My guess is that there a lot of first generation Coopers out there with CVT
( Constant Variable Transmissions) automatic on the road. We seem to gather complaints on this forum. Any good news as to how far your CVT has gone?
My 2005 has 60,000 miles on it and runs like it's brand new. I've had the transmission fluid/ oil changed twice, so far.
How about yours?

 

I'm at 118,000 -- been having the trans fluid changed every 28,000 and it has been problem free.

 

02 R50 with 96K miles...never had the fluid changed as far as i know

 

Do yourself a favor and change it , at that mileage is better to be safe

 

103,000 here. I'm actually surprised, since I've only heard horror stories.

Don't know if it's ever had a transmission fluid change since I've only had it since 89,000 miles. Yes, I was ignorant enough to buy a CVT R50 at that mileage. (And then proceed to spend $5k in mods on it.)

I have read (don't remember where) that at this mileage, a fluid change can hinder more than it helps. Is there any truth to this? Because I've been contemplating getting one for a while.

I wonder what the all-time record for a Justa CVT? There's gotta be someone out there who's managed to hit 150-200.

 

Well if it was me I would highly recommend in changing the fluid. I would talk to a good transmission shop and get there opinion. My guess is there going to tell you to change it now!! lol For anyone at mid to higher mileage CVTs and haven't changed your fluid.. I would think your on borrowed time! Good luck!

 

The mini I just bought which doesn't run and has 65k miles. Its cvt was in a box when I got it. The inside of the tranny was in good shape no metal shavings. A previous owner took it apart for some dumb reason. I ordered the parts to rebuild it. So it lasted that long. I guess. I hope it last a bit longer. What fluid do people use?

 

Im not sure what the CVT runs. But if you can use a synthetic type I would go that route. Find a good fluid that is compatible with your transmission and go from there. Also if there is a brand of oil you like check and see if they make something for your transmission. Im a amsoil junkie so I use there products. Even my new 2013 MINI im running there synthetic ATF. good luck with your CVT!

 

Your need to make sure you're using the correct fluid, also I have only had the dealer do the fluid change, it's easy to overfill and that is bad for CVT also, fluid is pricey
http://www.promini.com/product-exec/...earch_model/99

 

Yes, it's a special type of transmission oil. My first transmission change was done with the ESSO oil, and then I purchased Redline CVT oil for the second change, as it was easier to find online.

 

I had a fluid leak due to the drive axel seal being busted. I had my fluid changed while it was in the shop. I feel like the car runs smoother now, and is a little less jerky. I'm glad I got it done. Hope I get a few tens of thousands of miles out of the transmission yet...

 

I rebuilt my cvt. It had 65k on it.Which I think is pretty cool. Since I 've never worked on a Mini before. I used valvoline mini cooper cvt tranny fluid. So far it works great.

 

I'd like to know more about how you pulled that off and how much effort was involved. I didn't know that this could be done.

 

I took some pictures of the process. Wish I had a GoPro cam. Its not that hard really. I bought all the parts from http://www.europeantransmissions.com/ My cvt was missing alot of parts. My parts from them were the drive belt,rebuild kit(which had all the seals and clutch discs) filter, pan gasket. torque sensor, and other parts. Also bought there assembly video. Which helped a lot. I rebuilt the turbo 350 tranny in my 80 Z28 so I had a idea about what to with the seals and soaking the discs in clean tranny fluid. Theres a couple of parts you have to be careful with during tear down and re-assemble,other then that its pretty easy I think. What I started with.

 

New clutch discs installed. Secondary and primary all cleaned with new seals installed. Ready for the belt. I had to use sand paper on the pulley surface to get the old belt metal off.

 

Pulleys with belt installed.

 

I wish I would have took more pictures. I did the adaption process myself also. That was different.

 

Interesting.

Since I'm too hard-headed to trade my R50 in, this might be a worthwhile alternative to a Getrag swap.

How many hours total did it take you (approximately)?

 

The cleaning took the most time. I 'm not sure on the hours, because I had other things going on. I'd say it could be done in a weekend if you stick with it. Another forum member did his also. With the video I bought to reassemble the cvt.

 

OK so I guess my question is...

If a CVT can be rebuilt with a kit the costs a few hundred dollars, why does it seem like the only option that dealers/mechanics offer is a new transmission?

 

The drive belt is around $600.00. Why the dealers wont rebuild them I dont know. Maybe they wont guarantee them. If the belt fails it can take out all the moving parts in the tranny. My ring gear has a couple of chipped teeth. I put it back together anyway. So far all is good. I didnt want to deal with reprogramming the modules.