2004 MINI Cooper: CVT failure

Filed Nov 24, 2018 · Fuel system, Transmission · 62,000 miles · NY

2004 mini cooper purchased new aprox 62 miles on it and the CVT transmission is gone & there was a class action lawsuit for the replacement of this, I was never notified and want this fixed at no cost to me. At aprox. 50 to 60 MPH the car engines goes way beyond the proper RPM.

Filed Nov 3, 2015 · Steering, Transmission · 52,000 miles · VI

I was driving around 40 miles per hour and the car abruptly slowed down then sped up without any warning, if another car was behind me, it would have caused some serious damage. Now my car wouldn't shift shift out of first gear. I was told by my mechanic that the CVT transmission is gone. After reaching out to mini USA, they told me they haven't had any problem with this transmission and it's pass the warranty date. If the folks at mini USA had been honest with me I could have made the deadline for a settlement pertaining to the same problem they claimed they had no idea about. This product need to be recalled! After doing extensive research the CVT transmission have had problems all along and the company have been settling claims for quite some time. Why are they allowed to run hard working folks into death because they know most of us can't and wouldn't pursue this matter. It will cost me 6500.00 for the part and another $2200 for labor, the car is now valued at $5500.00. It there something wrong with this?

Filed Jan 19, 2015 · Transmission · 68,000 miles · OH

On my 2004 mini cooper, base, with CVT, it the rpms jump to ~3800 between 50-65 MPH. When I accelerate to above 65, the rpms return to the normal range. Upon slowing down, the rpms then jump again between 50-65.

Filed Dec 19, 2013 · Transmission · 35,147 miles · CA

We purchased a new 2004 mini-cooper r50 and paid extra for installation of a CVT transmission. The CVT ' (sport mode)' failed in 2010, just 2 years after its warranty expired and with only 35,147 miles driven. We were told that it could cost between $2,000 and $9,000 to repair/replace the sport mode' function, and since the automatic transmission is still operating, we decided to avoid the uncertainty of costly repairs and make sure no one else drives this vehicle. Since then, we have learned of other premature CVT failures and three class-action lawsuits regarding this transmission: aarons v. Bmw of north america, llc [xxx],bonomo v. Bmw[xxx], and bourne-miller v. Bmw[xxx]. Premature 'sport-mode' failure can cause permanent damage to a $9,000 transmission with deadly consequences on u.s. Highways at high speeds. Class action lawsuits do not address this problem, and we have 'opted-out' of participation in them. Please investigate the extent of premature CVT failures in the mini-cooper and issue a recall appropriate to remedy this potentially deadly defect. Please let us know if more information or documentation is required. Under penalties of perjury in the state of california I swear that the forgoing details are accurate and truthful to the best of my ability. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Nov 12, 2013 · Acceleration, Engine · 87,000 miles · MN

I have a 2004 mini cooper it has recently reached 87000 miles and the CVT transmission is failing. Normally you change your transmission fuel every 25,000 to 50,000 miles. My model mini cooper hatchback does not come with a reservoir to change such a fuel it was a guarantee by the manufacturer that these models would not need such a service and that the transmission would be fine throughout the lifetime of the car. What worries me is that I have not been able to drive my mini over 50mph due to the increase of RPM's. Without the speed increase it is not safe for me to drive on the highways as I normally would. A CVT transmission replacement could cost thousands. But more importantly I'm worried about my safety its possible that my transmission could fail while mobile. Thats my main concern. I recently read that there has been a lawsuit addressing these issues. It is bmw's due diligence to address this matter seeing how thousands of citizens are operating this machinery on a daily basis.

Filed Feb 5, 2012 · Transmission · 824,000 miles · AL

I had only had my mini for about two months and was driving from huntsville, al to tuscaloosa, al for an event for my daughter. The CVT went out and I had to rent a vehicle to go. Then when I got it fixed they told me it would be about 2,000.00 dollars but when I went to pick it up it was 6,000.00. Then about a month ago 1/2012 my power steering started messing up and took to my mechanic. He thought it was hopefully just a loose hose and got it working again. However two weeks ago it went out again and he checked it out and the power steering pump was toast. Does not even have 100,000 miles on it. I am very disappointed with it.

Filed Aug 5, 2011 · Transmission · 87,000 miles · PA

I have a 2004 mini cooper with 87,000 miles on it. There were no events leading up to the total CVT transmission failure that took place last friday 07/29/11. I was entering into a large intersection when the car started bucking and rattling. I just made it into a hess station parking lot (thank goodness there was one there) when it wouldn't go any further. I had it towed to a local transmission shop and they said that the trans was dead and I was going to need a new one. They informed me that there aren't any rebuilt options and the new trans is going to cost me $5000 + $1200 for labor. I have done a bunch of research on these CVT transmissions and apparently they have been a huge problem and bmw/mini haven't done anything about it. I think it is a disgrace that this continues to happen and cost people thousands of dollars. Something needs to be done asap!!!!

Filed Mar 30, 2010 · Electrical, Engine · FL

2004 mini cooper with motor mount, electrical, flat tire sensors issues. Cvt transmission replacement recommended. *tgw one day while driving on the highway, the vehicle just stopped; dead no power. The consumer stated the vehicle is sitting in the garage un-drivable because she doesn't have the $8,000 to replace the CVT transmission.

Filed Jan 15, 2010 · Transmission · 80,000 miles · PA

My 2004 mini coopers transmission failed at 80k miles with no warning. Luckily I was in a parking lot and not on the highway, where I could have been killed. The cost of replacing the tranny was $7,000. Mini USA was useless when I pleaded with them to help me. After reading about all of the other complaints with the CVT trans, I can't believe there was no recall. I will never buy a mini again. I still owe $11,000 on the car and cannot afford another.

Filed Nov 2, 2009 · Transmission · 21,000 miles · MA

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!

Filed Oct 2, 2009 · Transmission · 74,000 miles · CA

Our 2004 mini cooper (CVT) automatic transmission needs to be replaced. The car has only 74,000 mile on it.