Three problems related to transmission gear slipping have been reported for the 2003 Mini Cooper. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Mini Cooper based on all problems reported for the 2003 Cooper.
The cvt transmission on my 2003 Mini Cooper has failed rendering the car not drivable. The transmission has always been quirky, but I was assured by the dealer that it was working properly. The transmission slips drastically and makes a very audible whirring sound. The only option for repair is a complete new part install at the dealer cost of $8,800. I have read hundreds and hundreds of identical stories about the cvts on Mini Coopers as well as the power steering pump. It seems from research that this part commonly fails and replacing with a defective part at a cost near nine thousand dollars is absurd and disgusting. It is cost prohibitive to keep my car operating and I feel as though I have, as well as thousands of other Mini owners have been sold a defective product worthy of recall.
The contact owns a 2003 Mini Cooper. While driving approximately 25 mph the transmission began to slip gears. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The failure was related to the transmission which required replacement. The transmission can only be replaced by an authorized dealer, but there are no authorized dealerships in the state. The mechanic estimated the replacement cost of the transmission between $8,000-$9,000. The vehicle has not been repaired for the malfunction. The failure and current mileages were 76,500. The VIN was unavailable. Updated 01/12/10 uddated 01/14/10.
2003 Mini Cooper, transmission problems. Dealers states it would cost seven thousand dollars to replace and fix. With the car only worth double than that it is an shameful act on Mini for doing this to customers. Sounds of rattling and transmission slipping, dealer states it is a regular problem with the Cooper but there is no recall of any sort.