony, read the Stumble thread...this is the same answer that they've been providing to folks complaining about that problem for months and months. The new software is always "due soon" and is in final testing. Well, lo and behold they release new versions and they still don't fix the problem...and often cause others. Sure, maybe someday they'll get it right, but smart money isn't betting on the fact that this will happen any time soon.

So again, you can ride this roller coaster or you can get off and let someone else deal with this. Over the year, you've expressed SO many doubts and frustrations about your car. If it were me, I'd have walked a long time ago. (Fortunately, the MCS stumble which I have is no where near as frustrating as I imagine your CVT shake to be)

Can't you unload your car easily at your dealer?

 

I no longer work at MINI. I quit because I was moving and also was having so many problems with mine, I could not sell them in good faith.

Kim, mine has not shuddered today at all but it may very well come back, so it looks like we are in the same boat. The reason this happened AFTER the airbag service is because they flashed me and upgraded to the latest software....introducing this problem. The guy at Prestige said the new software would be in next week, however the guy I spoke with at MINI USA will not confirm this. If I get a new one, I will have to wait to December to get it, and I wont be able to move to Florida as a result. So now the question is, do I try and get a new one, or just wait for the software fix like everyone else.

 

A new one? No way!! If your car is a lemon, you're entitled to your money back (minus the mileage you put on the car when you first reported having problems). Get your butt to Florida with the MINI, the lemon paperwork trail will take a while. Just keep driving it until they settle this nonsense.

Don't accept another MINI. Get your money back and move on.

 

I cant, I dont like any other cars except the MINI. Is it to much to expect these cars to work properly? BMW ARE YOU READING THIS? Stop leaving your customers in the dark? DONT RELEASE A CAR THAT HAS KNOWN PROBLEMS!!!!!

 

Oh Anthony, you are the funniest disgruntled MINI owner I know. What a love/hate relationship. Ok, if you're gonna stick with a MINI, why not stick with the one you've got. They've already replaced damn near everything in the car, so jeez, what else could possibly go wrong?

 

>>I cant, I dont like any other cars except the MINI. Is it to much to expect these cars to work properly? BMW ARE YOU READING THIS? Stop leaving your customers in the dark? DONT RELEASE A CAR THAT HAS KNOWN PROBLEMS!!!!!


anthony i hate to say this cause i dont want to **** any cvt owners off... but i think you should go through with the lemon law and get a standard. maybe an S. i have had NO problems with my car.. yes i may have only had it for 2 months but the first two months i had my cvt cooper i had lot of problems. i take this as a good sign. i also don't have the sumble or anything. just a thought... cause i agree with you.. i dont want any car other than a mini.. if i had to give this one up i'd definitely get another one.

 

Ants, do you know what software version is loaded in your car??? Why haven't you answered this question?

I have 33.2 and zero problems. I doubt very much you have 33.2 in your car.

 

[devil's advocate]
...an occasional shudder that makes the engine seem like it's going to stall, but never does? How is this an actual problem? If you want crappy engine control, take the reins of my brothers Neon I'm driving right now; you'd get back in your MINI and be amazed how perfect it runs!
[/devil's advocate]

Ant, take the advice of fellow motorers, call up some competent dealerships, bust some heads: mention lemon-law to MINIUSA, mention lawsuit, mention your dad's a lawyer. Sounds like you're getting walked all over, but not doing anything about it.

 

I did mention lemon law to MINIUSA, they said I am certainly entitled to that...and that they wish me luck finding a lawyer and proceeding through the courts... I have tried to get it ifxed at my dealership and another. I had my assesed on a trade in value. I feel I have done a lot and I am getting nowhere......

 

Ok.......UPDATE....... I drove it all day today, and no shudder. So I guess this might be a normal thing (well as normal as it can be) and hopefully only something that will happen once in awhile. I have been thinking about what HARMINI and Ryephile said, and its true. I have worked out so many kinks on this car, what if I get a new one and its worse? If this shudder is only gunna appear a couple times a month, I can deal with it until a software fix is provided. So Ill keep my fingers crossed. I just have to remember at the end of the day its a car and things are gunna happen to it unless I keep it in my living room and never drive it. Of course on the way back from giving it a test ride a construction truck full of dirt let some lose on the highway and BLASTED my car. I JUST CANT CATCH A BREAK! I washed it as soon as I got home. Ill keep you all posted.... Thanks again for the support.