My MINI died on the highway
#1
11-01-2006 | 02:23 AM
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 21
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My MINI died on the highway
I posted the story on my home forum, Metroplexmini.org, and am reposting here b/c I have no idea what to do from here:
I was driving home to Dallas from College Station yesterday morning when all of the sudden, I heard a small noise (I honestly thought it was the radio). Like a second later, my tach shot up to between 6-7, and sometimes 8, and I lost all acceleration, and the car acted like it was neutral. But the car did not turn off and I had all of my other systems.
Thank God I was going between 80/90 because that's the only way I made it uphill to the next exit, where I rolled to a stop at the end of the exit ramp. Otherwise, I would have been stuck on the interstate, in a zone with no shoulders and cement barriers on both sides.
Now, off the interstate, I find myself in Italy TX. Next to a field. In the middle of NO WHERE, and on hold with roadside assistance. From that point on, the people I that I had to deal with and encountered is a story all it's own, but I finally got towed back to MoD and got home at around 645 last night. I know, it could be worse, but still.
And, before you ask, I did not hit anything, I was not accelerating, I wasn't driving aggressively or hard, I wasn't passing anyone, no weird smells or leaks, nothing fell off my MINI, no loud noises except for the split second one that was really quite, and besides the light bulb that's burned out, there have been no problems with the car, as far as I knew, it was running perfect. Up to that point, was I enjoying being the only one on the road and cruising home on a beautiful (although a little windy) day. Apparently, the fact that I could stay in the MINI with the engine running and the a/c on while waiting for a tow is an odd sign. (I'm not 100% sure why, I think it has something to do with a computer gadget that would have systematically shut down the whole car if gone haywire.)
When I did stop, and please remember that I drive a CVT, I had no trouble shifting from Drive to Neutral, but had a hard time pushing it up to Reverse, and even harder time putting it in Park. Apparently, that's not a good sign either.
As of right now, they still have NO IDEA what's going on, and are working to find out what the deal is. I'm hoping that it's not a huge problem, but there was a rather large discussion about the possibility that I could have to replace the entire transmission, and if so, then I should be prepared to think about getting rid of the MINI or getting a new one. But that's worse case.
Either way, I am currently MINI (and general car) less and anxiously awaiting word, which I'll be sure to update ya'll with.
If I would have gotten home yesterday, I would have barely broken 71k miles, so I am under the impression that this shouldn't have happened, and that a CVT should last longer than 70k miles.
Has anyone else had a problem like this? Or is my assumption about a longer lasting CVT tranny wrong?
--------Later that day----------------
I have broken my drive chain and need to replace the transmission. If I didn't damage the core of the tranny, then that's $500 less, but I am still looking at $6200-6800 in parts, $3500 in labor, plus tax.
Let's hope my insurance will cover part of that.
But if it doesn't -- any suggestions as to what I should do from here?
----------------------------------------------------------
I am compeletly at a loss. Any help would be great.
Thanx!
I was driving home to Dallas from College Station yesterday morning when all of the sudden, I heard a small noise (I honestly thought it was the radio). Like a second later, my tach shot up to between 6-7, and sometimes 8, and I lost all acceleration, and the car acted like it was neutral. But the car did not turn off and I had all of my other systems.
Thank God I was going between 80/90 because that's the only way I made it uphill to the next exit, where I rolled to a stop at the end of the exit ramp. Otherwise, I would have been stuck on the interstate, in a zone with no shoulders and cement barriers on both sides.
Now, off the interstate, I find myself in Italy TX. Next to a field. In the middle of NO WHERE, and on hold with roadside assistance. From that point on, the people I that I had to deal with and encountered is a story all it's own, but I finally got towed back to MoD and got home at around 645 last night. I know, it could be worse, but still.
And, before you ask, I did not hit anything, I was not accelerating, I wasn't driving aggressively or hard, I wasn't passing anyone, no weird smells or leaks, nothing fell off my MINI, no loud noises except for the split second one that was really quite, and besides the light bulb that's burned out, there have been no problems with the car, as far as I knew, it was running perfect. Up to that point, was I enjoying being the only one on the road and cruising home on a beautiful (although a little windy) day. Apparently, the fact that I could stay in the MINI with the engine running and the a/c on while waiting for a tow is an odd sign. (I'm not 100% sure why, I think it has something to do with a computer gadget that would have systematically shut down the whole car if gone haywire.)
When I did stop, and please remember that I drive a CVT, I had no trouble shifting from Drive to Neutral, but had a hard time pushing it up to Reverse, and even harder time putting it in Park. Apparently, that's not a good sign either.
As of right now, they still have NO IDEA what's going on, and are working to find out what the deal is. I'm hoping that it's not a huge problem, but there was a rather large discussion about the possibility that I could have to replace the entire transmission, and if so, then I should be prepared to think about getting rid of the MINI or getting a new one. But that's worse case.
Either way, I am currently MINI (and general car) less and anxiously awaiting word, which I'll be sure to update ya'll with.
If I would have gotten home yesterday, I would have barely broken 71k miles, so I am under the impression that this shouldn't have happened, and that a CVT should last longer than 70k miles.
Has anyone else had a problem like this? Or is my assumption about a longer lasting CVT tranny wrong?
--------Later that day----------------
I have broken my drive chain and need to replace the transmission. If I didn't damage the core of the tranny, then that's $500 less, but I am still looking at $6200-6800 in parts, $3500 in labor, plus tax.
Let's hope my insurance will cover part of that.
But if it doesn't -- any suggestions as to what I should do from here?
----------------------------------------------------------
I am compeletly at a loss. Any help would be great.
Thanx!
#2
11-01-2006 | 03:58 AM
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 776
Likes: 0
From: Playa Vista, CA
#3
11-01-2006 | 04:03 AM
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,902
Likes: 2
From: SoCaL (Agoura Hills)
When I heard noise and RPM's shot up my first question was going to be "is it a CVT?". Sounds like you already know what the problem is. I'd recommend trying to see if any independent shops will do the repair for cheaper. You can probably have it rebuilt for 35-40% of the cost the dealer quoted you. It does suck though. Perhaps try to petition MINI USA for a special warranty coverage. Your transmission shouldn't self destruct at 70k miles. It's unlikely your insurance will cover any of this, as it's a mechanical repair, and I don't know of any insurance policy that includes mechanical repair coverage. Unless you have an extended warranty through the insurance company...
By the way. Your dealer is smoking something if they think it's going to be 3k in labor to install a transmission. They could rebuild it and install it for that! At $100 an hour they're talking about 30 hours of labor to install a freakin transmission. If it takes them over 4 then they need help! The parts sound ridiculous too. I'd get a second opinion from another dealer, but as your car isn't under warranty, I don't recommend having the dealer service it. Just a waste of money.
Good luck!!!
By the way. Your dealer is smoking something if they think it's going to be 3k in labor to install a transmission. They could rebuild it and install it for that! At $100 an hour they're talking about 30 hours of labor to install a freakin transmission. If it takes them over 4 then they need help! The parts sound ridiculous too. I'd get a second opinion from another dealer, but as your car isn't under warranty, I don't recommend having the dealer service it. Just a waste of money.
Good luck!!!
I posted the story on my home forum, Metroplexmini.org, and am reposting here b/c I have no idea what to do from here:
I was driving home to Dallas from College Station yesterday morning when all of the sudden, I heard a small noise (I honestly thought it was the radio). Like a second later, my tach shot up to between 6-7, and sometimes 8, and I lost all acceleration, and the car acted like it was neutral. But the car did not turn off and I had all of my other systems.
Thank God I was going between 80/90 because that's the only way I made it uphill to the next exit, where I rolled to a stop at the end of the exit ramp. Otherwise, I would have been stuck on the interstate, in a zone with no shoulders and cement barriers on both sides.
Now, off the interstate, I find myself in Italy TX. Next to a field. In the middle of NO WHERE, and on hold with roadside assistance. From that point on, the people I that I had to deal with and encountered is a story all it's own, but I finally got towed back to MoD and got home at around 645 last night. I know, it could be worse, but still.
And, before you ask, I did not hit anything, I was not accelerating, I wasn't driving aggressively or hard, I wasn't passing anyone, no weird smells or leaks, nothing fell off my MINI, no loud noises except for the split second one that was really quite, and besides the light bulb that's burned out, there have been no problems with the car, as far as I knew, it was running perfect. Up to that point, was I enjoying being the only one on the road and cruising home on a beautiful (although a little windy) day. Apparently, the fact that I could stay in the MINI with the engine running and the a/c on while waiting for a tow is an odd sign. (I'm not 100% sure why, I think it has something to do with a computer gadget that would have systematically shut down the whole car if gone haywire.)
When I did stop, and please remember that I drive a CVT, I had no trouble shifting from Drive to Neutral, but had a hard time pushing it up to Reverse, and even harder time putting it in Park. Apparently, that's not a good sign either.
As of right now, they still have NO IDEA what's going on, and are working to find out what the deal is. I'm hoping that it's not a huge problem, but there was a rather large discussion about the possibility that I could have to replace the entire transmission, and if so, then I should be prepared to think about getting rid of the MINI or getting a new one. But that's worse case.
Either way, I am currently MINI (and general car) less and anxiously awaiting word, which I'll be sure to update ya'll with.
If I would have gotten home yesterday, I would have barely broken 71k miles, so I am under the impression that this shouldn't have happened, and that a CVT should last longer than 70k miles.
Has anyone else had a problem like this? Or is my assumption about a longer lasting CVT tranny wrong?
--------Later that day----------------
I have broken my drive chain and need to replace the transmission. If I didn't damage the core of the tranny, then that's $500 less, but I am still looking at $6200-6800 in parts, $3500 in labor, plus tax.
Let's hope my insurance will cover part of that.
But if it doesn't -- any suggestions as to what I should do from here?
----------------------------------------------------------
I am compeletly at a loss. Any help would be great.
Thanx!
I was driving home to Dallas from College Station yesterday morning when all of the sudden, I heard a small noise (I honestly thought it was the radio). Like a second later, my tach shot up to between 6-7, and sometimes 8, and I lost all acceleration, and the car acted like it was neutral. But the car did not turn off and I had all of my other systems.
Thank God I was going between 80/90 because that's the only way I made it uphill to the next exit, where I rolled to a stop at the end of the exit ramp. Otherwise, I would have been stuck on the interstate, in a zone with no shoulders and cement barriers on both sides.
Now, off the interstate, I find myself in Italy TX. Next to a field. In the middle of NO WHERE, and on hold with roadside assistance. From that point on, the people I that I had to deal with and encountered is a story all it's own, but I finally got towed back to MoD and got home at around 645 last night. I know, it could be worse, but still.
And, before you ask, I did not hit anything, I was not accelerating, I wasn't driving aggressively or hard, I wasn't passing anyone, no weird smells or leaks, nothing fell off my MINI, no loud noises except for the split second one that was really quite, and besides the light bulb that's burned out, there have been no problems with the car, as far as I knew, it was running perfect. Up to that point, was I enjoying being the only one on the road and cruising home on a beautiful (although a little windy) day. Apparently, the fact that I could stay in the MINI with the engine running and the a/c on while waiting for a tow is an odd sign. (I'm not 100% sure why, I think it has something to do with a computer gadget that would have systematically shut down the whole car if gone haywire.)
When I did stop, and please remember that I drive a CVT, I had no trouble shifting from Drive to Neutral, but had a hard time pushing it up to Reverse, and even harder time putting it in Park. Apparently, that's not a good sign either.
As of right now, they still have NO IDEA what's going on, and are working to find out what the deal is. I'm hoping that it's not a huge problem, but there was a rather large discussion about the possibility that I could have to replace the entire transmission, and if so, then I should be prepared to think about getting rid of the MINI or getting a new one. But that's worse case.
Either way, I am currently MINI (and general car) less and anxiously awaiting word, which I'll be sure to update ya'll with.
If I would have gotten home yesterday, I would have barely broken 71k miles, so I am under the impression that this shouldn't have happened, and that a CVT should last longer than 70k miles.
Has anyone else had a problem like this? Or is my assumption about a longer lasting CVT tranny wrong?
--------Later that day----------------
I have broken my drive chain and need to replace the transmission. If I didn't damage the core of the tranny, then that's $500 less, but I am still looking at $6200-6800 in parts, $3500 in labor, plus tax.
Let's hope my insurance will cover part of that.
But if it doesn't -- any suggestions as to what I should do from here?
----------------------------------------------------------
I am compeletly at a loss. Any help would be great.
Thanx!
#5
11-01-2006 | 07:29 AM
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
From: College Station, TX
#6
11-01-2006 | 07:35 AM
Ruling the curves
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,651
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From: San Antonio Texas
#7
11-01-2006 | 09:53 AM
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,272
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From: Arlington, VA
Trending Topics
#8
11-01-2006 | 12:41 PM
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 243
Likes: 0
I have a feeling the CVTs on some of the early year MINIs are going to be time bombs. I have 74,000 miles on an 03 MC with CVT and I feel nervous when I take her on the freeway.
Perhaps talk to MINI USA and see if they are going to do anything about the dying CVTs. The costs you quoted are scary.
Perhaps talk to MINI USA and see if they are going to do anything about the dying CVTs. The costs you quoted are scary.
#9
11-02-2006 | 02:33 AM
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Update-- sorry it's long, I didn't want to post a million times
Update: My insurance will not cover ANYTHING. I am looking into as many other options as I can think of. At this point, it may come down to having to make a choice if I can/want/can afford to stay in the MINI family. :(
Thanx.
I am. I am going to call MINIUSA tomorrow and see what they can do for me. Right now I am looking into all options and shops in the area to get labor costs down, and leaning toward a reman. tranny -- which would come with a new warrenty for another 50K miles.
And, to explain labor costs. In Dallas, no matter if it's the dealer or not, labor charges are an average of $180 an hour. MoD quotes labor for a new tranny starting at 20 hours. Which, explains the $3500 labor costs. So, if I can get that down, it would be great!!
But, how reliable is a used one? What if I get a used one for cheap, and it already has 30, 40, 50k plus miles on it? Will it only last another 15-20k miles? Would I get a good warrenty on it? How long will it be before I find myself in the same boat?
Imagine how I felt. I've refused to get out of bed for the past day or so -- I'm convenieced that nothing bad will happen if I stay under the covers!!
Thanx though. Not only is the MINI family great, the Aggie family is awesome, and the MINI AGGIE faily is more than I ever could wish for!!
BTW: You going to the game this wkend?
It is a 2004 Indi Blue MC with CVT. If I would have made it home, I would have broken 71000 miles. Where it died, I think it's at 70900 and change.
To be honest, I would have never doubted my CVT until this week. If you feel nervous about taking her on the freeway, then I would suggest having your tranny looked at, if not consider upgrading to a manual, MCSa, or a new 07.
You shouldn't ever be scared to drive your car. You should always feel comfortable; it makes a big difference in your driving -- and your fun!
Anyway, I'll be sure to keep everyone posted. And, I am totally open any ideas or suggestions.
Thanx so much for you're support!!
When I heard noise and RPM's shot up my first question was going to be "is it a CVT?". Sounds like you already know what the problem is. I'd recommend trying to see if any independent shops will do the repair for cheaper. You can probably have it rebuilt for 35-40% of the cost the dealer quoted you. It does suck though. Perhaps try to petition MINI USA for a special warranty coverage. Your transmission shouldn't self destruct at 70k miles. It's unlikely your insurance will cover any of this, as it's a mechanical repair, and I don't know of any insurance policy that includes mechanical repair coverage. Unless you have an extended warranty through the insurance company...
By the way. Your dealer is smoking something if they think it's going to be 3k in labor to install a transmission. They could rebuild it and install it for that! At $100 an hour they're talking about 30 hours of labor to install a freakin transmission. If it takes them over 4 then they need help! The parts sound ridiculous too. I'd get a second opinion from another dealer, but as your car isn't under warranty, I don't recommend having the dealer service it. Just a waste of money.
Good luck!!!
By the way. Your dealer is smoking something if they think it's going to be 3k in labor to install a transmission. They could rebuild it and install it for that! At $100 an hour they're talking about 30 hours of labor to install a freakin transmission. If it takes them over 4 then they need help! The parts sound ridiculous too. I'd get a second opinion from another dealer, but as your car isn't under warranty, I don't recommend having the dealer service it. Just a waste of money.
Good luck!!!
I am. I am going to call MINIUSA tomorrow and see what they can do for me. Right now I am looking into all options and shops in the area to get labor costs down, and leaning toward a reman. tranny -- which would come with a new warrenty for another 50K miles.
And, to explain labor costs. In Dallas, no matter if it's the dealer or not, labor charges are an average of $180 an hour. MoD quotes labor for a new tranny starting at 20 hours. Which, explains the $3500 labor costs. So, if I can get that down, it would be great!!
Thanx though. Not only is the MINI family great, the Aggie family is awesome, and the MINI AGGIE faily is more than I ever could wish for!!
BTW: You going to the game this wkend?
It is a 2004 Indi Blue MC with CVT. If I would have made it home, I would have broken 71000 miles. Where it died, I think it's at 70900 and change.
I have a feeling the CVTs on some of the early year MINIs are going to be time bombs. I have 74,000 miles on an 03 MC with CVT and I feel nervous when I take her on the freeway.
Perhaps talk to MINI USA and see if they are going to do anything about the dying CVTs. The costs you quoted are scary.
Perhaps talk to MINI USA and see if they are going to do anything about the dying CVTs. The costs you quoted are scary.
You shouldn't ever be scared to drive your car. You should always feel comfortable; it makes a big difference in your driving -- and your fun!
Anyway, I'll be sure to keep everyone posted. And, I am totally open any ideas or suggestions.
Thanx so much for you're support!!
#11
11-02-2006 | 10:56 AM
Coordinator :: Sin City MINI Club & AMVIV
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,587
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas
I found a used transmission for my wife's Subaru through www.car-part.com which is a search engine for wrecking yards. Put in your car info, what part you're looking for and where you are and it searches a whole bunch of junkyards for you. Most places will ship, then you just have to find a local place that won't rape and pillage you on the install.
#12
11-02-2006 | 11:05 AM
7th Gear Gal
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 36,087
Likes: 3
From: Weeblegabber West (aka WLA)
So sorry about your MINI, Caypay! I agree with Agro's suggestion. Definitely check with your local MINI enthusiast folks to see which independent shop they take their MINIs to, and get several quotes for the work. Good luck to you!
#13
11-02-2006 | 01:14 PM
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Yes. And, I just had it checked last month when I had my brakes done. My mechanic (not the dealer) who does most all of the aftermarket work for a lot of the MINIs in Dallas, does the same checks if not more every time you bring your car in for service. Everything checked out A-OK.
I have never been told that there was a problem, or any signs (like metal shavings and the like) of trouble. It's just like the thing randomly snapped.
Thanx. That's a good place to start. However, how reliable is a used one going to be? Is there any sort of warrenty?
I would hate to get this fixed, just to have the same thing happen a month from now. Although, it's a good option to look into, especially if I end up just fixing the MINI and trading it in.
Thanx. I'm calling all the other shops in the area that regularly work on MINIs. I already found a place that would do the install for half the cost than my dealer. Even though it's around 300 miles away, it looks to be cheaper to tow it there and have them do it then pay the $3500 my dealer asks.
Thanx for all the suggestions. I will keep ya'll posted.
I have never been told that there was a problem, or any signs (like metal shavings and the like) of trouble. It's just like the thing randomly snapped.
I found a used transmission for my wife's Subaru through www.car-part.com which is a search engine for wrecking yards. Put in your car info, what part you're looking for and where you are and it searches a whole bunch of junkyards for you. Most places will ship, then you just have to find a local place that won't rape and pillage you on the install.
I would hate to get this fixed, just to have the same thing happen a month from now. Although, it's a good option to look into, especially if I end up just fixing the MINI and trading it in.
Thanx for all the suggestions. I will keep ya'll posted.
#15
11-02-2006 | 01:28 PM
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 586
Likes: 0
jesus.. after reading this I feel the need to lay down for a few....
I am glad I got the extended warranty thru Geico...
it is like $15 bucks every 6 months...
http://www.geico.com/auto/safety/mbi.htm
I am glad I got the extended warranty thru Geico...
it is like $15 bucks every 6 months...
http://www.geico.com/auto/safety/mbi.htm
#16
11-02-2006 | 01:34 PM
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
I am glad I got the extended warranty thru Geico...
it is like $15 bucks every 6 months...
http://www.geico.com/auto/safety/mbi.htm
it is like $15 bucks every 6 months...
http://www.geico.com/auto/safety/mbi.htm
#17
11-02-2006 | 01:50 PM
Coordinator :: Sin City MINI Club & AMVIV
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,587
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas
I found a used transmission for my wife's Subaru through www.car-part.com which is a search engine for wrecking yards. Put in your car info, what part you're looking for and where you are and it searches a whole bunch of junkyards for you. Most places will ship, then you just have to find a local place that won't rape and pillage you on the install.
I would hate to get this fixed, just to have the same thing happen a month from now. Although, it's a good option to look into, especially if I end up just fixing the MINI and trading it in.
#18
11-02-2006 | 04:19 PM
I posted the story on my home forum, Metroplexmini.org, and am reposting here b/c I have no idea what to do from here:
I was driving home to Dallas from College Station yesterday morning when all of the sudden, I heard a small noise (I honestly thought it was the radio). Like a second later, my tach shot up to between 6-7, and sometimes 8, and I lost all acceleration, and the car acted like it was neutral. But the car did not turn off and I had all of my other systems.
Thank God I was going between 80/90 because that's the only way I made it uphill to the next exit, where I rolled to a stop at the end of the exit ramp. Otherwise, I would have been stuck on the interstate, in a zone with no shoulders and cement barriers on both sides.
Now, off the interstate, I find myself in Italy TX. Next to a field. In the middle of NO WHERE, and on hold with roadside assistance. From that point on, the people I that I had to deal with and encountered is a story all it's own, but I finally got towed back to MoD and got home at around 645 last night. I know, it could be worse, but still.
And, before you ask, I did not hit anything, I was not accelerating, I wasn't driving aggressively or hard, I wasn't passing anyone, no weird smells or leaks, nothing fell off my MINI, no loud noises except for the split second one that was really quite, and besides the light bulb that's burned out, there have been no problems with the car, as far as I knew, it was running perfect. Up to that point, was I enjoying being the only one on the road and cruising home on a beautiful (although a little windy) day. Apparently, the fact that I could stay in the MINI with the engine running and the a/c on while waiting for a tow is an odd sign. (I'm not 100% sure why, I think it has something to do with a computer gadget that would have systematically shut down the whole car if gone haywire.)
When I did stop, and please remember that I drive a CVT, I had no trouble shifting from Drive to Neutral, but had a hard time pushing it up to Reverse, and even harder time putting it in Park. Apparently, that's not a good sign either.
As of right now, they still have NO IDEA what's going on, and are working to find out what the deal is. I'm hoping that it's not a huge problem, but there was a rather large discussion about the possibility that I could have to replace the entire transmission, and if so, then I should be prepared to think about getting rid of the MINI or getting a new one. But that's worse case.
Either way, I am currently MINI (and general car) less and anxiously awaiting word, which I'll be sure to update ya'll with.
If I would have gotten home yesterday, I would have barely broken 71k miles, so I am under the impression that this shouldn't have happened, and that a CVT should last longer than 70k miles.
Has anyone else had a problem like this? Or is my assumption about a longer lasting CVT tranny wrong?
--------Later that day----------------
I have broken my drive chain and need to replace the transmission. If I didn't damage the core of the tranny, then that's $500 less, but I am still looking at $6200-6800 in parts, $3500 in labor, plus tax.
Let's hope my insurance will cover part of that.
But if it doesn't -- any suggestions as to what I should do from here?
----------------------------------------------------------
I am compeletly at a loss. Any help would be great.
Thanx!
I was driving home to Dallas from College Station yesterday morning when all of the sudden, I heard a small noise (I honestly thought it was the radio). Like a second later, my tach shot up to between 6-7, and sometimes 8, and I lost all acceleration, and the car acted like it was neutral. But the car did not turn off and I had all of my other systems.
Thank God I was going between 80/90 because that's the only way I made it uphill to the next exit, where I rolled to a stop at the end of the exit ramp. Otherwise, I would have been stuck on the interstate, in a zone with no shoulders and cement barriers on both sides.
Now, off the interstate, I find myself in Italy TX. Next to a field. In the middle of NO WHERE, and on hold with roadside assistance. From that point on, the people I that I had to deal with and encountered is a story all it's own, but I finally got towed back to MoD and got home at around 645 last night. I know, it could be worse, but still.
And, before you ask, I did not hit anything, I was not accelerating, I wasn't driving aggressively or hard, I wasn't passing anyone, no weird smells or leaks, nothing fell off my MINI, no loud noises except for the split second one that was really quite, and besides the light bulb that's burned out, there have been no problems with the car, as far as I knew, it was running perfect. Up to that point, was I enjoying being the only one on the road and cruising home on a beautiful (although a little windy) day. Apparently, the fact that I could stay in the MINI with the engine running and the a/c on while waiting for a tow is an odd sign. (I'm not 100% sure why, I think it has something to do with a computer gadget that would have systematically shut down the whole car if gone haywire.)
When I did stop, and please remember that I drive a CVT, I had no trouble shifting from Drive to Neutral, but had a hard time pushing it up to Reverse, and even harder time putting it in Park. Apparently, that's not a good sign either.
As of right now, they still have NO IDEA what's going on, and are working to find out what the deal is. I'm hoping that it's not a huge problem, but there was a rather large discussion about the possibility that I could have to replace the entire transmission, and if so, then I should be prepared to think about getting rid of the MINI or getting a new one. But that's worse case.
Either way, I am currently MINI (and general car) less and anxiously awaiting word, which I'll be sure to update ya'll with.
If I would have gotten home yesterday, I would have barely broken 71k miles, so I am under the impression that this shouldn't have happened, and that a CVT should last longer than 70k miles.
Has anyone else had a problem like this? Or is my assumption about a longer lasting CVT tranny wrong?
--------Later that day----------------
I have broken my drive chain and need to replace the transmission. If I didn't damage the core of the tranny, then that's $500 less, but I am still looking at $6200-6800 in parts, $3500 in labor, plus tax.
Let's hope my insurance will cover part of that.
But if it doesn't -- any suggestions as to what I should do from here?
----------------------------------------------------------
I am compeletly at a loss. Any help would be great.
Thanx!
#19
11-02-2006 | 04:21 PM
#20
11-03-2006 | 01:37 AM
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
jesus.. after reading this I feel the need to lay down for a few....
I am glad I got the extended warranty thru Geico...
it is like $15 bucks every 6 months...
http://www.geico.com/auto/safety/mbi.htm
I am glad I got the extended warranty thru Geico...
it is like $15 bucks every 6 months...
http://www.geico.com/auto/safety/mbi.htm
Right, but I think that adds to the labor costs and is the same price for the tranny. So, it doesn't really make a difference in the price.
Unless I find one for really cheap.
I know right!!
As it stands right now, I have gotten the labor costs down to between $1200 and $1800, if not less than that. I have also received lots of info about price breaks, and some dealers offering me a discount on parts, which is nice.
When I called MINIUSA, they said they would try to work with me, so I expect some sort of negiations over the next few days.
I am going out of town for the weekend, and MINIUSA said it would be probably Monday before they get back to me, so I most likely won't have an update till then.
But, keep the suggestions comeing, and I promise I will keep everyone updated as to what happens and what I ultimatly end up doing.
#21
11-03-2006 | 09:51 AM
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
From: College Station, TX
, and waving at you! lol
#22
11-03-2006 | 10:01 AM
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,802
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
Sorry to hear of your situation, its awful that the tranny would fail at such low miles. Seems like you are far from the only one from what I've seen mentioned before - IMHO it would be helpful to start compiling a list of incidents of the failure rate on these. As with other issues in the past it helps if the customers can show a pattern of failure to support a claim that the part is prone to fail/defective to get them to recognize the problem and perhaps issue a recall or some action they otherwise very likely would not. Also registering complaints with the NHTSA (http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/) and perhaps Consumer Affairs (http://www.consumeraffairs.com/php/a_report.php) might help.
Good luck!
Good luck!
#23
11-03-2006 | 10:03 AM
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
I'll be sure to look for you -- you can always find me -- I'll be the one yelling real loud.
#24
11-03-2006 | 12:57 PM
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
From: College Station, TX
#25
11-12-2006 | 12:02 AM
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Sorry to hear of your situation, its awful that the tranny would fail at such low miles. Seems like you are far from the only one from what I've seen mentioned before - IMHO it would be helpful to start compiling a list of incidents of the failure rate on these. As with other issues in the past it helps if the customers can show a pattern of failure to support a claim that the part is prone to fail/defective to get them to recognize the problem and perhaps issue a recall or some action they otherwise very likely would not. Also registering complaints with the NHTSA (http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/) and perhaps Consumer Affairs (http://www.consumeraffairs.com/php/a_report.php) might help.
Good luck!
Good luck!
As of right now, we are still is "negotiations" with MINIUSA and MoD. Last week we spent most of the week playing phone tag, to hear back from them late Friday.
I have already gone through the sites you mentioned, and am starting a list from this thread and on MINI2. I have yet to look on the owners lounge. I am also going to try to look for printed documentation (MINIUSA saying why they are switching tranny's for the new model, and admission to faulty tranny problems with earlier builds and such) to strengthen my argument that they should have recalled or acknowledged that there was a problem and let owners know.
I was wondering though, does anyone know how many complaints have to be made to force a recall? And is there any way to find out about complaints not posted on websites?
I'll be sure to let ya'll know what the outcome is, it just may take a little more time that I would like for it to.