I went to buy a new Mini today. I wanted the CVT auto. I noticed after driving 2 cars, that they both were the same, namely, that when stopped there was a pause and mild "grab" of the driveline when pulling out. I could live with this. What worries me is I had bought an Audi convertible with CVT 2 years or so ago. A relative bought one as well. Both transmissions had the lag and grab. By 15K miles the transmissions had failed on both! Do I have to worry re any similarity with the Mini CVT. Thx.

 

Mine went out at 50K

 

mine is at 55k and is still running fine

 

mine started making grinding noises at 70K

 

Mine is fine at 32k, and it's been tracked 6 days at HPDEs and to the Dragon 3 times. I've no complaints whatsoever, especially since adding the UniChip to the catback and the CAI.

 

Would those of you that have had problems ---still get a cvt when you buy a new Mini? I prefer standard but the rest of the family can't drive standard. This has caused me a bit of a moral dilemma----the good me thinks--"oh get cvt so they can all enjoy it" but the other me say"whoa, no one else will use it". I will have to talk to a Priest Maybe?

 

I don't have a CVT, but have read of many people who have had problems with them. My advice would be to buy a 2007 MINI Cooper with an automatic. The automatic that is used in the 2007 is not a CVT. That should say something about what MINI/BMW think about their CVT. Would they discontinue it if it was very good? I think not.

By all means buy a MINI, but wait a week & buy a 2007 when they are out.

 

You don't need to buy a 2007 techically to get the non-CVT automatic. Just buy a 2006 Cooper S with the automatic and your will get an Aisin automatic. And if you like you can get paddle shifters on the steering wheel. All 2006 Cooper S' have the regular auto transmission with gears and not belts.

 

Yep this is 100% correct. I thought our friend wanted a Cooper.

 

That is very helpful. Thank you. I wondered why the dealer has so many non S cvt's----you name the color and he has it. Converts too. But he does not one single 06 or 07 S auto. Your explanation may be why.

 

Mauleskyrocket (any relation to the plane?), you might consider having the rest of the family learn to drive a stick. Never know when it will come in handy, and it's a lot more fun!

 

The CVT is fun, and so is the MCSa. I grew up driving a stick in a Classic and have driven sticks most of my adult life...here in the States and over in Europe. However, my first "new" MINI was the '03 Cooper CVT and I've enjoyed its shift variations so much that this year I bought an '06 MCSa to add to my current stable.

 

Yes Daffodildeb. A Maule is a beautiful thing. And in over 7,000 hours in Kings, aero and Maule singles---I never had to shift----just aim.