Aloha,

I have a question about my wife's '05 Cooper w/CVT (36k on the odo). I have been very conscientious w/service, but don't drive her Cooper.

I can't seem to part w/my '87 325is - my pal for over 20 years. Will definitely be purchasing an MCS in the near future and putting the BMW in storage.

But, I digress....

Her car does not accelerate smoothly - it seems to bog a bit, then gradually picks up speed. Even at freeway speeds, if I get on it, there is some hesitation before it accelerates.

Just drove a friend's identical '05 w/CVT for comparison. I can really notice the difference - their Cooper accelerates like a go-kart.

I don't think there are any fuel or ignition issues - am hoping it's not a developing tranny problem.

Would anyone know if there have been any factory ECU software upgrades for the '05 w/CVT? If so, I can approach the dealer w/educated questions.

Our 4Yr/50K warranty expires in a few months, so would like to try and get this driveability issue addressed under warranty. Since there's only one dealer in Honolulu, it may be difficult to get this resolved.

Mahalo (Thank You) for your input,

Mike G.

 

There have been CVT failures, but generally more like 60K+ miles.

The transmission is supposed to learn driving style - maybe your wife never asks it for hard acceleration? If that's the case, having the dealer reset it would at least temporarily solve the issue, proving that is what it is.

 

Thanks Ian,

Good point - wife does drive "gently."

I plan to have the transmission oil changed shortly and will request the reset at the same time.

Just wondering - would disconnecting the battery for 15 minutes or so allow the ECU to reset?

Thanks again for your input,

Mike G.

 

I've read that pulling the battery does reset - but I've never tried it to confirm.