Mini Steptronic question

[ChrisStag]

I’m looking at a 1.5 Mini Cooper automatic, does anyone have any experience with the ’steptronic’ gearboxes found in later models? I’ve read mixed things online about what they are, whether they are a dual clutch traditional automatic or an automated manual transmission.

[DarkMatter]

Are you looking at new or used? My wife has an early 2017 built 1.5 Cooper (F56) automatic.

As far as I’ve been able to find out it seems to be a torque converter gearbox however it feels very direct when changing gear, better than the DSG gearbox in my 2012 Audi Q3.

The Mini is used mostly for short journeys and only does the low 30s to the gallon. I’m not keen on the power steering though, it feels too twitchy for me.

[ChrisStag]

I’m looking at a 2018 or 2019 used car which is what is within my budget. The steptronic gearbox is used in 2018 onwards cars. Before that it was a regular automatic gearbox, I believe.

[un1eash]

The Gen3 Mini Automatics came with Aisin 6 or 8 speed steptronic or 7 speed DCT. The 6/8 speed is a torque converter automatic with manual shifting it is not to be confused with an SMG style gearbox which is a manual gearbox with automated clutch gear change.
The gearbox is pretty solid and reliable, you don't hear many horror stories about them if any. Only thing you really hear is although Mini/BMW say the gearbox is sealed for life some people get them serviced at high mileage as the changes start to get jerky.

[daydotz]

18 onwards would be the steptronic/DCT it works perfectly well

[twokcc]

daydotz said:

18 onwards would be the steptronic/DCT it works perfectlyMy well

Have april 2018 cooper s one of first with 7 speed dct box really smooth with very quick changes.

Believe the JCW has had problems with the 8 speed aisin box
thread on here somewhere very expensive to fix and usually happens after car out of 3 year warranty.
Very difficult from pics/ads which auto box car has fitted.



It is NOT the same box as on the 8spped s on other BMW rear drive cars.