The contact owns a 2003 MINICooper. While driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle became resistant to acceleration attempts. The contact heard a banging noise coming from under the vehicle and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnostics. The mechanic advised that the transmission would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

Loud noise in transmission - leads to transmission failure while driving many complaints indicating this happening while in traffic are on a couple websites - main site: newmini.wordpress.com/2008/01/08/MINICooper-transmission-problems/ also many on: www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/MINIhtml

- Corning, NY, USA

We have a MINICooper coupe 2003 with only 30,000 miles on it in mint condition where the belt for cvt transmission disintegrated without any warning leaving me stranded in the middle of a busy highway and placing me at risk for injury. We had provided good maintenance for the MINIby changing the transmission oil when we first purchased the vehicle at $8000 miles and then at 15000 miles with high grade synthetic oil at $100. Transmission shop working on our car inquired about parts from BMW and was told they do not sell parts for that transmission and if you want it fixed you have to purchase a new transmission in a box for $6,000. I feel that this is not an option if the transmission is only going to last 30,000 miles. Who can afford such a disposable car?

- Seminole, FL, USA

It started with loud noises and RPM jumps to between 5 and 6 when accelerating. It now makes unbelievable sounds when trying to go beyond 50 mph. I took it to a local mechanics and he told me the transmission is gone and it has to be replaced. BMW does not sell parts. It would cost me about $5400 at least for a rebuilt transmission. This car has only 55000 miles.

- Piscataway, NJ, USA

2003 MINICooper automatic cvt transmission failed abruptly and unexpectedly.

- Shawnee, KS, USA

I bought a 2003 MINICooper and about a week and a half ago, the clutch hydraulic system has sprung a leak. Upon inspection of the hydraulics, the mechanic noticed that the clutch control rod was moving in a funny way. He says that they will have to drop the transmission to see the actual problem and that removing the transmission alone will cost me $1000 dollars which I do not have at the moment. The car only has 67,000 miles on it and the clutch went without any warning. Also, I am told that if the clutch does need to be replaced, it will cost me $1800 dollars, which again, I do not have.

- Reno, NV, USA

Sudden unexpected failure. Cvt transmission (automatic) in 2003 MINICooper. First one was under warranty. The second time they told me they would sell me another car. The car sold for $22K new, transmission costs $8500 to replace. So that's $17000 worth of transmissions 4 years (its been sitting for the last year while I still have to make payments). I don't think their idea of buying another car to replace my transmission was a good idea.

- Dublin, CA, USA

The consumer was unable to shift the gear into reverse. The dealer stated it was a manufacturing defect.

- San Diego, CA, USA

MINICooper 2003 cvt stalls in slow traffic or starting from stop light. The check engine light goes on; however, the engine shuts off. In addition, it has happened twice in a month considering that the vehicle is only a month old. Also, the cvt transmission is very jerky and could surge on an occasional basis. Informed that it's a software problem and no repair is needed at this point. I think it is a serious safety issue.

- Issaquah, WA, USA