Hello everyone:

I purchased a used Automatic '06 R53 last weekend from a MINI dealership that has 46,xxx miles. It was inspected by them and I had another mechanic perform a PPI. Besides a few minor things such as inoperable AC and needing a brake fluid drain/refill I was good.

Over the past week I noticed erratic shifting when going up a hill to my school. So bad, one of the tires screeches.

Today I brought it in to another mechanic that refilled the brake and tranny fluid. I mentioned the shifting problem to him and he really warned me when I went back to pick it up. He claims that there is erratic shifting between 1st and 2nd as well as 2nd and 3rd. He also mentioned that the old tranny fluid was burnt. He suggested I ask MINI if there is a software update and get a warranty.

Am I SOL? Will I probably need a new tranny?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

That's low mileage for a tranny issue, you just purchased it so depending on your state I'm sure the dealer would have to fix it.

 

Thanks for the reply! I am in California so am pretty certain there is no "cooling off" period. When I purchased the car they offered something where I could return it within 3 days for a charge. I contacted the salesman and told him what is going on.

 

Sorry to hear about your trans issue. The problem can be anything from needing a fluid change, needing a valve body replacement, a solenoid rotating and sticking I n the wrong position, to a complete rebuild or replacement trans. Fluid changes are often the first fix people try. It also might take a few changes to improve or eliminate the shifting problems.

If you search this forum, or others, you can find a lot of info. Unfortunately, the solutions and fixes aren't always straight forward.

 

Which dealership did you buy it from? There might not be a cooling off period to return the car and get your money back, but since they just did a PPI on it, they might be willing to work with you since a major issue popped up so fast.

 

Thanks! I went up a pretty steep hill tonight to test the shifting. It was very smooth! For some reason, the problem seems to occur just in that one spot.

 

I purchased it from East Bay MINI in Pleasanton. The problem seems to occur in that one spot only. I can't figure it out. Will be interesting to see what happens.

 

Hopefully East Bay MINI will at least change the trans fluid and not just tell you it's lifetime fluid. Without dropping the cross member and removing the transmission pan, you are limited to how much fluid will drain out through the drain plug. After 3 drains and refills, with a short drive in between to mix up the fluids, you should have around 80-85% new fluid.

Let us know what they say, and post some pics of your new car if you have any.

 

I had the tranny fluid changed today by a mechanic who specializes in European cars. I really don't know whether or not to trust their mechanics. On the inspection report it said the A/C was working. Turns out it wasn't.

I still can't figure out why it is so rough in that one spot near my school. I could actually take another way up there. Would be interesting to see if the same problem occurs.

Anyways, here is a picture of her! Side question: How durable are the hubcaps? I have a tendency to sometimes get too damn close to the curb (happened to me tonight).

 

Hard to see in the pic, but it looks like you have R84 factory alloy wheels. Unfortunately, you'll be curbing the aluminum wheel and not the small hub cap covering the lug nuts.

The car looks to be in really good shape though. Any more pics?

 

Oh. I really have to be more careful then. Not sure whether or not I scratched it tonight.

Besides a ding on the hood and some typical scuffs, it is in really good shape. Let's just hope that tranny is alright though. I REALLY LOVE the car. Before I drove a 2003 VW New Beetle Turbo. The R53 is much more fun and it constantly gets complimented. I might become a MINI fan for life.

Will try to get more pictures up soon!

 

Since the tranny fluid was burnt, I understand that indicates a bigger problem could easily exist. At the point am I better off taking it to a tranny shop for inspection?