There was a bad batch of bearings in 8 speed automatic transmissions in 2018 I believe. There’s a thread on this forum somewhere, if you use the search function, I’m sure you’ll find it.

I would definitely take it to MINI if it’s still in warranty and let them take a look at it and fix it, as it’s highly likely that it’s faulty and a replacement one is 5k+. Also, don’t buy the ‘everything is fine, that’s how they are’ - 8 speed Aisin ATs are pretty smooth off the line and when driving at higher speeds, and in a way they do feel like a DCT transmission. There is perhaps an ever so slight jerk when it’s changing from 3 to 2nd, but that’s down to the gear ratio and shouldn’t feel super obvious, but it is there if you really pay attention to it. Also, if you quickly press the gas pedal after being stationary, there might be a slight hesitation because the torque converter disengages when applying the brake to reduce drag and takes a second to engage again, but this also shouldn’t be particularly noticeable unless you’re really looking for it.

So in conclusion, definitely get it checked while under warranty and push them to really investigate it, as replacements are really expensive out of warranty.

 

There was a bad batch of bearings in 8 speed automatic transmissions in 2018 I believe. There’s a thread on this forum somewhere, if you use the search function, I’m sure you’ll find it.

I would definitely take it to MINI if it’s still in warranty and let them take a look at it and fix it, as it’s highly likely that it’s faulty and a replacement one is 5k+. Also, don’t buy the ‘everything is fine, that’s how they are’ - 8 speed Aisin ATs are pretty smooth off the line and when driving at higher speeds, and in a way they do feel like a DCT transmission. There is perhaps an ever so slight jerk when it’s changing from 3 to 2nd, but that’s down to the gear ratio and shouldn’t feel super obvious, but it is there if you really pay attention to it. Also, if you quickly press the gas pedal after being stationary, there might be a slight hesitation because the torque converter disengages when applying the brake to reduce drag and takes a second to engage again, but this also shouldn’t be particularly noticeable unless you’re really looking for it.

So in conclusion, definitely get it checked while under warranty and push them to really investigate it, as replacements are really expensive out of warranty.

Thanks for that, interesting to hear about bearings in 2018, my wife was also unlucky to have one of the 2014 cars with the engine bearing issue and that resulted in a new engine under warranty. Time to take it to mini.
Keith