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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.
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390 thoughts onBMW MINI Cooper Defective Transmission Class Action Lawsuit
My 2003 mini’s front end just locked up at 40mph and I almost died not sure yet if it was clutch or tranny
2008 convertible mini cooper – Transmission problems waiting to hear the damage $$$$$ I did tell them I know about a class action law suit…..looking for more information on it. I thought I read some ware the that it was covered 8 year or 150,000 miles.
2006 Mini Cooper S 51,000 miles. TRANSMISSION PROBLUMS. Due I have any recourse?
I bought my 2003 cooper and do love the little gas guzzler. I average 18MPG. Have had no trans issues as of yet and sure don’t want them. However it is clear after reading most of the posts that the shop rate is the reason replacement costs are double the cost of what it should be to replace/repair the transmission. It is common for a trans to cost $3000 on many vehicles of American manufacturers and even more on foreign makes. The trouble with Mini is that pulling and installing the CVT is a tough and excessively complex job. That said, I intend to pull and replace it myself if and/or when it fails. Until then, fingers crossed and information gathering in my plan.Thank you all for getting involved. It was because of another class action that my power steering pump and cooling fan replacement was covered by BMW! I have 104000 miles on my 2003 Mini.
2007 Convertible with120.000 miles – TRANSMISSION FAILED!! NY RESIDENT, can I participate in this?please more details.
i own a 2003 mini cooper and the transmission sucks its jumps and sticks and is not drivable,
Owner of a 2006 John Cooper Work S and have had nothing but problems. 2 years ago I experienced the same issue with the infamous death rattle. Bit the bullet and replaced the Timing chain Tensioner which costs my close to 2k. Nearly 2 years later the death rattle came back. The sound only got louder within a few weeks. 3 months ago I’m driving on a busy main road and my MINI completely comes to a dead stop. Towed the car to a reputable shop and was told I need a new motor! This costed me $6,600 CAD. Less than 30 days after the motor replacement the death rattle is back. I just want to get rid of this thing. All this money I’ve dumped into the car could have had me in a new car with 0 problems. I’m extremely frustrated and upset with MINI. Can you please let me know how I can file a lawsuit in Canada?
Tengo problemas con mi trasmision urge ayuda
The website indicates that the Class attorneys are still collecting claims for CVT failures after June 24, 2104. Does anyone know if there is a pending action for recent failures and whether I submit the same or different DVT Class action Settlement Claim Statement?
Would like to file with law suit! Bought 2003 mini two years ago…have had problems ever sense. Already put $3,000 in repairs and now transmission blew! Not right!