Mini Cooper Auto CVT transmission problems
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 373
Likes: 63
From: Charlotte, NC
Does anybody know what causes a CVT to start like it is using a rubber band for a belt? It just jerks forward when I give a little gas and fights being smooth on take off. My standard 2005 Mini has 50,000 miles.
BTW, I did find a couple of motor mount rubber things missing on the transmission that improved things when installed but maybe just half way to being correct.
I also changed the fluid myself 20,000 miles ago using the factory procedure except I did the complicated "battery off" method instead of using the special bottom side pump thing. Since the bottom side pump thing is so much easier to do, I may fab one up and check the level again.
Any suggestions?
BTW, I did find a couple of motor mount rubber things missing on the transmission that improved things when installed but maybe just half way to being correct.
I also changed the fluid myself 20,000 miles ago using the factory procedure except I did the complicated "battery off" method instead of using the special bottom side pump thing. Since the bottom side pump thing is so much easier to do, I may fab one up and check the level again.
Any suggestions?
Former Vendor
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: Texas
I purchased a cooper with a CVT transmission from a customer of mine at 165K miles. The trans had failed, and she was not wanting to repair the car. She had already replaced the trans once. So now at 165 K this car was getting its 3rd trans. Since at the time there were no internal parts available from Mini, I purchased a factory rebuilt trans in a box. I drove this car for another 70K and once again trans went out. I'm not sure I would put another trans in this vehicle.
I purchased a cooper with a CVT transmission from a customer of mine at 165K miles. The trans had failed, and she was not wanting to repair the car. She had already replaced the trans once. So now at 165 K this car was getting its 3rd trans. Since at the time there were no internal parts available from Mini, I purchased a factory rebuilt trans in a box. I drove this car for another 70K and once again trans went out. I'm not sure I would put another trans in this vehicle.
Former Vendor
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: Texas
That CVT Trans terrified my. We did trans flushes about every 15K on my own car. I drove the car very tenderly. I have purchased 4 of these vehicles from frustrated customers due to CVT trans failures. I have 2 of those cars in our storage area at this time. Hoping to do manual trans conversions at some time.
Former Vendor
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Yes flush and fills more often than recommended. If we were slow in the shop we serviced the CVT trans. I drove it like an old Lady. Although i'm really an old man. I just think these CVT's worked best in snowmobiles.
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 373
Likes: 63
From: Charlotte, NC
Since there is no torque converter, I have drained the fluid as per the BMW instructions with no flush but at 30,000 miles. It now has 50,000 miles.
I was thinking it might be related to a high idle.
I was thinking it might be related to a high idle.
Neutral
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
'05 r52 revs up to 3600rpm (55-65 mph)
I have the same problem on my 05 r52. Manual mode shifts fine, but trends to rev up in the same speed range (50-60mph).
Anyone have a clue?
Anyone have a clue?
My 02 r50 with cvt acting on me.When i start accelerating from traffic light it seems to do just fine but once i get to 50-60 mph when i try to accelerate just a bit tachometer rews up to 3500rpm and then if i hit gas pedal further it goes back to 3000 rpm. It seems like it slipping. But of course it is hard to say on cvt. Then some time if braking hard enough sort of emergency stop instead of slowing down gradually it feels like engine desingage from tranny and rpm goes up to 2000 rpm and then gradually goes down when car is fully stoped. I got 160000 miles on it at fluid was changed 10000 miles ago, it was fine then. But now i got that weird issue. Besides that in manual mode i can not up shift it stays in 1 st gear ( is there any switch mulfunction down below shifter???)
Neutral
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Hey all, starting this thread back up a bit.
I just purchased a 2005 Mini Cooper with a CVT. It's made it until 148,000... or at least it appears to have. Is there any chance that the trans was replaced and it was not listed on Carfax? It has no symptoms of failure and I've been driving it for about 2 months. A bit of jerkyness when I first put it in gear, but nothing else.
I just purchased a 2005 Mini Cooper with a CVT. It's made it until 148,000... or at least it appears to have. Is there any chance that the trans was replaced and it was not listed on Carfax? It has no symptoms of failure and I've been driving it for about 2 months. A bit of jerkyness when I first put it in gear, but nothing else.
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 373
Likes: 63
From: Charlotte, NC
I suspect its like a lot of common car problems. If 10% fail early, nobody expects them to ever last; however, BMW probably tested a lot of these past 200,000 miles with no failure. It’s not a great tranny and they dumped it for a regular slushbox but its not the end of the world either.
Peter
Peter
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,140
Likes: 329
From: Panama City Beach Florida
I read alot about the CVT trans. Not just MINI'S but other cars with same style trans. Alot of the issues with the shifting is due to the fluid an natural ware of the internals causing the valve body solenoids to stick. I seen several videos showing the sticking issue with the solenoids. They suggest staying with your old solenoids. Have them dismantled an cleaned then rebuilt. Or you can get a new remanded body with oem solenoids from revmax. About 800 dollars. The belt throws alot of trash thru the valve body causing buildup in the solenoid. Which in turn causes the shart going thru it to stick. Causing either a delay or sudden shift when if frees up.
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 16
Likes: 2
Hello everyone. I bought a 2007 R52 Mini Convertible Base last year. It was a great car. A few weeks ago it will not go past 30 MPH and tachs at 4,000 RPM. I guess something broke. I live in Charlotte, NC.Does anyone know of a repair shop that I can take it to?
Thank you in advance.
Thank you in advance.
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 373
Likes: 63
From: Charlotte, NC
You say it is a base R52. Is it a base R50, or is it a supercharged R52? It isn’t both. As a 2007, I think is does not have a CVT but, rather, an Aisin torque converter style. Where in Charlotte do you live?
Peter
Peter
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,306
Likes: 474
From: Atlanta, GA
The base R52 has a CVT if it isn't a manual.
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 373
Likes: 63
From: Charlotte, NC
Sounds like a valve problem. Regarding a shop that might work on it, I bought my ‘05 CVT Mini from Gunther Automotive (I think that is the name) in Rock Hill, SC, (a suburb of Charlotte, NC).
Junior Gunter is the owner and head mechanic and might solve your problem.
Peter
Junior Gunter is the owner and head mechanic and might solve your problem.
Peter
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Noisy Boy
Stock Problems/Issues
5
Nov 6, 2022 03:06 AM
boognish
Stock Problems/Issues
22
Sep 20, 2010 09:14 PM