14 replies to this topic

[racingbob]

Drove ŷa cooper s today early one had a notchy gearbox was a 2002
This normal anyone know as may get one later on

[Alex_B]

Is it a genuine s? The original mk1 binis had rubbish g/boxs but the s had the uprated getrag 6 speed

But they shouldnt be notchy unless you mean the shifter feel, as they do feel a bit clunky if that makes sense

[jmmini]

My neighbour has had 2 new boxes on his jcw Cooper s, but it does take some hammer at track days etc

[FlyingScot]

It should be as noted above 6 speed, the throw is "tight" especially into 1st on mine (Bini Cooper S conv.)
Touch wood no problems with mine.

[racingbob]

It should be as noted above 6 speed, the throw is "tight" especially into 1st on mine (Bini Cooper S conv.)
Touch wood no problems with mine.

So is a 2002 a mk 1. What year best to get 2005 or later not up on these caes

[Mrpeanut]

2002 is mark 1 bob. Claire's is a mark 2 with very low miles. Try hers and If you don't like the box in that you won't like any of them.

[Alex_B]

The mk1 s is supercharged, less fuel efficient and has the whiney power steering pump, the 06 onwards are turbo and better on fuel and have a hydraulic powersteering system so no whine,

My mums only ever owned a mk2 s and i have driven it a few times, the shift is tight as described and a little odd but thats just the way they are

[mab01uk]

2002-2006 R53 Mk1 MINI Cooper S has Getrag 6-speed from start of production and is a fairly bullet proof box.

2001-July 2004 R50 Mk1 (pre-facelift) MINI Cooper/One has Rover Midland 5-speed gearbox which is known for bearing/diff failures, helps if you change gearbox oil more often...but has a nicer smoother gearchange action than the Getrags.

July 2004-2006 R50 Mk1 (Facelift) MINI Cooper/One has a stronger Getrag 5-speed gearbox.

The MCS Getrag 6-speed is a popular conversion to One/Cooper but needs S driveshafts, etc.
More details here:
http://forum.minicooper.org/showthread.php?t=9643

Edited by mab01uk, 16 April 2013 - 11:39 PM.

[racingbob]

2002-2006 R53 Mk1 MINI Cooper S has Getrag 6-speed from start of production and is a fairly bullet proof box.

2001-July 2004 R50 Mk1 (pre-facelift) MINI Cooper/One has Rover Midland 5-speed gearbox which is known for bearing/diff failures, helps if you change gearbox oil more often...but has a nicer smoother gearchange action than the Getrags.

July 2004-2006 R50 Mk1 (Facelift) MINI Cooper/One has a stronger Getrag 5-speed gearbox.

The MCS Getrag 6-speed is a popular conversion to One/Cooper but needs S driveshafts, etc.
More details here:
http://forum.minicooper.org/showthread.php?t=964

So what stay away from the mk1 cooper s the supercharged one didn't they have different gearbox
As well causing failure. So get a turbo one and what year to get is it a mk 2

[splitpin]

The turbo S has its own issues!

All the first gen S 2002-2006/7 have the getrag 6 speed from 05 ish they have a revised final drive and some had a factory LSD

All of then have a direct slotted feel to each gearshift. Some have suffered for a seizing shifter shaft which is felt as a very stiff side to side movement in the gearstick.

[racingbob]

The turbo S has its own issues!

All the first gen S 2002-2006/7 have the getrag 6 speed from 05 ish they have a revised final drive and some had a factory LSD

All of then have a direct slotted feel to each gearshift. Some have suffered for a seizing shifter shaft which is felt as a very stiff side to side movement in the gearstick.

I'm starting to get put off getting one

[mab01uk]

Every car has certain common issues but forums always make it sound worse as out of millions sold, very few owners ever post about a car of any type unless they have a problem to share or solve!

The 2002-2006 Mk1 R53 Supercharged MINI Cooper S is strong, reliable and great fun to drive if looked after. The whining supercharger and steering pump all add to the character and are missed on the later Mk2 turbo MINI Cooper S (with better fuel consumption and lower emmisions based road tax).
Useful MINI Buyers Guides here:
http://www.aronline....mini-2001-2007/

http://www.motoringf...3-buyers-guide/

[madaboutcherry]

are you a bmw salesman by any chance@

[splitpin]

They are a good car for the money at the moment.

But many are not maintained and will need work.

Remember some are 12 years old and don't get the love and care a classic would!

[thebullet]

I have a 2003 Mini Cooper S. The gearbox is fairly heavy especially into second as the syncro is alot bigger. Mine feels pretty solid but no isssues. Touchwood.