Mini Countryman Transmission Issue

That sounds suspiciously similar to an issue I had with my old Saab. Although the brand is different, the symptoms are incredibly alike. I had transmission issues, and it turned out to be a faulty transmission sensor. The sensor is a small electronic component that measures the pressure of the oil inside the transmission. When it fails, it can cause the engine warning light (MIL) to illuminate, and the car might go into emergency mode to protect the gearbox. Did you check the transmission oil level?

Interesting. You mention checking the transmission oil level. Is that something I can easily do myself, or does it require special tools? And where exactly would I be looking for it on a Mini Countryman diesel?

Yes, it is possible to check the transmission oil level yourself on the Mini Countryman. However, accessing the fill and check ports can be tricky, and you'll need to ensure the car is level. Given the symptoms you described, and the error code pointing to a sensor fault potentially caused by low oil, my recommendation would be to take it to a reputable workshop. They will be able to properly diagnose the issue, check the oil level, and inspect the sensor itself. It's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to transmissions, as further damage can be costly.

Just wanted to update you. Took the Countryman to a local garage and they confirmed it was the transmission oil level that was too low, causing the sensor to throw a fault. They topped it up and cleared the error code. Seems to be running fine now, shifts are smooth again! Cost me 365€, which I'm happy with. Thanks for your help!