Looking for advice on how to get this fixed. At this mileage, is this typically a fluid issue or will I need a rebuild? Thank you.

 

Do you have a scan tool that reads BMW/Mini Cooper fault codes?

Have you checked the ATF level?

Slipping details? For example, does slipping occur only when engine is cold, or when shifting into a specific gear?

 

If the transmission is actually slipping, it’s not typically a fluid issue. Hard shifts and clunking can usually be resolved with a could change. If the transmission is actually slipping, a fluid change could cause it to get worse.

 

I appreciate your sharing your valuable time and insights!

The issue is intermittent but increasing with frequency and severity. It downshits and I lose power briefly when I need to accelerate which is a safety issue when I need that power immediately. The last time it did this it was like it shifted into neutral with the engine revving with no power to the wheels.

Thank you for your help!

 

No scan tool or code reader? This is crucial for a diagnosis.

Has the ATF ever been replaced? The problem you describe can be caused by a low ATF level.

 

Thank you for your prompt relpy!

My scan tool does not read all of the Mini codes.

The ATF fluid has never been replaced as the factory maintenance says "lifetime". But apparently, your recommendation is correct as google says that mechanics recommend it being replaced every 50-60K miles. So I'll get this done and hopefully this fixes it.

Thank you!

 

The Bentley manual defines lifetime as 100K miles. It seems that BMW decided that owners would drive their cars directly to the junkyard at 100K miles. :P

50K mile ATF changes would be best.

Have the shop also pull the BMW fault codes. Post them here if any fault codes are found.

 

Thank you!!!

 

I spoke with a few shops and the last one said if it's already starting to slip, there is likely internal debris and changing the fluid could make it worse.

I'd appreciate your advice on this as safety is most important. Would it be safe to drive after a fluid change to see if it gets better or worse? I can't imagine debris causing it to catastrophically fail. But might it?

I imagine the price difference between a fluid change and rebuild is like more than 20x. Ouch.

Thank you.

 

Did any of the shops do a test drive or check for fault codes?

 

Not yet. I just made phone calls to find out who can do it and get an estimate.

Thank you.

 

The shop is being honest, but they are protecting themselves by only considering the worst case scenario.

Transmission slippage has two general causes:
(1) The transmission clutches are burnt (friction material is gone). In this case, you must replace the transmission. This is the worst case scenario. If your clutches are gone, changing the ATF would almost surely immediately kill the transmission.

(2) The transmission has a hydraulic issue, but the clutches are healthy. The transmission slips because the hydraulic pressure is insufficient to engage the clutches. This could be a valve body solenoid issue and/or a valve body fluid leakage issue that reduces hydraulic pressure. A good shop would do scan tool tests to make an initial diagnosis followed by inspecting the transmission after dropping the transmission pan to verify the diagnosis. If verified, the shop should replace the valve body in your transmission with a quality remanufactured valve body.

 

I really appreciate your help with this!

I will find a shop that will follow your recommendations.

Thank you again!

 

Start by scouting shops that specialize in Euro cars and that work on automatic transmissions.