I have had problems with my MINI as of late. It has 74,000 miles. It has been bucking on cold start and hesitates when shifting gear. I have an automatic. I brought it to a local BMW dealership (No Mini dealership where I live). They said that I had to make a modification to my engine so he replaced the cylinder head cover and solenoid valves. He said the modification was vanos adaptation. This cost 1,300.00. A week later it begins the same behavior difficulty shifting, bucking but then gets better as you drive. So took it to the MINI dealer. They say its the valve block failed in the transmission the wiring loom is chaffed causing a slight short to prevent proper gear selection. They say this will cost 3,700.00 to repair. I want to know if this is a common problem in MINI. I know the S has had some difficulty with engines but that is a CVT and I was told I don't have that sort of engine in my car. I just don't want to be taken advantage of here if this is a common problem. Any advice?

 

Well it sounds like you might have a valve body that is acting up in your transmission... But I must ask you this... Have you ever change the fluid in your transmission? Or have had it done?