15 replies to this topic

[mrsimon]

Hi,

Maybe it's just a myth but I've been put off automatics as I have the impression that they are less reliable than the manuals.

any truth in this? I see that they are cheaper than comparative manuals.

 

I prefer manuals as they are more involving. I've found the automatics I've had (even an XKR) a bit boring.

 

Anyway, just asking!

Thanks

 

 

[FlyingScot]

Yes less reliable and parts becoming scarce for AP autos.

FS

[New game mini]

My mini is auto and even tho i love it I do wish it was a manual as it's not as much fun and im dreading the day my auto box buggers up! But he was cheaper than an equivalent manual.

[mrsimon]

My mini is auto and even tho i love it I do wish it was a manual as it's not as much fun and im dreading the day my auto box buggers up! But he was cheaper than an equivalent manual.

 

Buy cheap, buy dear. For reliability and fun I'm going to go stick shift...

 

Thanks for the comments.

[Wim Fournier]

To be fair, I commend, that the automatic gear box is very strong and won't give up when treated nice.

The problem is, that this box is also sharing the engine oil. This means that the coal that comes into the engine oil from the burning of gas is polluting the system. To change gears, there is a labirinth in the bottom of the box where the plunjers are that control the gear changing.

So, it is prescripted to change the oil often (every year at least). And because of the friction bands in the system, you should use 15W40.

But helas there are a lot of sinners.

They think it is cheaper to never change the oil, because the car is only used for a few hundred miles a year.

And the oil filter, that can better been left as it is. It is expensive and hard to get out and hard to get in again and sealed right.

And, why shouldn't you use the common 20W50. That is ready at hand by the grocer.

And after years of neglectance the box gives up, no more traction.

And then you'll need new parts. Ther eis only one adress in England and you can get there everything you need and they give you nicely help and advice when you ring them. And you do not need to dismantle the total engine and box and split them. No. The engineers have made doors all around so you can get into the box nicely and take out all the separate parts. Even with the aggregate still in the car.

[Spitz]

Auto boxes can be fun also.....shifting through the gears manually.

I've had two...one 850 and a 998.

 

Would I have one again.....NO.

 

The one good thing about the 998 I had last, was the wider subframe makes installing the manual boxed engine just that much easier!

( 3/8" spacers required each side )

[FlyingScot]

To be fair, I commend, that the automatic gear box is very strong and won't give up when treated nice.
The problem is, that this box is also sharing the engine oil. This means that the coal that comes into the engine oil from the burning of gas is polluting the system. To change gears, there is a labirinth in the bottom of the box where the plunjers are that control the gear changing.
So, it is prescripted to change the oil often (every year at least). And because of the friction bands in the system, you should use 15W40.
But helas there are a lot of sinners.
They think it is cheaper to never change the oil, because the car is only used for a few hundred miles a year.
And the oil filter, that can better been left as it is. It is expensive and hard to get out and hard to get in again and sealed right.
And, why shouldn't you use the common 20W50. That is ready at hand by the grocer.
And after years of neglectance the box gives up, no more traction.
And then you'll need new parts. Ther eis only one adress in England and you can get there everything you need and they give you nicely help and advice when you ring them. And you do not need to dismantle the total engine and box and split them. No. The engineers have made doors all around so you can get into the box nicely and take out all the separate parts. Even with the aggregate still in the car.

It's true but since most folks didn't own them from new they sadly aren't that reliable. Also as I wrote above some parts are becoming scarce even JPAT don't have unlimited amounts of everything.

FS

[New game mini]

To be fair, I commend, that the automatic gear box is very strong and won't give up when treated nice.
The problem is, that this box is also sharing the engine oil. This means that the coal that comes into the engine oil from the burning of gas is polluting the system. To change gears, there is a labirinth in the bottom of the box where the plunjers are that control the gear changing.
So, it is prescripted to change the oil often (every year at least). And because of the friction bands in the system, you should use 15W40.
But helas there are a lot of sinners.
They think it is cheaper to never change the oil, because the car is only used for a few hundred miles a year.
And the oil filter, that can better been left as it is. It is expensive and hard to get out and hard to get in again and sealed right.
And, why shouldn't you use the common 20W50. That is ready at hand by the grocer.
And after years of neglectance the box gives up, no more traction.
And then you'll need new parts. Ther eis only one adress in England and you can get there everything you need and they give you nicely help and advice when you ring them. And you do not need to dismantle the total engine and box and split them. No. The engineers have made doors all around so you can get into the box nicely and take out all the separate parts. Even with the aggregate still in the car.

Is that true about using 15w40 engine oil in autos? I've never heard that before. I have vowed to change my oil and filter every 8 months or so to maintain the gearbox but have been using the 20w50 stuff from Halfords.

[Spitz]

I would say that with an auto, 8 months between changes is too long...if used fairly regularly. 

[Wim Fournier]

15W40 against 25W50. You will understand that the 15W40 is the thinner one. Automatic boxes have several clutches in hem that work with surfaces that rub each other until they get grip. A complaint about the Mini matic boxes is, that they slip.

Well that is obvious a result of the thick oil that is used in these boxes. The surfaces of the clutches are clad with engine oil and it needs a lot of force to press the oil from between the rubbing surfaces until they grip. The thicker the oil is, the more force it costs to get rid of the oil from between the mating faces.

In 'normal' automatic gearboxes they use ATF. When you rub that between your fingers it is like water. Then rub 15W40 and then 25W50. You will feel what I mean.

[nollyd]

oil is always a bit of a discussion for autos,i had a guy round to tune my mini,i told him i had 15/40 in and he said no,take it out and put valvoline 20/50 not the cheapy stuff.35 years in the game surely means something.im no expert just telling what i was advised.

[Wim Fournier]

All right, but the factory that put these Mini matics on the market advised clearly 15W40.

That's different from the manual Mini's.

I think they did the advice on purpose.

And when you follow the reasoning that I gave, it is understandable why.

[nollyd]

ok but like i said,i only offered advice from someone else.ive read so many topics on this subject on different forums.its easily confusing,either way in my opinion dont use cheapy stuff.but hey,thats just me.

[gazza82]

Factory will often offer what their suppliers suggest ... In return for big discounts. As long as it makes it past the warranty, why should they care.

Don't forget the Mini auto is 30+ year old technology ... so don't assume just because ATM is used now thinner is better.

And in fact some metals used in the older BMC cars don't actually like synthetic based oils. I've been reliably informed my inline Midget box will last longer using 20W50 mineral oil due to bronze bushes and things. But the engine would be happy with 10W40 .. But then mine are separate as well.

[SA MINI]

Auto Matics are great
If like any old car they are maintained to a good standard.

My 998 auto runs on 10w40 mineral & I've owned it for 5 plus years now. .

Warning up prior to use should be mandatory!
With regular oil changes.

My mini has never missed a beat & from seeing other automatic mini owners, they rarely service them as much as they should.
Or they store them with old or no oil which leads to the gaskets & seals drying up !

Autos may be difficult though not impossible to get parts for they are as reliable as any other mini to be honest