Ok....I'm worried there is something wrong with my auto tranny on my R50....I just recently bought it used from a mini dealer south Atlanta and I have never had a car that's been so sluggish trying to get going from 1st gear. It's feels like it's trying to pull a trailer until it gets to like 4k rpm then it's ok.

I also have weird issues when going like 40mph or so then flooring it...the rpms go to like 4k until the car actually starts pulling...then it only pulls for a moment because redline causes it to shift up another gear.

it's just so weird and I never experienced a tranny behave this way. I'm used to honda's all my life. Am I expecting too much of this little engine or should I get it checked out?

 

The R50 auto is a CVT - and they are notorious for issues when they get some miles on them. Sometimes fluid change can help... other times not. Have it checked by a competent MINI specialist right away.

 

I have thought of a fluid change, but I hear it's insanely difficult compared to say an honda auto tranny(which is a damn dream to change as I've done it so many times on many hondas).

You have a recommended tutorial on it? I don't need babying when it comes to repairs, I've been doing all my maintenance on my cars for 10 years now.

Thanks!

 

The fluid is pretty special....folks have found it....but it is only sold in bulk....some dealers will sell you a few quarts....you may need your own container/jug.
The CVT's are so problem prone, IMO, have the dealer do it...if they have a record of it getting serviced regularly, they might good will or give you a discount on the $7-9000 if it is ever needed.

 

you mean if I had to replace the tranny? cost 7-9k$? wow...that's crazy!

There is "Way Motor Works" I found in atlanta that services minis so maybe i'll take it to them to see if just the fluid needs to be changed.

Is there any way to check the level in this tranny? Who knows, there could be no fluid in the thing.

 

Way(len) at WMW is the way to go for sure if you're in the Atlanta area. He's away at MINIS in the Mountains now -but will be back middle of next week. He can definitely help you.

 

You should be able to get it changed for under $200. That is roughly what the fluid would cost you anyway. I paid around $180 for fluid change on my old CVT.

Also, is the behavior you are describing new? Otherwise, it may just be the normal oddities with the CVT - there is no "1st gear" - there are NO gears on a CVT, and it takes some people awhile to get used to it. The CVT is definitely sluggish from idle compared to a normal gearbox.

All of that said, I was facing a $7500 CVT replacement, and traded the car in while it was still operating reasonably well.

 

Also, AC will really rob the power from all small engined cars at low RPMs. If the AC is on, that is making things more noticable without a doubt.

 

I am aware of the A/C drain....this still happens, unnoticeable, the same with or without the A/C on. Just hope WMW can clear it up, i'm hoping it's either a fluid issue or a software issue(first care I've ever owned where software issues can actually effect performance, from what I hear anyway).

I've been scouring these forums for the last week since the purchase and a little bit before the purchase.

 

Before posting this thread, I was uncertain I even had a CVT...I heard it mentioned a few times but wasn't sure what I had.

I don't understand since there are no "gears"...why does the shift tronic thingy give a numeric readout? I guess that's just a helper for the user? I honestly loathe "fake" manuals. This car is for my girl, I drive a 5 speed accord. I do all the maintenance though.