Hello

So now after getting my new 2013 MCS a few weeks ago my GF has been thinking of perhaps getting a R56 . She wouldn't want anything crazy tho and said she wants to test drive a Justa auto. Im perfectly fine with that but was wondering about the reliability of the new Aisin automatics. I would have the fluid changed every 30k as I don't believe in the "lifetime" crap. I changed the fluid frequently in my E46 BMW and it was at 212k before it was totaled out. From reading its a well used transmission company with companies such as Audi/ VW and Toyota/ Lexus. I haven't found many threads on cars with out issues but as well not many on cars with it.

Second I know its a fully sealed unit and although im sure I can change it my self ( I did on my BMW a few times ) it wasn't really a "fun" DIY and was a mess. Has anyone paid MINI themselves for this service? What is/ was the cost if I was to take a it to Mini for this service.

Thanks NAM

 

I have a 2008 MINI Cooper Hatchback (Non-S), what I would consider to be a very reliable MINI.
I've only had approx. 4 major issues, though one resulted in a Tow. I've had the Interlock issues, where you are able to remove the Key Fob from the Docking Station, 02 Sensors count for 1 repair, even though I had to make more than 1 trip to the Dealer, the Tow was a Coolant issue, this is the one I "freaked out" about, I thought I had hurt my Baby, the last one was a Thermostat which was just fixed in December.
I know have almost 56,000mi. on Molly and I would not trade the experience of owning a MINI for anything, even with the issues I've had!!
I've already done quite a few non-mechanical mods. on her and I ain't done yet, on the 19th she'll be getting Driving Lights installed...there's always something to "you-ify" your MINI.
As for the Trans. Flush, I'll be doing that in April '13, she'll be 5 yrs. old and not quite 60,000mi. I plan on doing it for piece of mind and to keep my Baby in TipTop Shape!!

Hope this helps your GF make up her mind on owning a MINI I can't imagine owning any other car.

 

I'm second owner of an 08 Hatch. Purchased in June last year with 28k on the clock. Now at 42.5 and counting. Only problem previous owner had was getting the sunroof adjusted once. She's a MT not Auto. I've experienced zero problems! Oh it's a non S but I prefer to just say MINI Cooper. Hope she gets a nice one! Good luck

 

There are a couple of threads with the Auto Tranny change procedure. Very easy to do. Need a fluid pump, toyota IV tranny fluid, the fill adapter, metric allen wrenches and jack stands.

The filling can be done through the drain plug with the adapter referenced in those threads.

I highly recommend changing the fluid at 30k, as when I first changed mine at 50k I noticed an improvement in shifting. And a improvement again when I changed at 60k. The auto and non-turbo are a good match, it is a good combo that is not under powered in my opinion.

My local MINI dealer wanted $450 to swap the ~2.5 quarts of pan fluid.

 

Thank you for the replies, I did find the one DIY that was done on a VW passat. It looked rather easy, but even tho the Toyota fluid is what everyone is using im guessing its worked without issues?

I also had figured Mini would want around $500 for a service but I didn't realize it was that little of fluid in the pan.

 

I spent many hours researching the fluid, and it is the JWS3309 fluid that is required. The Toyota fluid has been in my tranny (albeit diluted with original) for over 20k miles (with two changes) and everything seems completely normal (with less-mushy shifts than what I had at 50k miles).

MINI/BMW charges $45 or so per quart versus the $6.50/quart that Toyota charges. Normally I am a HUGE advocate of using OEM everything, but that price is just not tolerable.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...our-minis.html

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...in-fill-3.html

 

There is a lot more fluid in the transmission. At least 6 quarts. Many car makers use this transmission. If you do the change from the bottom method you will want to do it 3-4 times, two quarts each time. It's easy. You only need to jack up one wheel. You need the VW tool and allen wrench and a fluid pump. A section of hose that goes inside the fluid pump but over the VW tool. Adcance auto has the hose and pump cheap.
I recommend getting a new plastic standpipe. Mine broke and it was a real bummer.
I didn't do anything to make it break. It is plastic and sits in super heated fluid for years.

 

Thanks for the links, It really doesn't look that bad.