Hi all, I need to ask a quick question, Have a 2006 Mini with auto trans. I doesn't seem to be acting quite right. I am experiencing high revs in high gear, almost like it doesn't know what gear to be in. I want to check the fluid level but no info in the owners' manual. Can anyone direct me to the proper location to find the info I need? Thank -you Pete

 

Is it a Cooper or an "S"? Don't know about the CVT in the Cooper, but the Aisin built 6 speed in the "S" is "sealed for life" according to BMW and doesn't have a dipstick to check fluid levels.

 

It is a Cooper - Thanks for your responce - Pete

 

Then you have the CVT which has a reputation for problems, hope it's not something bad happening, but you need to have it checked out. Good luck!

 

There is no dipstick or level to check on the CVT transmission. If you have not changed the fluid in the past 30K miles, I strongly suggest that you do.

 

Ok , no dipstick or level to ckeck if level is low or overful , where is fill point and drain point? These transmissions are known to have problem? , "Mrs PEELE" is just passing 41k.Can anyone fill me in on common problems? Than you -Pete

 

There are no reliable facts about the percentage of CVT failures or their causes. What we do know is they are not repairable at Mini dealers and therefore a replacement will be 7K or 8K dollars. Some transmission mechanics have repaired the CVT, but they are few and far between.

The fill and drain points are on the transmission pan. There is also a fill point at the top of the transmission under the battery box. The plugs are the allen-head type. A fill takes 4.5 qts of fluid. ZD, the transmission maker, recommendes a fluid change every 27K miles. Some dealers say it never needs to be changed. It is not on the maintenance schedule, but you are on your own if the car is out of warranty.

The fluid must be Esso EZL-799A or its BMW equivalent.

 

Hey Tahoe Ron, thanks for getting me on the right track. I hope the outcome is resonable - does that ever happen?? Thanks again - Pete

 

There are two things to do: (1) change the fluid and if that doesn't do it (2) have the dealership re-program the CVT computer. One poster said the mechanic told him to just drive around in "sport" mode for a couple days, and what do you know?, that fixed his problem. The ones that don't fix are the ones where the car won't move or makes really bad noises.