1st Gen R50 Cooper 2002 transmission trouble

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by rePete, Aug 30, 2011.

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  1. rePete

    rePete New Member

    Aug 27, 2011
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    #1 rePete, Aug 30, 2011
    Hi all,

    I just joined a couple of days ago to ask this specific question. I have learned alot already, thanks.

    My son and I own a 2002 Mini base model with an automatic trans. The car has 81k miles. Recently the trans has been slipping. Any great differential between the speed and the accelerator position will cause it to slip.

    The estimates I have to replace the trans exceed the value of the car. So my question is, is there an alternative? Re-manufactured transmissions are scarce as hens teeth as far as I can tell. We can get one but is it worth it. The rest of the car is in fair shape and we would certainly keep it if it were reasonable to repair.

    Appreciate any help.


    Pete
     
  2. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    #2 Nathan, Aug 30, 2011
    Those early CVT's are a problem. I'm not sure if they can be rebuilt or not. I'm sure someone that has more knowledge on them than I do will post soon.
     
  3. rePete

    rePete New Member

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    #3 rePete, Sep 5, 2011
    76 views and not a peep? oh well, it got traded in on a new Fiat 500! Still lost a good deal of money on it:cryin:
     
  4. Nitrominis

    Nitrominis Banned

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    #4 Nitrominis, Sep 5, 2011
    Sorry that we all delayed. I saw your post but had nothing to add helpful. The challenge is not the rebuild itself but finding the parts to rebuild it. It appears no distributor is offering them yet that I can find. Talking with a couple Performance Transmission shops it also looks like no one wants to tackle making things work for it either?

    Sorry to see that you choose to trade in the MINI.
     
  5. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    #5 Crashton, Sep 5, 2011
    Good luck with your new 500. :Thumbsup:

    We were not ignoring you. You knew all there was to know. To expensive to repair.
     
  6. k-huevo

    k-huevo Club Coordinator

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    #6 k-huevo, Sep 5, 2011
    I'm just getting started.

    [​IMG]

    This poor thing had more problems than slipping.
     
  7. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    #7 Metalman, Sep 5, 2011
    ^^^ I like how Texas vehicles lack any hint of salt corrosion....:D
     
  8. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    #8 Crashton, Sep 5, 2011
    All the problems are on the inside. Wonder if the rubber band broke?
     
  9. BThayer23

    BThayer23 Well-Known Member

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    #9 BThayer23, Sep 6, 2011
    The hamster gave up. :D
     
  10. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    #10 Nathan, Sep 6, 2011
    I see the problem, it's mounted with those long 2x2's.
     
  11. SooperCooperInfo

    SooperCooperInfo Member

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    #11 SooperCooperInfo, Sep 6, 2011
  12. HRM

    HRM New Member

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    #12 HRM, Sep 6, 2011
    It is not easy, but it is possible to change to a manual transmission. There are threads on the web about it, some even have a list of what is needed.

    I also recall finding parts for a rebuild of the CVT starting to show up on websites, then the issue is finding someone to do the work. The other factor with this route is those doing the work know your options are limited and therefore can price accordingly.

    Really buying a wrecked car and using that trans may end up being cheapest if you can deal with selling other parts that are still good. Not many good options out there, but I added some that may (or may not) be helpful.
     

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