Top Class Actions’s website and social media posts use affiliate links. If you make a purchase using such links, we may receive a commission, but it will not result in any additional charges to you. Please review our Affiliate Link Disclosure for more information.
Having transmission problems with your MINI Cooper? You’re not alone. A federal class action lawsuit claims BMW of North America installed “shoddy” automatic transmissions in first-generation MINI’s that are prone to premature failure and cannot be reasonably repaired, forcing consumers to spend thousands of dollars to replace them and putting them at risk of serious harm.
According to the BMW MINI Cooper class action lawsuit, BMW aggressively marketed the MINI Cooper as a stylish, high performance — yet affordable — vehicle, and launched the MINI amidst great fanfare. The marketing campaign was so successful that buyers lined up to get their hands on the first generation MINIs and waited months to a year for a delivery.
“There’s a saying that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is…[and] after the dust settled from BMW Group’s marketing fervor, owners of First Generation MINIs found that they had been duped because their vehicles did not stand the test of time,” the MINI Cooper class action lawsuit states.
“In their haste to create a new ‘premium small car’ market, BMW Group sacrificed quality to meet demand and keep the sales price low, and as a result, First Generation MINIs were quickly churned out with substandard parts and shoddy workmanship. BMW Group refuses to take responsibility for these actions, and instead, prefers that its customers be left to clean up the mess it created.”
The MINI Cooper transmission class action lawsuit takes aim at BMW’s failure to disclose a material problem concerning the Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) installed in first generation MINIs, which the lawsuit alleges are prone to premature failure.
“As a result of BMW Group’s failure to disclose the fact that CVTs installed in First Generation MINIs are prone to premature failure, consumers are required to spend approximately $6,000 to $9,000 (one-third to one-half of the original purchase price) to repair or replace their CVTs, or sell their vehicle without repair for a substantial loss,” the MINI Cooper CVT class action lawsuit states. Their failure to disclose the problem also places the driver and passengers at risk of serious harm, the lawsuit continues, because the CVTs can fail without warning, resulting in a complete loss of power to the drive wheels.
“As a result of its failure to disclose the material fact that CVTs installed in First Generation MINIs were prone to premature failure, BMW Group has recklessly placed the safety of the owners and occupants of First Generation MINIs at risk, and caused owners of those vehicles to suffer damages.”
The MINI Cooper defective transmission class action lawsuit seeking restitution, damages and other relief for a proposed class of all California residents who, at any time prior to the filing of this complaint, purchased or leased a 2002-2006 MINI Cooper Coupe or 2005-2008 MINI Cooper Convertible in California.
A copy of the BMW MINI Cooper Defective Transmission Class Action Lawsuit can be read here.
The case is Brad Aarons v. BMW of North America, LLC, Case No. 11-cv-07667, U.S. District Court, Central District of California.
UPDATE 1: A federal judge indicated he will approve a class action settlement reached in this class action lawsuit.
UPDATE 2: Judge Gutierrez preliminarily approved the MINI Cooper Transmission Class Action Settlement. Details on how to file a claim will be available soon.
UPDATE 3: Notices and claim filing instructions for the MINI Cooper settlement are being delayed by disputes between the two parties. Both sides asked the Court to intervene to expedite administration of the class action settlement benefits.
UPDATE 4: Claim filing instructions are now available! See how to file a claim for the MINI Cooper class action settlement here.
UPDATE 5: A misplaced objection to the MINI Cooper class action settlement has delayed the distribution of funds. Because the objection is similar to other objections already overruled by the judge, it is likely to be overruled as well. We will update readers when more information is available.
ATTORNEY ADVERTISING
Top Class Actions is a Proud Member of the American Bar Association
LEGAL INFORMATION IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE
Top Class Actions Legal Statement
©2008 – 2024 Top Class Actions® LLC
Various Trademarks held by their respective owners
This website is not intended for viewing or usage by European Union citizens.
390 thoughts onBMW MINI Cooper Defective Transmission Class Action Lawsuit
2006 cvc bad 85000 miles need help
I would like to be added to this lawsuit. I have a 2003 Mini Cooper with a faulty Auto CVT transmission. It shouldn’t cost half the car’s price to fix!
I have a 2006 MCS and had the transmission fail 1 year ago at 70,000 miles. When I took it to the dealership, their solution was to get rid of the car – what a DISAPPOINTMENT! I will NEVER buy another Mini or BMW. Needless to say I had a few more payments until I actually finished paying the car off so I decided to have the transmission replaced at a nearby mechanic shop for $8K. If I didn’t love the car I probably would’ve just driven it off a cliff.
Please send me info on how I too can participate in this lawsuit.
I HAVE A 2006 MINI COOPER S . THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $8000. PLEASE HELP!
I have cvt transmission problem too. I’d like to become part of this lawsuit. But how?
I have cvt transmission problem too. I’d like to become part of this lawsuit. But how?
I’ve also has problems with my transmission slipping and my steering wheel pump. All of this was quoted around 11000 to fix. I am from Canada, how do I become part of this lawsuit?
I have a 2006 Mini Cooper Hardtop. Got problem with the CVT transmission. The mecanician tried to temporary fix it without warranty for $2,000. Replacing part will cost $8,000. Got transmission problem again after few months later. Had to sell my car to the mecanician for $4,000. If no problem my car value is between $8,000 and $10,000. So I lost money on my car due to the CVT problem. Total amount lost is $2,000(repair) + $4,000 (difference in car value). I want to be part of this lawsuit..
I have a 2002 MINI COOPER, i have all of the documentations of when it has been serviced inreference to the tranny and it is Only serviced through my MINI DEALERSHIP. For at least the past two years my MINI has been in the shop MULTIPLE times for the tranny! I also was quoted $5,000 to $8,000 to replace it. WAYmore then what this car is worth. Each time it goes into the shop they do adjustments to it and basicallyj just put a “BAND AID” on the transmission. Ultimately know that this will only last so long and its days are numbered. I take care of my MINI and i do LOVE it, but that has been forshadowed by the TRANNY issues and some others that i’ve had. In the poast wanted to purchase other MINI’S as well BUT i am SOO disgusted with BMW!! and the issues that these cras have. I also would LOVE to part of this Lawsuit!!!!!
My 2005 mini convertible is now showing the same problems, and I’ve been told I need a new transmission and a new clutch not to mention my convertible top now isn’t going down which I read a lot of people have the same problems!!! Class action lawsuit in VA. PLEASE HELP!!!
I have a mini cooper S 2005 automatic transmission that is slipping from second to third gear and a convertible top that is broke and will not open. I received a quote from the Mini dealer in Reno for repairs of $14000.00. How can I get involved in this law suit?
Hi my name is hamdi i do have the same problem with the treansmission on my 2005 mini cooper s. With 65000 miles.I would like to participate in the law suit if it’s active. Hamdi-chanthan@hotmail.com