So the 05 MCSCa's Auto trans has officially went out. Only 66,00 miles, RIDICULOUS! $9700 for the dealer to put a new one in, RIDICULOUS!

So looks like I have 2 options:
1) I can sell it to Carmax for their quote of $9000 (they didn't notice any transmission problems), but it blue books for $11,700 trade-in (good condition). Carmax rips you off, they gotta make their money, I get it.

2) There is a MINI specialist in LA that will rebuild it including valve body, torque converter and thermostat too for $3500 out the door. Has 2 year unlimited mile warranty.

Has anyone had a automatic trans rebuild done? Results? Longevity? Should I dump the car before other problems happen with this year/model MINI (water pump changed at 30k mi)?

Thanks guys

 

I have been told the mini auto (ASIN) tranny is nearly identical to the same tranny in other cars...(there is a listing somewhere...vw has a cooler, and a different bellhousing, etc)....so it seems to make sense you gound a guy that can/will rebuild it...
I bet that since it is a mini shop, he has done it before....
If you want to keep the car, it sounds like a pretty good deal...heck better than getting bent over at carmax....even if you fix it, then sell it private party you get more $$.

 

Instead of rebuilding it or unloading the car, have you changed the fluid in the transmission yet? Since MINI says that the trans fluid is "lifetime", the dealership will only want to replace it if there are any problems. Try changing the fluid first before you completely give up on it.

 

They found metal in the oil so Im not sure it would fix that

 

I'm faced with the same problems. Feels like i rev up to 4k+ but the transmission doesn't catch on. And when it does, its as i'm pulled back by a leash.

I've decided to change the ATF and see how it goes. I'll update again if anyone's interested.

 

In this instance you would be ripping Carmax off.

 

I've seen this posted before about stating there is a lifetime ATF in the automatic. This is confusing to me. Are we talking about different trannies?

I have a 05 cooper with the CVT auto and it does not have lifetime ATF according to my dealer. They flush the ATF as part of the service interval. And yes, I pay for it but I find it to be good risk aversion by maintaining it.

I have over 96,000 miles on mine and it is due for another service interval in about 2k miles.

As far as rebuild goes, if they are a competent shop I see no reason not to. Engines and trannies have been around forever. Just cause they get jammed into a little old MINI doesn't mean that they can't be reborn.

 

What was the symptoms that lead you to believe your trans is hosed?

I have an auto too and want to know what to look for.

Thanks.

 

Definitely let me know if that helps. I really doubt it for me though as the dealership along with everything I've read says the tranny is done so didnt think it was worth spending the money on a fluid change.

 

Its the Aisin Auto trans, slowly started shifting hard especially between 3rd & 4th but before I had a chance to change the "lifetime Fluid" it started shifting very hard and hesitating in neutral for several seconds before slamming into gear.

 

That sounds like a fluid issue. Ours was starting to downshift very aggressively and flare upshirts. I changed the fluid a few times to flush as much of the old stuff out as possible and, while not completely fixed, it is greatly improved. As for the metal in the pan, I would be skeptical. I've been taken for a ride by a transmission shop in the past that told me the stuff that had built up on the magnet was bad and the transmission needed rebuilt. I foolishly paid over $2k for the rebuild only to have it really start acting up 30K miles later.

In your case, I would definately change the fluid, especially if you had planned to keep the car. Also, make sure you are using the proper fluid, JWS 3309 is the fluid spec. You can use Toyota T-IV if you want to change it cheaply, and there are a number of synthetics out there that also work well.

 

Did they show u the oil?

If it's large bits, u may have a problem.

If it's fine powder, that would more likely be worn friction material... which is natural. Do 2-3 ATF drain/refills & filter with 500-750 miles of driving in between. Clean ATF might solve the problem.

VW uses the same tranny (differently specs) and had the same "lifetime ATF" nonsense but has changed its tune. VW now recommends ATF/Filter change every 40k.