So these problems are not really isolated cases. My suggestion is to keep your eyes peeled and try to determine whether these transmission problems are contained within a specific production build date.

Someone over at MINI2.com just recently had MINIUSA replace his troublesome R56 S manual with a brand new R56 S automatic.

Perhaps not all R56 S manual owners will experience issues with the transmission, but the odds of that happening remain very high.

Also keep in mind that the Clutch kits and flywheel assemblies are made and supplied by a German company called LuK. These flywheels and clutch kits are notorious for problems and poor durability. Some of the issues experienced by R53 S manual transmission owners have passed onto the R56 S. Since the new R56 S has more torque, the same defective clutch components are experiencing more stress than ever before.

It seems to me that MINI needs to actively pursue this quality control problem with LuK. For the record, most other vehicles equipped with LuK Clutches and flywheels (Like the 6-speed GMC/Chevy full size diesel pickup trucks) are experiencing similar pains of MINI owners.

I have a ’05 R53 S and my LuK factory clutch and flywheel both had to be replaced at 25K miles. The dealer deemed the clutch assembly to be defective and I was provided with a new one under warranty. Lets see how long this new “revised” LuK clutch kit will last.

My R53 S Getrag 6-speed gearbox has been flawless otherwise.

Wife and I are considering the Automatic mostly because of the (seemingly) many problems reported on the Mini forums about the manual tramsmission.

The (huge) issue with turning to forums for insight is that you only hear about the problems. You don’t hear from the 99.5% of the people who have nothing to report, just the .5% out there that are dealing with issues. Are there problems with the manual transmission? I’ve personally heard from someone who said he knew someone with an issue and that was with a January build car.

My car has been flawless. The other two R56s I’ve spent two weeks with have been flawless. Everyone I know who owns one (with the manual) have had no issues. I’m not sure I would take everything from a forum site as gospel.