- Auto CVT Transmission Problems- NorthAmericanMotoring.com
- Mini Cooper Transmission Replacement
- Mini Cooper Transmission Kits
This technical article describes how to perform an adaptation on MINI CVT transmissions. Read throuroughly and be sure to perform exactly as described. If adaptation fails, let vehicle cool and begin again.
Press and hold brake in the following steps.
STEP ONE
Mini Cooper Cooper: Transmission (OEM Number 6). Mini transmission There are two types of transmission: automatic and manual. In an automatic car, there is no gear shift or clutch pedal. As the name suggestions, the process of gear changing is done without any need for user input. To find your Mini Cooper Cooper Transmission from a RECYCLER NEAR YOU, just enter the YEAR of your vehicle and your ZIP code in the above form and press the 'FIND' button. (What you see below is a previous search for a Mini Cooper Cooper Transmission and does not include all the Transmissions in YOUR area.).
- Begin with a cold engine. Start Engine.
- Place CVT transmission into adaptation mode using FARSIGHT MVDS.
- “X” will appear next to the P, R, N, D on the instrument cluster (“X” denotes the transmission needs to be adapted).
- While the “X” is displayed, the CVT transmission will STAY IN LOW GEAR AND WILL NOT SHIFT UP.
- Place the gear selector lever into the NEUTRAL position for ten seconds.
- Then place the gear selector lever into the DRIVE positon for ten seconds.
- Repeat the above procedure TEN TIMES.
- After completion, place the gear selector lever into the REVERSE position for ten seconds.
- Then place the gear selector lever into the NEUTRAL position for ten seconds.
- Repeat the above procedure TEN TIMES.
NOTE: by placing the gear selector lever into the positions for ten seconds each, we are “ratcheting” the solenoids into a reset or zero positon. Simultaneously we are pulling the ratio gear actuating motor into a zero position.
STEP TWO
See full list on northamericanmotoring.com. Description: Used 2019 MINI Cooper S 4-Door Hatchback FWD for sale - $20,777 - 20,321 miles with Leather Seats, Sunroof/Moonroof, Storage Package, Alloy Wheels, Bluetooth, Backup Camera, Heat Package, Parking Sensors, Heated Seats Certified Pre-Owned: Yes Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic Color: Pepper White.
Up-shift ratio adaptation
NOTE: before attempting the up-shift adaptation, turn engine off. Check the oil level in the crankcase. Check the drive belt condition. Check the coolant level.
BE ADVISED: when you take this vehicle out on the road to “drive in” the up-shift adaptation, the engine can possibly reach high RPM’s in 4000 rpm range. The vehicle will “buck” and shake while the engine is trying to reach adaptation rpms. This is NORMAL.
If the vehicle has high mileage, there is the possibility the engine or transmission can be damaged by this process. Keykey dea. Notify customer of risk involved with high mileage vehicles.
- Take the vehicle to safe area where you can drive safely, accelerating and slowing down without obstructing traffic.
- From a dead stop accelerate (quickly) up to 55 MPH. As you accelerate, you should feel the transmission slip into something that resembles “second gear”. This will allow the vehicle to reach 55 MPH.
- When the vehicle has reached 55 MPH, maintain this speed for approximately ten seconds.
- Slip your foot off the accelerator and allow the vehicle to COAST DOWN to almost zero mile per hour.
Auto CVT Transmission Problems- NorthAmericanMotoring.com
DO NOT APPLY THE BRAKE DURING COAST DOWN UNLESS NECESSARY. If brakes are applied, adaptation will stop and need to e restarted from beginning, (it is not necessary to perform the shifting procedure). Be smart, do not take a risk trying to avoid braking. Stop as needed for safety.
- As the vehicle coasts down, the “X” will go out.
- When the “X” disappears, this means the adaptation has successfully completed.
- Safely stop the vehicle, wait ten seconds and then proceed ahead. The transmission should shift correctly now.
NOTE: sometimes the procedure does not work the first time. If so, start from a dead stop and try again. If after a few try’s (3 at most) the adaptation procedure fails to happen, there may be something wrong with the transmission. The CVT has been known to get permanently stuck in low gear if the gear ratio actuator motor fails. This typically results in a transmission rebuild or replacement.
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Mini Cooper owners have reported 48 problems related to automatic transmission (under the power train category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Mini Cooper based on all problems reported for the Cooper.
Automatic Transmission problem of the 2004 Mini Cooper 1
Automatic transmission in 2004 Mini Cooper failure at 98k miles. Cost to rebuild quoted at $5k-$8k.
See all problems of the 2004 Mini Cooper .
Automatic Transmission problem of the 2003 Mini Cooper 2
We purchased a 2003 Mini Cooper just weeks ago from a private party. Almost instantly the power steering went out while my daughter was driving. Luckily she wasn't in heavy traffic on the la freeway. We were told by the service center that we needed a new power steering pump. We purchased this and had it installed for approx. $1200. 00. However the electric power steering pump fan still would not shut off when the engine was turned off, so this issue was still not resolved. Immediately following this repair my daughter was driving on the freeway at 60 mph when the car suddenly jerked and slowed to a stop. Luckily my daughter was in the right hand lane and could pull over on to the side of the busy freeway. (still no power steering working)the car was towed to the Mini dealer. They diagnosed that the cvt transmission needs to be replaced, at a cost of $7150 approx. And this is before they can even diagnose the steering fan electrical problem. From all the complaints on this website about both of these problems, Mini needs to take responsibility! we don't know what to do, as the repairs are much more than the cars value and the Mini service manager states that the new cvt transmission only has a 2 year warranty. If this is a defective transmission, why should we pay for another one. As of today my daughter has to walk/bus to school and the Mini sits. We are interested in the class action suit.
See all problems of the 2003 Mini Cooper .
Automatic Transmission problem of the 2002 Mini Cooper 3
I was driving from east los angeles to west los angeles (playa del ray) on the 105 west hgwy when the cars transmission went out. This happened in the middle of the freeway in la during rush hour. I had to slowly move over to the right hand side of the highway until I could find an area with a shoulder. I barely made it to the shoulder and could have died from one of the cars speeding past me. Luckily I made it. I called aaa and they brought a tow truck which towed the car into a shop which stated that they would not be able to rebuild the transmission. They said I would have to replace the whole thing which would cost $7,000 Minimum. I called multiple other dealers and shops, whom all gave the same estimate. I donated it to my local npr station because I did not want to pay that amount of money to replace a faulty transmission, with another faulty transmission.
See all problems of the 2002 Mini Cooper .
Automatic Transmission problem of the 2003 Mini Cooper 4
2003 Mini Cooper. Consumer states problem with vehicle transmissionthe consumer stated her daughter was driving on the los angeles freeway when the transmission abruptly and suddenly failed. The vehicle had to be towed and various repair shops stated it would cost $ 9,3000 to repair because Mini didn't sell the cvt transmission anymore because they were defective and prone to failure. The consumer has since donated the vehicle.
Automatic Transmission problem of the 2003 Mini Cooper 5
My 2003 Mini Cooper has almost caught on fire several times, replaced transmission, electrical harness, power steering pump, a/c hoses and a/c service, wheel bearings, injection plugs etc. . . . . . . I still cannot find the real problem why is causing a short, it has almost caught on fire several times, this car has been the most dangerous car I have ever own, I have never spend so much money on trying to fix any vehicle, right now I'm about $11,500 in costs of repairs, this is a crime to the consumer, I have been reading about a class action lawsuit that is in progress, I hope and pray that we get justice from the maker of Mini.
Automatic Transmission problem of the 2002 Mini Cooper 6
Mini Cooper Transmission Replacement
Just driving along and car began to sputter, and then transmission let go. Engine revved, but the gears were gone. No forward or reverse. Nothing.
Automatic Transmission problem of the 2003 Mini Cooper 7
Mi Mini Cooper 2003 got transmission problems ,need a part that they call ,actuator motor,is no way to find that piece ,need a new transmission for 8000 $ dollars. Many Mini Coopers have the same problem nobody can do a recall to BMW.
Automatic Transmission problem of the 2004 Mini Cooper 8
Have a 2004 Mini Cooper with 65,000 miles total and only 6200 miles in last 20 months and car serviced regularly. Automatic transmission has now started to not shift properly and Mini service reprogrammed transmission but problems have recurred and again Mini wants to reprogram transmission. If this does not work, transmission will have to be replaced at cost of $6500. 00. There is no repair or rebuilding of this transmission. There are hundreds of reported problems with this transmission but BMW has not acknowledged any problem.
Automatic Transmission problem of the 2005 Mini Cooper 9
I have noticed for the last 2 years that my car has been lurching. In just the last week I have noticed that when I get to about 55-65 mph, my rpm's are around 4000. I take my foot off the gas and the rpm's increased. I had some minor work done on the auto-sequential transmission in 2010. I had broken the line and has been welded back in and had no major problems aside from the lurching until recently. All factory parts are still on the car. Transmission has not been replaced. I am outside my warranty.
See all problems of the 2005 Mini Cooper .
Automatic Transmission problem of the 2003 Mini Cooper 10
Sudden and unexpected failure of automatic transmission on 2003 Mini Cooper.
Automatic Transmission problem of the 2007 Mini Cooper 11
The contact owns a 2007 Mini Cooper. The contact stated when traveling at any speed, there was an unusual pop coming from the front driver¿s side, specifically when attempting a turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the contact was informed that both front sway bar bushings would need to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the transmission mount would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 31,000 and the current mileage was 40,000.
See all problems of the 2007 Mini Cooper .
Automatic Transmission problem of the 2006 Mini Cooper 12
The contact owns a 2006 Mini Cooper. The contact was driving approximately 60 mph. The engine rpms increased from 3,000 to 5,000. The failure occurred whenever proceeding to slow down during travel between 50-70 mph. The vehicle has not been repaired for the malfunction. The failure mileage was 62,000. The current mileage was 72,000.
See all problems of the 2006 Mini Cooper .
Automatic Transmission problem of the 2003 Mini Cooper 13
The contact owns a 2003 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer for diagnostics, where the technicians stated that the transmission had an internal defect and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 77,648.
Automatic Transmission problem of the 2004 Mini Cooper 14
Our 2004 Mini Cooper (cvt) automatic transmission needs to be replaced. The car has only 74,000 mile on it.
Automatic Transmission problem of the 2004 Mini Cooper 15
Purchased a 2004 Mini Cooper a year ago, with a mileage of 17,000 miles. After driving about 4,000 miles, the car broke down and was sent to local Mini dealer to get it fixed. Continuous variable transmission was diagnosed wrecked, and dealer offered a replacement (only solution) with a re-furbished cvt transmission for $9800. After negotiation, I had Mini cover the parts and I paid labor. But I have seen on so many forums that all cvt transmissions are failing so I wonder why there have been no recalls. My cvt failed when the car had 21,000 miles!.
Automatic Transmission problem of the 2003 Mini Cooper 16
The contact owns a 2003 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that the transmission will shift into the drive gear. The vehicle was taken to a local repair facility, and a technician concluded that he needed to replace the cvt transmission, at an expense of $ 8,300. 00. No repairs were made. The manufacturer was notified, but no assistance was provided. The failure and current mileages were 88,000. Updated 10/21/09. The repair shop discovered the cvt drive belt had shredded which sent metal through the transmission. There were no parts available, the only option was full transmission replacement. Updated 10/20/09.
Mini Cooper Transmission Kits
Automatic Transmission problem of the 2003 Mini Cooper 17
My car will suddenly only go about 5 mph. This has happened several times. We have taken it to the mechanic and he thinks he has it fixed and then it happens again. Now they are saying it needs a new transmission for $8,400. They can't rebuild one, they can't buy a rebuilt one. The car has low miles and the transmission shouldn't be going out. I believe Mini Coopers have a flawed transmission and the company continues to put more flawed transmissions into cars and we the customers are getting ¿!@#$%.
Automatic Transmission problem of the 2003 Mini Cooper 18
Automatic transmission on my 2003 Mini Cooper blew out without any warning. The car would not move. The car had just about 37,000 miles on it and was regularly maintained at the dealers shop.
Automatic Transmission problem of the 2006 Mini Cooper 19
The contact owns a 2006 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that while putting the vehicle in reverse or drive, it would suddenly lunge backward or forward without warning. The failure occurred numerous times since 2009. The vehicle was inspected by orlando Mini in who advised her that she needed to replace the transmission. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000. Updated 03/24/ljthe consumer stated the faulty transmission caused the vehicle to lunge forward and backward. Updated 04/04/11. Similar app like wps office.
Automatic Transmission problem of the 2003 Mini Cooper 20
My automatic transmission (cvt) broke while pulling away from a stop sign. Car was well maintained, dealer service only. Mileage was only 54k.
Automatic Transmission problem of the 2003 Mini Cooper 21
I own a 2003 Mini Cooper with a cvt automatic transmission. The car has 80000 miles on it and the cvt failed completely. There is no alternative but to get a new replacement with an 'updated' 2005 model which I have been quoted from 2 places $8000 for parts and labor. This is my complaint. If they know there is a problem with the cvt why have they not contacted me? please contact if you need further details.
Automatic Transmission problem of the 2004 Mini Cooper 22
Transmission gave way.
Automatic Transmission problem of the 2005 Mini Cooper 23
During November of 2008, I broke down 4 times. The first time was on 11/1 (when I had an appt to have my ailing car looked at on 11/3). I made the appt for 11/3 on 10/30 when I was on a highway and the car began bucking like a mechanical bull. Obviously, I did not make it to the appointment. I had it towed to the dealership on 11/1 after breaking down in the middle of a busy intersection while trying to make a left hand turn. The diagnosis was I needed a new battery, valve cover gasket, and transmission. I was 'good-willed' the transmission by otto's BMW because I was over my warranty in time and not mileage (passed 4 years, but not 50000 miles). I paid $386 to fix the first two items. The next day, I got my car back. On 11/8, I broke down again while pulling out of a driveway. I realized on my way to my destination, I destroyed two streets and my family's driveway with my transmission fluid. I was irate, and the dealer towed it in. They said the trans cool line disconnected. I had my car back in a couple days. On 11/23, I broke down again in the middle of the street. The car's ems and check engine soon lights came on. The car would restart, but then shook viciously and then conked out when it was put in gear. Mini towed it in again. They 'couldn't verify the concern' and said it drove off the flatbed fine, and yet I couldn't get it to move again 24 hours after breaking down. Mini kept the car for approximately three days to ensure they were thorough in their efforts. On 11/30, I broke down again on my way to have the car detailed to prepare it for sale the following day. I had to call out of work on 12/1 to wait for Mini's tow company to come retrieve the car for the forth and final time. The service advisor said it was 'acting up real nice' when they got it off the flatbed this time. By this point in time, I was having panic attacks behind the wheel of any car because I was so paranoid and didn't feel safe. Why has no one recalled the Mini?.
Automatic Transmission problem of the 2003 Mini Cooper 24
My 2003 Mini Cooper's cvt transmission stopped working about 1 year ago. The Mini has 75k miles (all highway miles). Towed the car to the Mini dealership. Had the modular unit replaced; however that wasn't the problem. The problem is that the cvt transmission needs to be replaced. The cost to replace it is too much. It cost the true value of the car. . . Over $8,000 to replace it. BMW/Mini Cooper will not take any part of responsibility to their mechanical problems on these types of cars. Due to the high cost of repairs the broken down Mini is being stored in a garage basically rotting away.
Automatic Transmission problem of the 2003 Mini Cooper 25
The cvt failed in my 2003 Mini Cooper at 67,000 miles. The repair cost offered by dealer started at 7400 then when told I had read about numerous others having the same problem the cost became 5900. Also found out the company stopped using this transmission in 07 models due to problems. Need re-call and or reimbursements.
Automatic Transmission problem of the 2003 Mini Cooper 26
Cvt transmission on 2003 Mini copper failed at 87,000 miles. The cost to replace is quoted by the dealer at $7400. Come to find out that this is a recurring issue with this transmission to the point that it should be considered a recall issue.
Automatic Transmission problem of the 2003 Mini Cooper 27
2003 Mini Cooper, 66,000 miles and the transmission needs replaced. The cost is going to be 8,500. 00.
Automatic Transmission problem of the 2003 Mini Cooper 28
Automatic transmission (cvt) failed. It will cost $8000 (Mini/BMW dealer quote) to replace. I noticed there were many complaints of this problem on the internet many recommended to file a complaint on the NHTSA website.
Automatic Transmission problem of the 2002 Mini Cooper 29
The automatic transmission of my 2002 Mini Cooper failed while my friend was driving my car. She was on a winding coastal road and the car died on a blind curve, putting her at great danger. Fortunately nobody was hurt. The car was towed to the san francisco BMW dealership, where I was informed I needed a $8500 'refurbished' transmission, as the transmission is not even made anymore. Research on line shows that this becoming a frequent problem with 'first generation' Minis with the 'cvt' automatic transmission. I declined the repair and sold them the carcass of my car. This is a dangerous problem and BMW/Mini is not accepting responsibility.
Automatic Transmission problem of the 2008 Mini Cooper 30
The contact owns a 2008 BMW Mini Cooper. While driving approximately 35 mph, the transmission monitor light illuminated on the instrument control panel. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and they replaced the monitor. Immediately after the repair, the failure recurred and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The technician performed the same repair. Three days later, the failure recurred again and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer a third time. The vehicle has been at the dealer for the past two weeks because the cause of the failure cannot be determined. He called the manufacturer and is waiting for a response. The failure and current mileages were 539.
See all problems of the 2008 Mini Cooper .
Automatic Transmission problem of the 2003 Mini Cooper 31
I was driving home from work and the Mini Cooper would not accelerate any longer. Fortunately, I was about a mile away from home and called for help. We had to push the car all the way home. Come to find out, many people have been having the same problem with the Mini Cooper transmission. They noted something about the cvt transmission that Mini tried experimenting with. I've read many stories where Mini cars just stopped in the middle of the highway. Many Mini transmissions have been giving out around 70,000 to 80,000 miles which is unorthodox for a transmission. The cost to replace the transmission was approx 8,000.
Automatic Transmission problem of the 2003 Mini Cooper 32
Cvt failure at 37,000 miles dealer estimates cost at $8,400 to replace (there is no repair option).
Automatic Transmission problem of the 2003 Mini Cooper 33
Cvt (continuously variable transmission) failure.
Automatic Transmission problem of the 2002 Mini Cooper 34
Back in Feb 2008 the steering on my 2002 Mini Cooper just went out with no warning. I was left without power steering in the middle of the 101 freeway, which is very dangerous! I fixed the problem, which was very expensive as it was the entire steering system that failed and filed a complaint with Mini, I never heard back but continued to drive the car. Recently, September 2008 the transmission in that same car needs to be replaced. I have had nothing but major problems with this car and feel it may be a lemon. Mini is unwilling to help me as my car is no longer under warranty. I feel as though these problems could result in serious injury as there is no prior warning and I am concerned for all present and future Mini Cooper drivers.
Automatic Transmission problem of the 2001 Mini Cooper 35
My 2001 330i with 110,000 miles on it abruptly stopped going in reverse. One day it was fine and running normally and the next day when I went to back out of my garage it would not go in reverse. I recently sold my old car and bought a BMW for the 'reliability' and to get a high value car, instead I have a money pit that I can not afford to fix and now needs a $6,100 transmission. Wish I had kept my old car.
See all problems of the 2001 Mini Cooper .

Other Common Power Train related problems of Mini Cooper
Problem Category | Number of Problems |
---|---|
Power Train problems | |
Automatic Transmission problems | 48 |
Transmission Failure problems | |
Transmission Noise problems | 16 |
Manual Transmission problems | |
Clutch problems | 6 |
Transmission Not Go Into Gear problems | |
Transmission Slip Out Of Gear problems | 5 |
Manual Transmission Floor Shifter problems | |
Transmission Fluid Leaking problems | 4 |

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