There seems to be some debate on the Countryman forum regarding the durability of the 6 speed automatic transmissions.

One of the forum participants says that complete replacements on all Gen 2 models have not been uncommon, but I have searched this forum and others and found few if any reports at all.

We own a '12 Countryman All4 with a manual trans that BMW is replacing due to electrical problems they have been unable to fix. We ordered the replacement car with an automatic because of the widespread reports of clutch problems on the All4 model. (We did not experience clutch problems, but we had the car only a short time).

We were under the impression that the automatic transmissions on late model years had been relatively trouble free, and we are concerned to hear someone claiming that complete replacements are not uncommon at all.

I've seen lots of reports of problems with Gen 1 cars, but few if any with Gen 2 cars, even though the same person says the 6 speed automatic transmissions are identical for both generations.

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

Your source for info on the auto lacks personal knowledge and factual data....

Some owners with the 1st Generation CVT's had issues. Being a newer type of auto, and younger buyers, they failed to perform flush and adaptions at the proper intervals. I personally never saw/heard of an automatic transmission not needing/requiring a flush/fill/filter every 30K miles, ever.....did they think it worked by magic ?

So by the time they reached 70/80 K miles to their dismay, they needed a new one.

It all boiled down to proper maintenance and fluids.....changing fluids = longevity.

 

Thanks, but the reason for my post is to determine if I should have concerns about ordering a '13 Countryman automatic, not to question the issues Gen 1 owners had.

What I'm really interested in finding out is what the experiences have been with Gen 2 cars. I'm thinking that's more relevant to my question regarding a 2013. Again, I have seen few if any posts here regarding automatic transmission failures with Gen 2 cars, so I was very surprised when someone on the Countryman forum mentioned that transmission failures on Gen 2 cars were not uncommon. I'm hoping he is incorrect, and any problems are isolated, but I would like to know.

BTW, I have an '05 Mercedes SLK, and the service schedule says the automatic transmission fluid never needs replacing. Like you, I just don't buy that, and had a complete flush of the trans, converter, and cooler done.

 

shark,
I read that thread you're referring to. My 2 cents: It is one poster's account who for reasons he stated, is unable/unwilling to provide his LONE source so we can confirm/verify.

May I respectfully suggest that you do NOT get spun up about it (but I suspect you already are from your posts in that thread and now this NEW thread).

Yo're new '13 CM will be under warranty, enjoy it when you get it.

P.S. From the research I did prior to buying my wife's mini ('11 Justa Clubbie, auto), only data I found regarding auto trans was for the 1st Gen CVT's mentioned in post #2 above.

 

Shark, manufacturers typically do not warranty one thing, a manual clutch. So, if you run into any problems with your new automatic, it should be covered. If your former steed, a manual, had a clutch problem, you might have been stuck with a big repair bill.

Keep an eye on the forum here and consider selling in less than four years if there seem to be too many problems developing for your taste.

DOC

 

Investigating those claims in the last couple of days leads me to believe that there were failures with the Gen 1 Aisin 6 speeds, but I was unable to locate any threads or posts about ANY Gen 2 cars having that problem. It is my GUESS that something changed between 2006 and 2007, either in the transmission (beefing up the valve body, which failed in earlier ones) or in the cooling system for the fluids, or both. There are indeed problems with the Aisin 6 speeds pre 2007, not just the CVTs, but none that I could find for 2nd Gen cars.

 

+1

 

To elaborate on my post, I spent a few hours searching other MINI forums for postings regarding automatic transmission failure on Gen 2 cars. I searched Motoring Alliance with a Google site specific search, and ALL of the references were for Gen 1 cars with either the CVT or Aisin 6 speed. To then be completely thorough, I then read each thread title in the stock Gen 2 subforum, all the way back to 2009.

I then search the MINI2 forum from the UK, as there had been mention of discussion of transmission failures on that forum. I Google site searched it, and then scanned every single post in their Cooper and Cooper S sections. (they aren't organized the same way as the US forums) All the way back to the first posts. Many mentions of the CVTs and the Midlands transmissions failing in the Gen 1 cars. Not ONE mention of a Gen 2 failure... I was actually surprised not to find even one! That seems rather remarkable!

And since I have been reading NAM, as have the other participants on the Countryman thread, and I knew that I had not seen any issues raised regarding the Gen 2 automatics, I only did a cursory search of this site.

Granted that on the forums, the majority of owners opted for manual... and granted that the reported failures were happening at higher mileage (approx 80,000 to 100,000 miles), I find it amazing that there were multiple instances of 2005s and 2006s, but I could find no reference to a 2007+ failure. Not ONE.

So if the earlier Aisin transmissions were failing but the 2007+ are not, then it is one possibility that Aisin changed their transmission, retaining the same part #. We have seen this happen with other parts, the number is the same but the product or material is different. Which makes sense... they just stop producing the flawed one, and stream the new design into the system, but they don't change the part # because it is already in the systems, guides, and repair manuals. No need to give it the new #, especially if they would prefer not to bring the change to anyone's attention.

The other issue is the cooling of the fluid. Those transmissions, when opened up, revealed dark, sludgy, burnt fluid. My understanding is that the cooling system may have allowed that to happen, which would have stressed the valve body. A thick fluid would not have been protection for the components. So it is possible that the cooling system for the transmission was redesigned in the Gen 2 bodies, which keeps the fluid cooler and prevents it from failing at that mileage.

So, has anyone had an automatic transmission failure on a Gen 2 car? Or have any insight into any changes made to the Gen 2 cars?

 

Surely there are 2007 owners that have racked up 80k+ miles out there. Since they are quiet can we assume their tranny has not exploded? How often was the fluid changed/drain and refilled?

 

I've just had an Automatic Transmission failure on my 09 MCS Cabrio. The check engine light came on and the issue was at startup and not while driving. The computer displayed "transmission malfunction" and take your car to the nearest dealer. I was able to shift into Reverse and then Drive. But both times the car made a knock sound and then shifted into place. It feels like the Automatic Clutch isn't working. Until today, the shifting has been great from the **** as well as from the paddles on the steering wheel. Vehicle was in the shop in October 2013, so I think at least the transmission fluid was checked...but maybe not. Anyway, I made it to the dealer driving normally, and the car didn't have any noticeable issues shifting through the gears. Weird.

In any case, now it's back at the dealer, Ferman MINI of Tampa. I'll update when I know what is wrong.

 

I really think it has to do with how many times you flush your automatic transmission. I've seen some guy say his fluid looked absolutely dark at 75K miles. Wish I could find that thread to let you guys see what he was talking about.

I'm actually doing my flush at 70K miles. Right now I'm sitting at 62K miles, so I've haven't come close to those issues yet.

But I can definitely see auto transmission failures, I've seen other American brands at 60-100K miles have their trans blow up. So it doesn't surprise me if it's like 10% that has happened to MINI people too.

 

i am too lazy to find auto trans failure posts, but i do remember talk of failed valve bodies and getting a replacement from a company called revmax

a quick search found this:
http://www.revmaxconverters.com/inde....html?___SID=U

it is for 2005-2010 mini autos per their description

you could contact revmax and see how many they sell
http://www.revmaxconverters.com/index.php/contact-us

i do have a friend that owns an independant transmission shop and he says for longevity, a 2 years or 30,000 miles fluid change (whichever comes first) is the way to go ... i own a 1997 gmc sonoma v6 5 speed manual 4x4 that has had all drivetrain fluids changed per his schedule since new and i have all the oem parts onboard at 300,000 miles ... the transfer case is known to fail at 50,000 - 60,000 miles ... mine is still going strong (gmc says the fluids are "lifetime")

i know he has replaced and repaired transmissions on minis, but i do not know which models/years ... i do know he will not work on any brand cvt, only replace the complete unit

he also recommends using synthetic fluid, not the mini 3309 dino oil

scott

 

Unfortunately, it's a long process to flush the transmission because you only get about 30% of the fluid each time you "flush" it.

 

you reminded me of a trick my buddy with the trans shop uses to change fluid in the aisin trannys ...

position the car exactly as you will work on it ...
let it sit for 24 hours ...
now drain the fluid cold, without starting the car
he gets 5+ quarts to drain of the 6.6 quarts capacity this way
draining hot right after shutdown you only get 2.5 - 3 quarts out

 

And even less on subsequent flushes as you have 'new' fluid mixed in with the stock crap. 3-4 drain/fills should be good if done at 15k intervals (from new). Or after driving through all the gears for several miles if doing all on same day.

 

Just to clarify a few things:
1. The CVT was only fitted on Gen1 Cooper. Cooper S (R53) got the AISIN 6-speed.
2. Gen2 cars ALL had the AISIN 6-speed. It is the same hardware, maybe improved here and there but with new electronics.
3. Gen3 cars ALL get the same AISIN 6-speed but with improved software and perhaps mechanics.

Now given these facts, I would definitely say the AISIN is a very robust gearbox. I own one myself, my R56 S is from 2007. No problems what so ever. It is not the most efficient, but it does feel more robust than either the Audi Multitronic and VW TCT (own both on family cars). Also, unlike the CVTs you do not really need to change the oil in this one.

 

Thank you RobMuntean, bmwr606, Agbullet25, yesti, and alexs3d2! Appreciate the feedback and wisdom.

Bottome Line up front: The dealer said the adaptive transmission had a computer failure that needed to be reset. Basically, what ever the transmission "learned" about my driving habits for the last 5 years has been erased and set back to factury defaults. Amazing! A cars transmission can learn and adapt to your driving habbits, no matter how good or "bad" they are.

The transmission fluid checked, but no metal shavings or issues, according to Ferman MINI of Tampa. (side note: the old service guys are not there and the dealer brought over BMW service reps to take over now) The Rep, Austin, was very helpful, but he said my CVT transmission needed to be reset and that was all. He also said there is a few MINI owners that come in for a "reset" once or twice a year when the transmission acts up. Sounds strange...just glad I was not one of those frequent fliers. Any way, at 69.5K Miles, this is the first issue I've had. Most of my driving is long distance commuter miles. Glad I had the extended warranty and maintainance with Fidelity, that brought the total charge to $100 + $25(computer diagnostic fee (really!!)) for a total of 125 to reset and rejuvenate the transmission.

Are the AISIN tranmission that much better? I ask because I am ready to trade in and hopefully upgrade to a version 3 if you will, Gen3 Cabrio.

In summary, My MINI is running great, actually seems more responsive. Just waiting for the next issue or fantastic motoring adventure...which ever comes first.