R53 automatic transmission just revs up and doesn't move
 

just bought my son a used 2005 mini cooper s 6 speed automatic and had the transmission replaced in it. The car was running great for about two days and then when he got back up to school the issues began. He stated when he put the car in gear and stepped on the gas pedal that the tach would rev up but wouldn't move forward. He then put the car back into park and shut the car off. He then started the car up again and put the shifter back into Drive and it drove a bit but when he would come to a stop light or stop sign the issue would present itself again. I had the car towed back home which was about 100 miles away and I tried to duplicate the issue, and with great success it did the same thing to me. Now I need to know what you think the issue might be?

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This post was auto-generated based upon a question asked on our tech article page here: MINI Cooper Shift Cable Replacement (R50/R52/R53 2001-2006) | Pelican Parts DIY Maintenance Article

First check the transmission fluid level to be sure it is correct. Then check the transmission ECM for fault codes. If the system is not working properly, a fault code will be set. This will be your best bet when diagnosing.

This could be a slip caused by low fluid or low pressure.

- Nick

Thank you for your response and I took it back to my mechanic and we went to a BMW service center and they are saying its the transmission. The good thing about that is that I just had one put in and its under warranty. So it will be getting another tranny next week.

similar issue!
 

my son's car (2005 S) is acting the same way, it's acting as if it stuck in neutral even on D, R it won't move. The only time it will get off this mode is when engine is turned off and back on and then the transmission will start engaging again on D and R. Then it happen again after driving for another 10 miles or so. Can you please tell me how did you fix your son's car. the car been also experiencing the hard shift between gear 2-3 for a while now (this might be related to the valve body). I am looking to replace the VB soon but I just want to make sure that the problem is all related and it is not too late for the valve body or the problem got beyond the replacement of the VB. Is this another transmission related problem.

Thanks

First things first, check to make sure that the transmissions fluid is not low. If the fluid level is low it can cause issues and hard shifts. When was the last time the transmission fluid was changed? I'd also recommend you check the ECM for fault codes. If there is an issue with the valve body I'd think there would most likely be a fault code present.

Here is some information on the fluid change for your R53 Automatic: MINI Cooper Automatic Transmission Fluid Change (R50/R52/R53/R56/R57 2001-2015) | Pelican Parts DIY Maintenance Article

The car has only 74k. Bought it when it was @ 72k. I don't have a record of when the AT fluid was last complete.
The mini scan reader revealed an error code P1682 (DME electronic throttle monitoring level 2/3 idle speed 'A' - calculation fault)
I am not sure if this is related to a throttle body or some other related issues.
I tested the car today and now it just stuck in this neutral mode even when shift the gear stick to D or R. It won't move but the engine is running and revs fine! Transmission is not engaging at all. Car is not moving :(

Did you buy it from a dealer? Can always call one and give them your vin and they can let you know what maintenance records they have on it. It's probably unlikely they changed the fluid as MINI claims the fluid is "lifetime," but it should still be changed. You can read info about this in the article I posted above. You may have a transmission issue, but you should definitely check the fluid level. You might want to take it into a transmission shop and see what they have to say.

For P1682, yes it could be related to the throttle body as it's not a transmission code. I've seen MINI's with this code and when replacing the throttle body it fixed the issue.

Throttle body here if needed: 2005 Mini Cooper S Hatchback - Intake System - Page 3