I am the proud owner of a brg/white MCS with a 6-speed auto. Recently I have been hearing a rubbing sound from the right side of the car. It is worse when the car is cold and when making left turns. I took it to my dealer who has diagnosed the problem (by listening only) as a bad transmission and can only be fixed by replacing the CVT trans. Cost $6500. First of all don't I have an Aisin trans which should be repairable? Secondly the car runs and shifts fine. Thirdly, should I allow these people to touch my baby ever again?
Giles has 65,000 on the odometer and has been serviced by MINI its entire life. The only other problems have been a power steering pump and a wheel bearing. I have owned Giles since new and have been very pleased. There is another MINI dealer within driving distance but they have much shorter hours making it difficult to service the care there. Can I trust my baby to a chain trans shop? Can independent shops deal with these transmissions. I am in northern NJ.

I love this sight but haven't posted as I have been able to answer my questions by reading other posts. Any suggestions on this problem would be appreciated.

 

It's a 2006 MCS ??? I thought they ditched the CVT in the MCS in '06. Do you have paddle shifters on the steering wheel???

 

The CVT is only in the non-S.

 

I have paddle shifters, its an Aisin. the dealer now says they must have missspoke when they said CVT but that Mini does not have parts for transmissions and can't install aftermarket. Has anyone had a similar experience? Will taking the car to another Mini dealer help? I would prefer that as I need a loaner to get to work.

 

Any competent tranny shop should be able to rebuild the S 6 speed auto....

 

1) Yes, you have an Aisin tranny rather than the dreaded CVT.

2 and 3) I'd explore getting a second opinion at least

I'll defer to locals on reputable independent shops in your area.

 

And one reccomendiation...many chain type shops install remanfactured tranny's...the smaller independant shops are much more likely to rebuild your tranny....trannys pretty complex, but the folks that know how they work can do wonders..heck, when I look at one opened up, I can only think that it is like a old fashioned watch on a very large scale!!
Usually every area has a competent tranny rebuilder...just like a place that does machining of heads, etc. You might need to call a 3rd party shop or two...they should have the list places they use/trust/have had good experance with.
Remember, nothing is free...even a free loaner....

 

Thanks for everyone's suggestions. I am still hopeful that it isn't the trans. from the sound I am guessing cv joints. But we shall see. I keep you informed

 

I'd definitely get an second opinion though. A reputable tranny shop will let you know whats going on. Most Auto Trannys will throw an engine code when something begins to mess up. Also, your tranny would be giving you other signs besides some noise. My dad's truck was making some odd noise and the dealer said it sounded like the transmission failing. I took a look at the car and found out it was the water pump failing other than the transmission. So like everyone has suggested id seriously have it checked out by someone who specializes in transmisiions.

 

I agree with the others, and since it happens when turning, I think you are right. It sounds more like a cv joint than the tranny.

http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...placement.html

I'm sure one of the members in the regional forums could point you to a good, independent mechanic that can get you a second opinion.

 

Even though you don't have a CVT, I *had* a failing CVT and that doesn't sound anything like what I experienced. I had jerkiness and issues getting the car into "gear". I agree that it sounds more like a CV joint (maybe a miscommunication between tech and SA?) or something else steering/suspension related. Get a 2nd opinion for sure!

 

Thenks again. What are the odds of catistrofic failure? This is my daily driver and I would need at least another week before I can get it checked out. I would really hate to get stuck on the GWB (or anywhere else for that matter). I know that it is impossible to predict but has anyone had CV problems and driven with them?