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MINI Cooper Clutch & Transmission Questions

542 messages,  Last post on Mar 03, 2013 at 5:15 PM

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What is this discussion about? MINI Cooper, Transmission, Convertible, Hatchback

    
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Messages Page 15 of 55

#137 of 542 Re: 2004 MINI Cooper Clutch Problems [tiff_c] by cracker2225

Mar 16, 2008 (10:23 pm)

Replying to: tiff_c (Mar 16, 2008 6:55 am)
I agree Nader wouldn't be any help against BMW, I just wish consumer feedback was taken seriously. I'm not a technical expert on this, but my impression is that the problem was my Mini's CVT transmission. My 2002 Mini had the original CVT (which failed), according to my mechanic there were several improvements made on the CVT since 2002. However, I don't believe they use CVT's anymore. However, there was no recall or "campaign" (sounds like a party!), and I believe there should have been.

#138 of 542 Re: 2004 MINI Cooper Clutch Problems [cracker2225] by karen31

Mar 17, 2008 (5:30 pm)

Replying to: cracker2225 (Mar 15, 2008 11:26 pm)
Hi
It's really so discouraging that so many of us are in this situation. I recently learned that my 03 is worth nothing..... couldn't even trade it in to an outside dealer. I am told that other dealerships are aware of these tranny problems and they are sympathetic but since mini's are so specialized they don't have the techs skilled to step in. I had my tranny replaced with a brand new one (est at $8k) and 2 weeks later i still couldn't get a trade in value because used car managers drive it and say it's skipping 3rd gear. They tell me there was some kind of patch job -- I've had 2 repair locations confirm the same. I'm so financially upside down on this mini thing I have no choice but to pursue it. My Toyota was a dream machine in comparison..... i thought BMW was the ultimate driving machine - what a lesson this has been. Hang in there -- we will get this figured out.

#139 of 542 Re: 2004 MINI Cooper Clutch Problems [heyimvanessa] by karen31

Mar 17, 2008 (5:38 pm)

Replying to: heyimvanessa (Mar 14, 2008 11:29 am)
I would recommend that you not put any more money into it.
It's a money pit --- and BMW will have to learn the hard way (like we all have).
Keep detailed log of everything going on and stay with it. We'll make some headway here.

#140 of 542 Re: 2004 MINI Cooper Clutch Problems [cracker2225] by tiff_c

Mar 17, 2008 (7:22 pm)

Replying to: cracker2225 (Mar 16, 2008 10:23 pm)
I agree Nader wouldn't be any help against BMW, I just wish consumer feedback was taken seriously. I'm not a technical expert on this, but my impression is that the problem was my Mini's CVT transmission.
 
I've also read about the clutches wearing out very fast as well. Shame they ruin the car with fun flat tires, no spare and shoddy transmissions.
You'd think they'd have a bit of concern about quality and reliability considering that they do not deal on price at all.
That cost them a sale from me a few months back, because why hurry to buy the car when it won't matter as the price is fixed?
They do need to own up and fix the cars but sadly they probably won't and not in a poor economy. Also not connecting with current BMW dealers has hurt them as well.

#141 of 542 Re: 2004 MINI Cooper Clutch Problems [karen31] by cracker2225

Mar 17, 2008 (9:59 pm)

Replying to: karen31 (Mar 17, 2008 5:30 pm)
That's terrible that your 03 Mini wasn't worth anything! The mechanics who installed my new $8,632 transmission did a great job, which is the only silver lining in this whole fiasco. They purchased specialized tools for the job and sent me pictures via e-mail of the repair process. They also told me that this repair was one of the most expensive repairs they have done, even more expensive than repairing one of those high-end 100K BMW's. It's outrageous.
 
The Toyotas I used to drive routinely went to 150K or 200K miles. I was hoping for the same for my Mini. I also had no choice but to pursue the repair option, which makes me want to weep given the shape the economy is in and the fact that my daughter needs orthodontia.

#142 of 542 Re: transmission failure [cracker2225] by lisaga

Apr 17, 2008 (11:23 am)

Replying to: cracker2225 (Mar 13, 2008 12:04 am)
Hi Marianne,
I will also be contacting Karen at her alternative email address. I had to replace my clutch on my 2004 mini after just 2 years, and now 20k miles later (no longer under warranty). The dealer in Boston (where it was purchased) insists there's nothing wrong with the car and that it must be the fault of the operator.
 
I've been driving standard autos for over 20 years and NEVER replaced a clutch one time. Before buying this new mini, I always bought used cars. I've driven all of my used cars between 5 and 8 years and never once had to replace a clutch.
 
The dealer offers no acknowledgment that there's a problem with anything other than the driver!
Lisa

#143 of 542 Fearing the worst re: transmission by afox30

Apr 18, 2008 (7:27 am)

So, I'm back. I was researching yet another potentially catastrophic issue with my Mini when I noticed my post on this forum from back in September 2006 when our clutch was fried at 31k miles!
 
This time, the transmission is making noises and I fear we're about to head down another costly road. This time, we're sitting on 53k miles, but our warranty expired in December. Definitely not covered, IF it is the transmission. I'm getting another opinion today. In any event, it's something NOT GOOD, and something guaranteed to be costly. The beat goes on...

#144 of 542 very disappointed by scootros

Apr 25, 2008 (10:19 am)

Replying to: afox30 (Apr 18, 2008 7:27 am)
I just had some transmission work done on my '06 Cooper S. Apparently the pressure plate was going bad, so they had to replace the whole clutch kit. I am disappointed that this happened at 33K miles, but at least it was covered by the warranty. Last year the motor mount failed, and now this. With gas prices going up and this thing being thirsty for premium fuel, I'm seriously considering selling it. Anyway, just thought I'd share my experience for anyone considering buying one of these. I'd say get a Honda and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with owning something RELIABLE.

#145 of 542 Re: Fearing the worst re: transmission [afox30] by smudge1

Apr 25, 2008 (11:35 am)

Replying to: afox30 (Apr 18, 2008 7:27 am)
Sorry you have to go through this, it is stressfull and dissapointing to say the least.
My transmission went out at 57,000 miles (over warranty) and 2 months before my lease was up. I brought it to Motorwerks Mini in Minneapolis and calmed listened to them tell me it was not covered.... then I pulled out the card I had in my pocket. Class action lawsuit, formal complaints to BBB, NTSB and Commissioner of Commerce and since i have a very big mouth, the media. I said $9500 is pennies compared to the damage this will do to your dealership if you don't stand behind your product. They ended up covering the cost though told me when I called to check on it that my front strut was out $500, oil pan gasket leak $750 (really, for a$12 pc. of cork? Are you on crack? was my loving response) and of course 4 new run-flat tires for over $1000 (another class action)
Anyway, my point is be persistent with these people, 3000 mile over warranty? and 53000 miles for the life of a transmission is unacceptable, that cannot be argued.
Good luck and don't take any dookie.

#146 of 542 Re: very disappointed [scootros] by busiris

Apr 26, 2008 (2:06 pm)

Replying to: scootros (Apr 25, 2008 10:19 am)
A broken motor mount along with clutch issues would tend to make one believe you are an aggressive driver, as both items are quite often damaged in "spirited" driving.
 
No accusation here, but what explanation did the dealer give for the broken motor mount?
 
Given it is an "S" model, one would think that that type of driving would be anticipated by Mini...

Messages Page 15 of 55

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