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MINI Cooper Clutch & Transmission Questions

267 messages,  Last post on Nov 05, 2009 at 10:48 AM

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


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#215 of 267
Re: Debating on whether or not to buy a mini [ericabliss1017] by CeeeeCeeee
Jun 25, 2009 (6:37 pm)
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Replying to: ericabliss1017 (Jun 25, 2009 6:14 pm)

I have a 2004 automatic MINI. I bought it from the MINI dealer when it had 44,000 miles. Having that many miles scared me but I was reassured when told it carried a 100,000 warranty. At 60,000 miles the automatic transmission died on me......middle of my block! So, I had it towed to my dealership/garage and was told it was the automatic transmission and it needed a whole new one. Then I was told it wasn't covered under the warranty. You could have heard me a mile away!!!!!! They replaced the transmission free of charge. It now has 63,000 miles and they are trying to get me to trade it in for a brand new MINI. Not only will I not do this, but I am recommending that no one buy a MINI unless they are ready to pour lots of money into it. Do you realize the tires on the MINI are run-flat tires and cost $400 EACH to replace?
#217 of 267
Re: Debating on whether or not to buy a mini [ericabliss1017] by bfromhold
Jun 26, 2009 (9:25 pm)
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Replying to: ericabliss1017 (Jun 25, 2009 6:14 pm)

ericabliss1017 -
 
Only the "non S" MINIs have the CVT transmission. If the 2004 MINI that you're considering buying is a MINI (not an S), it most likely has the CVT. I have an '06 MINI Cooper S and it has a 6-spd automatic transmission, but it is NOT the CVT.
  
Also, after I used up my stock runflat tires, I went to non-runflats. I carry a fix-a-flat and a compact portable air compressor in the boot (trunk). So far, I've not had to change any flat tires the past three years. Oh, and MINIs (non S) have a spare so there's no worry about having to buy runflats. The "S" doesn't have room for a spare underneath because of the dual exhaust whereas the "non S" carries it there. Runflats sell for $164 or less at Discount Tire and other comparable tire stores. Here's an example of runflats for sale: Kumho Ecsta SPT KU31 Run Flat, 195/55R-16 87V XL RF and they can be found by this link: http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/findTireDetail.do?c=1&rcz=98446&ar=55&rf=true&r- d=16&rc=WASINT&cs=195&dVeh=dVeh&tc=KUMHF2&yr=2004&pc=33729&cf=false&vid=007436&s- w=false
#218 of 267
Thanks by CeeeeCeeee
Jun 27, 2009 (4:38 pm)
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for all the good information. I had no idea the "S" models didn't have the CVT transmission. Of course, when I bought my non-S model, I had no idea there were transmission issues at all! My non-S 2004 does not have a spare or room for one. Your idea of carrying a compressor and running with regular tires makes sense. I did purchase new run flats at a discount tire place for considerably less than the manufacturer's issue. However, they were still very, very expensive when compared to regular tires. I've dealt with this same tire store before and have had wonderful luck with their tire maintenance, etc. So....I feel safe for the life of my MINI....as far as the tires go. Wish I felt the same way about my NEW CVT transmission! Grrrrrrr!
#219 of 267
Should I keep her or let her go? by jeffshaw1
Jul 06, 2009 (9:51 am)
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I have a 2003 Mini S. with 101,000 miles. The clutch is getting pretty stiff and likely needs to be replaced. The car is in prime condition inside and out. No dings or dents. I love the car in spite of the high costs associated with maintaining this vehicle. Should I replace the clutch ($1700 or so?) given so much discussion about transmission failure? As for the transmission failures, are there early warning signs of impending failure or is it an immediate onset that can't be predicted?
 
Thank for the advice.
#220 of 267
Hopefully, this will help by CeeeeCeeee
Jul 06, 2009 (3:09 pm)
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ease your transmission fears. Sounds as though you have a manual transmission. As far as I know, the transmission problems seem to exist soley with the basic Mini models and only with those which have automatic transmissions. Not 100% positive about this. Also heard that the S models do not have the same kind of transmissions the automatic models do. No transmission problems with the "S"s. My transmission problem (2004 automatic/basic MINI) gave me absolutely no warning. One minute everything was normal; the next everything was DEAD.....and this was in midstream.....going down my street. Now that I have a new transmission, I'm hoping things stay calm for awhile. Good luck!~
#221 of 267
Re: Should I keep her or let her go? [jeffshaw1] by marcusian01
Jul 06, 2009 (7:12 pm)
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Replying to: jeffshaw1 (Jul 06, 2009 9:51 am)

well i have a 2003 mini and i just replace the clucth on it . i only haved 67000 on it.warranty didnt cover it ,cuz it was ware and tear.it cust me like 1,200.just to replace. parts and labor.$80 an hour.the clutch didnt give any signs. just stop working ,no gear would go in.and it smell like burned plastic and it squiled like a pig.like it was rubbing against sumthing.i like my mini but my wife tell me to trade it in.i dont want to. i like when people do the double take to look at my car..hopefully i helped u on ur choice.my mini has 78,000 right now.
#222 of 267
Re: Thanks [CeeeeCeeee] by jeffshaw1
Jul 08, 2009 (4:47 pm)
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Replying to: CeeeeCeeee (Jun 27, 2009 4:38 pm)

I am on my fourth set of tires. My first set, runflats, lasted just 10,000 miles. I replaced these with non-runflats. I now have 101,000 miles on my Mini S (2003) and have never had a flat while on the road or otherwise. Something to consider: runflats can not be repaired. Since this is the case, being towed resulting from, or arriving at a station with a flat, it's likely you will have to wait until the service station or whatever can get you a replacement tire. If you have a non-runflat tire with a flat, it may be able to be plugged and you are on the road in no time. However, if you have runflats, you will have to wait until the correct size tire can be located, sent to the service station, and then put on your car. This could be overnight or longer. The high cost of runflats seem not to be worth the extra price and possible delay with tire repairs. I'm using Firestone tires and have been happy thus far with more than 35,000 - 40,000 miles per set.
#223 of 267
Re: Should I keep her or let her go? [marcusian01] by jeffshaw1
Jul 08, 2009 (4:52 pm)
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Replying to: marcusian01 (Jul 06, 2009 7:12 pm)

I love my Mini as well. I just hate the costly repairs. I hate car payments also, so I am deliberating and agonizing over my decision. Like you, I appreciate all of the looks my car gets when we're on the road. I love getting into it each time I drive it. I haven't ever felt this much satisfaction in a car before. Other than the power steering motor (replaced twice), breaks, both front window motors, oil pan gasket, front end bearings, and four sets of tires, I haven't had any trouble.
 
What I don't need is a transmission problem. I need a new clutch, but I may sell the car rather than make this repair.
#224 of 267
2008 Mini Transmission Goes after Two Weeks by seve83
Jul 16, 2009 (6:35 am)
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I purchased a new 2008 Mini Clubman S about two weeks ago. Great car, took it on a 1500 mile trip and had no problems. Until yesterday....... When driving to work my transmission failed completely and I suddenly lost all power. It's at the dealer now and the tow driver noted that the transmission appeared to be completely gone since the wheels would not stop turning even when the car was in park. It has approximately 1800 miles on it.
 
I am awaiting word from the dealer and Mini Corporate about what they are going to do to address this issue.
 
Anyone else have a similar problem with an '08?

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