10 replies to this topic

[Hughgr]

I'm buying a Cooper 02 plate for my daughter at University. As this is my first Mini in the family I need some feedback. I have driven 3 now and like two of them but found the gearbox quite clunky and a little noisy on both. I have read that early models had gearbox problems. They both have recent MOT's and are immaculate otherwise.

 

Any help or thoughts would be great

 

Cheers

[samt88]

Is this an original or a new BMW MINI? I ask because they'd stopped making original in 2000 so an 02 plate original wouldn't exist.

[Kieranlee999]

Hello welcome to TMF :) it might be worth while you signing up to this forum http://www.mini2.com/ as they are for the BMW minis this one is mainly aimed at classic minis :) although some people on here own one so may be able to help.

[mab01uk]

Also try TotalMINI.com

http://www.totalmini.com/forum/

 

R50 MINI 2001-2004 have the Rover Midland gearbox which can suffer from bearing problems, from the mid-2004 onwards R50 'facelift' models a stronger 5-speed Getrag gearbox was fitted. The R53 2002-2006 Cooper S alway had a bullet proof Getrag 6-speed gearbox from day one.

If you need a recon MINI gearbox this company will swap it while you wait:

http://www.minigearboxes.co.uk/

 

If you find a good early MINI with a Rover gearbox change the gearbox oil (MTF94) to prolong its life......BMW said it was 'filled for life' like many modern cars but out of warranty there is of course no compensation if it fails due to noisy bearing wear. When the gearbox fails it sounds like a helicoptor.......I have an original Midland box in a 2002 MINI which has had regular oil changes and has a very slick gearchange. Many say a good Midland box has a nicer less clunky gearchange than the later Getrag box. It is possible to fit the later gearbox to early MINI's but you need to change mountings, clutch and driveshafts, etc to suit from a later model.

Lots of info here:

http://www.totalmini...nd-gearbox.html

 

 

These early MINI Buyers Guides may also help:

http://www.aronline....mini-2001-2007/

 

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

Edited by mab01uk, 17 November 2013 - 05:53 PM.

[HarrysMini]

The gearbox on the non Cooper S (R53) pre-facelift models was very poor. I believe it s known as a 'Midlands' gearbox and if I were you, I'd stay away from them.

The gearbox on the same age 'S' is a BMW (Getrag) unit (same as the 3 series I believe) and is pretty much bombproof. 

 

You should ask on the BMW MINI forums, however, there are a few people on here who are very knowledgeable on the MINIs.

 

Edit: beaten to it by one of the aforementioned knowledgeable people

Edited by HarrysMini, 17 November 2013 - 05:43 PM.

[Hughgr]

Thanks I'll register on the other Forum as well...cheers for replies so far

 

 

[jamesmpi]

It also worth noting that the first generation of bmw minis suffer with hydraulic pas pump reliability issues. Often caused by them overheating due to the build up of dust/dirt and cutting out due to the thermal cutout on them. So worth asking the seller if they have had any problems. Replacement parts arent difficult to find.

[Fast Ivan]

Is this an original or a new BMW MINI? I ask because they'd stopped making original in 2000 so an 02 plate original wouldn't exist.

 

not entirley true, production stopped in october 2000, many of the cooper sports, including some the 500's, were 2001 registered. i have also seen one or two 2002 registered minis for sale.

[HarrysMini]

 

Is this an original or a new BMW MINI? I ask because they'd stopped making original in 2000 so an 02 plate original wouldn't exist.

 

not entirley true, production stopped in october 2000, many of the cooper sports, including some the 500's, were 2001 registered. i have also seen one or two 2002 registered minis for sale.

 

Yeah, there were 51 plate Minis. 

Don't think there were any 02 plate ones, but the 51 plates could be early 2002.

[mab01uk]

It also worth noting that the first generation of bmw minis suffer with hydraulic pas pump reliability issues. Often caused by them overheating due to the build up of dust/dirt and cutting out due to the thermal cutout on them. So worth asking the seller if they have had any problems. Replacement parts arent difficult to find.

 

Very true, a link below to a TotalMINI thread on the R50/53 PS pump replacement:

http://www.totalmini...eplacement.html

[jaydee]

Dont forget to check tritec engines are known for eating thermostats, so make sure it been looked after. Apart from that, these are pretty robust engines.