11 replies to this topic

[joraphael]

gearbox problem

Has anyone exprienced gearbox problems?
I have a Mini Cooper 2002 and its done 43,000 miles and now the gearbox is going its very noisy and I have been told by a number of garages that this is a common fault.
I would like to know if this is a common fault then why have Mini not recalled the vehicles?

[the.stroker]

the majority of people on here have classic minis,i think some have binis but not many,cant really say much about them either,there are a few BMW sites that may be able to help,as for the recall thats down to BMW to sort out!

[Jammy]

As the.stroker says, we don't have that many members on here with BMW MINIs, you'd probably get a much quicker response on MINI2.com.

[MiniDick]

It'll probably have to be plugged into a computer to see what the problem is....glad I own an old motor. There's loads of Bini clubs on the net.

[Foxy Mini]

To HELP you...

Yes it is a common problem with pre 04 reg MINIs to have problems with the gearbox, which was a Midlands one. From June 2004 the gearboxes were uprated to a Getrag box which were supposed to be more reliable (although I had a 54 plate Cooper S which had a new gearbox after 22k).

Unfortunately for you, as a 2002 model I'm presuming you don't have any warranty with your car, which means BMW will charge you to replace it. You may be able to get a part payment as a goodwill gesture, but if you've bought it privately and considering the fact it's now 6 years old I'd say BMW will charge you.
There are aftermarket MINI specialists you could try which will replace the gearbox, and even fit the uprated one for you much cheaper than a MINI dealer. Depending on where you are in the country, try 1320 Autos (Beds), MODNMINI (Kent) or Mini Matt (Staffs) who will all give you cheaper quotes than a main dealer.

[nurseholliday]

To HELP you...

Yes it is a common problem with pre 04 reg MINIs to have problems with the gearbox, which was a Midlands one. From June 2004 the gearboxes were uprated to a Getrag box which were supposed to be more reliable (although I had a 54 plate Cooper S which had a new gearbox after 22k).

Unfortunately for you, as a 2002 model I'm presuming you don't have any warranty with your car, which means BMW will charge you to replace it. You may be able to get a part payment as a goodwill gesture, but if you've bought it privately and considering the fact it's now 6 years old I'd say BMW will charge you.
There are aftermarket MINI specialists you could try which will replace the gearbox, and even fit the uprated one for you much cheaper than a MINI dealer. Depending on where you are in the country, try 1320 Autos (Beds), MODNMINI (Kent) or Mini Matt (Staffs) who will all give you cheaper quotes than a main dealer.

Just to add to that...

Don't replace it with another Midlands box. EVER. Make sure you get a Getrag box. If you're willing to splash the cash, 1320s will put a Cooper S 6spd Getrag box in your Cooper. It will be much more enjoyable to drive with 6 gears

Edited by nurseholliday, 26 April 2008 - 10:34 AM.

[.998TANGO.]

my dad had the same problem with his 2003 cooper s. rattle coming for the clutch release bearing

it was on warrenty at the time so they said they would sort it out but after it was with them for 3 days they said it was in manufatures tolerence. hasnt caused any issues just an anoying noise.

[Teapot]

I would just like to say how encouraging it is to see BMW owners getting advice on tmf now. We obviously have enough genned-up people to offer a good service. The link to MINI2.com is also helpful. No need to say more

[Dan]

I'm afraid to say that what appears to actually be happening here is that someone has dug up a very old thread in order to perform some very shameless self promotion, sidestepping the forum's traders rules. I've done a little digging and the poster has the same name as the company's main contact. He is based in Newcastle according to his profile here and the company website is registered out of Wallsend (Newcastle) despite listing their main office as Coventry. They don't publish an address or even a landline phone number. They claim to have been fixing BMW Mini gearboxes since 1983 from what I can see. They say they have a national network. I could be very wrong here but I personally don't trust this company based on what I see in their advert. If they really are advertising here by the backdoor as I suspect then that makes them even less trustworthy. I am going to ask other admin to look into this further, please tread carefully around this company for your own sake until they actually make an honest posting in out traders section.

[Teapot]

I meant well.

[mab01uk]

Just incase any other TMF members need further info on the early BMW MINI gearbox problems some useful links below. Note: this only applies to the MINI Cooper and One 2001 to June 2004 (NOT MCS) fitted with the Rover Midland 5-speed gearbox:-
http://forum.minicoo...read.php?t=9643

Instructions on How to DIY fit the MINI Cooper S 6-speed Getrag gearbox (PDF file):
http://www.txwerks.c...e_Weak_Link.pdf

Edited by mab01uk, 11 November 2009 - 08:08 PM.

[998dave]

I'm afraid to say that what appears to actually be happening here is that someone has dug up a very old thread in order to perform some very shameless self promotion, sidestepping the forum's traders rules.

Agreed, and as it's a technical thing, I've made that post invisible.

Nurseholiday, Teapot, everyone else, thanks for making the OP welcome and answering his question so neatly!

Dave