From researching the forum I know that first gen minis have significant reliability problems when it comes to the automatic transmission. Was this problem straightened out in the 2005/2006? My wife has her eye on an '06 automatic and I'm wondering if I should steer clear.

 

This doesn't apply to the S model. Different transmission altogether. Is it an S (supercharged) or just regular - non S.

If the non S - no they didn't sort out the issue.

 

Main issue for this transmission was the lack of (scheduled ) maintenance. Transmissions for any car should be flushed at 30K. If the one she is looking at has low mileage ( say under 50K ) have the dealer perform a flush and re-adaptions/program. Seen a few on original fluid still running AOK with 100K on the meter, but IMO unless an S as Kahn states, steer clear.

 

It's a non-s with 81,000. It looks like I'm going to be letting that one go. Thanks for the info, it's greatly appreciated!

 

A

 

Ok, so, just to be clear, the automatic in all first gen S's are fine? Another question, how about second gen S's, anything to avoid? I've read that 2007-2010 have their problems, but are they that significant?

 

Yes the 1st gen S models are fine...no CVT

The other MINIs to avoid because of the N14 engine are:
2007 - 2010 MINI S
2008 - 2010 MINI Clubman S
2009 - 2010 MINI S Convertible
and the factory JCW through 2012

The N14 engine has carbon build-up issues, excessive oil consumption and timing chain problems.

These cars are a lot of fun to drive. Good luck.

Also, there is a free BMW VIN decoder online which will allow you to check the engine and transmission type.

 

The auto tranny in the S did not appear till 2005.....the same basic tranny was used on VW and Toyota cars...so it is not a unique unit, unlike the unit on the non-s, which was a CVT..... some did have valve body issues....hung shifts or delayed shifts...you can test drive it ti find out...VW/audi actually did a recall on some units...NOT MINI...
Many folk NEVER changed their fluids.....AND IN A HARD DRIVEN car, it is important...heat and old fluid are the enemy...
Know that a 10+ year old tranny on a 10= year old car is a risk...especially when driven hard....ask for records...do your due diligence...but most any car in this age range will be a risk.....lets face it...if driven hard, and the fluid is not changed, ANY 10 year + tranny is on borrowed time. Just telling you how it is.

 

Hey good too see you back!!
+1 on the advise too!!

Thanks, good to see you stuck around Tim !!

 

I have a 2010 MINI Clubman S with the N 14 engine and automatic transmission. I purchased it new, it burns no oil and has been trouble free.

 

+1 to keeping up on the services. http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/..._pg1.htm#item3

Same with keeping up on the cooling system and frequent oil changes. Just be sure to maintain it well.