1st Gen R52 Cooper Convertible Automatic Transmission Problem

Ahh, but a MINI One owner would not be in the US.

 

Ahhhh, and you're correct. My bad.

Soooooo....

The guidance about the valve body, etc. in this thread applies to the Aisin 6 speed automatic transmission in the MINI Cooper S. The CVT has its own set of issues, as you might gather from the thread I linked. A common problem in these is failure of the CVT chain/metal belt. I have no idea what remedies might be available for MINI owners with CVT issues in Europe.

 

Yes not US but UK but yours was the most informative forum I could find!!!

Wonder why I couldn't find anything in Europe............

Also need to find out if there is something equivelant to your US class action suit and if it covers Mini ones in Europe.

Just for info they are cheaper to run(understanding that our petrol is way more expensive than yours) but just as much fun(when they work).

Anyway thank you for all your info and fingers crossed it will be sorted without bankrupting me :aureola:

 

Just had my second trans flush/adaptations reset since my original post. Transmission behaved normally for a short period of time now has gotten much worse. Experienced total loss of power today. Wouldn't even move forward at a stop sign. Turned it off and waited about 10 min then it was okay. I'm going to schedule another appt at the dealer to work with my external warranty to replace the trans. I've had enough. 400$ each time to flush the fluid. Car has 80k on it. Previously had a built auto 500hp supra that I rarely changed the fluid on with 220k when I sold it, never an issue. I'm starting to lose faith in my MINI. As much as I adore the car and culture,
It always seems to be something. I don't race or track it, it's a commuter vehicle to work.

Any suggestions or calming words would be appreciated.

 

Help Replacing Valve Body - SJ, CA

Anyone have a good mechanic referral that knows about the 2006 Mini Cooper S (Aisin 6-spd Automatic Transmission) Valve body, and how to correctly remove, replace and repair? BMW licensed shops are quoting me $3000 for the job.

Located near San Jose, CA?

Thanks... Steve
[email protected]

 

Welcome to M\A and to take on that job I recommend the MINI BIBLE.

http://www.amazon.com/MINI-Cooper-Service-Manual-Convertible/dp/0837616395/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420669669&sr=8-1&keywords=mini+bentley+manual

 

Hi Steve,

You're probably looking for something a bit closer than the Sacramento area, but just in case you're looking for more options:

Schatz & Krum
8460 Belvedere Ave
Sacramento, CA 95826
(916) 381-3144
"Servicing Porsche, BMW & MINI since 1985" | contact us (916) 381-3144

Ryan Gangemi Motorworks
555 Wall St
Auburn, CA 95603
(530) 305-2499
Ryan G. Motorworks | Auburn Auto Repair

I'm not sure if either of them specifically have the experience you're looking for but it may not hurt to call them. I've heard good things about Schatz & Krum although I don't have any personal experience with them. I have gone to Ryan though and have been very happy (and he is extremely responsive via email: [email protected]).

Good luck!

 

Can't help you in that area - I am in Dallas, but I spent about $2,800 to have my 2005 S Aisin rebuilt at 98,000 miles. Shifts better than I remember new. Yes, it was worth to keep my R53 going! I did try resetting adaptations first, but not flushing fluids, as this caused me problems with my other cars because I had not serviced on regular basis.

 

So I know this dates back a while,but I figured I'd ask the question what is the difference between Aisin and the cvt. recently I went to a transmission shop and they thought my R52 had a CVT tranny

 

I trust the Aisin in my MCSa, but I have the tranny fluid changed every 30k, even though MINI claims it is "permanent". The CVT is a different story and tends to wear out after 50-60 k, meaning a costly replacement. I worry about that with my R50cvt, as it has 57k, so I am going to get its tranny fluid replaced, this summer. I figure that the cost of getting new fluid will greatly offset having to replace the tranny in either car.

 

What year is the MINI please?

If it an S the Automatic Transmission is not a CVT. Only the justa Cooper has the CVT.

 

Your avatar pic has a hood scoop... so it's an MCS. And has an Aisin 6 speed automatic, NOT a CVT.