BMW Mini One / Cooper R50/53 Midland MA Gearbox Repairs
BMW Mini Gearbox Problems
The earlier BMW Mini (mk1) is notorious for it’s long list of common problems and includes the common failing 5-Speed manual gearbox. The BMW Mini Mk1 is fitted with a Midland box across all models including the Mini ONE and Cooper. This is possibly one of the most common gearboxes we see in our workshops.
The most common problem with these gearboxes is bearing failure and more often it’s either the pinion bearing or front bearing on the lay gear – you may notice a distinctive noise as they progress to wear out. If you do notice the problem in it’s early stages, the cost of repair is much cheaper than if you wait for the bearings to completely collapse.
Once the bearings collapse, it could as much as double the repair bill depending on the extent of damage it causes. We’ve seen gear-sets get chewed to bits and gearbox casings cracked – this type of damage is irreparable and new casings and gearsets can be very expensive.
Common BMW Mini Gearbox Faults
- Noisy Gearbox (Crunching / Whining / Grinding Noise)
- Not Going Into Gear (especially 2nd + 5th)
- Stuck In Gear (commonly 2nd + 5th)
- Loss of Power / Clutch Slipping
If the front bearing fails, your clutch may need replacing due to oil contamination.
Our BMW Mini Gearbox Rebuild + Free Fitting Service
We are able to fully strip & rebuild the BMW Mini gearbox. We use new genuine OEM components when repairing gearboxes to ensure each and every reconditioned gearbox meets & exceeds OE specifications. All of our rebuilt gearboxes come with a 2 year unlimited mileage warranty and free fitting in our gearbox service centre.
If you have a gearbox fault with your BMW Mini, call us today on 0203 815 9441.
I have a mini cooper 2005 that crunches going into 2nd from both 1st and 3rd.
Price please.
Hi my gearbox on a cooper 2002 makes a Whirring noise when driving. Disappears when clutch is depressed. Can i have an idea of price please.
I have a 2003 mini cooper. Hey guess what ?! Yup, gearbox noise. I think its got a little worse in the 7 monts that I’ve had it. I’m thinking of a gearbox rebuild or new gearbox before it gets worse and more expensive to sort. Why does every word begin with a capital ? ;). Steve,
I was just driving to work and it seems like I can only select 3rd & 4th. There seems to be on ‘gates’ for the other gears. Even if i am in 3rd or 4th the gearstick can just move from side to side without any problem
I have a 2004 cooper, the gearbox is making a whining sound, but still changes gear smoothly, is this the start of a failure?
Amy idea on price? Thanks.
Just bought my daughter an 04 plate 1.6
Gearbox sounds like a straight cut gearbox and pops out of gear occasionally.
Drives and pulls like a train, only appears to pop out of gear in 5th.
Guidance price and crystal ball guess my issue?
Hello I have a 2003 Mini Cooper Automatic and the gearbox has Gone. It goes in gear but doesn’t Run anymore not even reverse. Can you give me a price for restoration I can take it down and deliverit to You and I can fit it back on the car. Regards
Hi my midlands gearbox on a cooper 2002 makes a clicking and Whirring noise when driving. Disappears when clutch is depressed. It’s had new Clutch and release bearing. Can i have an idea of price please.
I have a 52 plate cooper, im getting some whining in 5th. Could i have a price for a rebuild on the gearbox please.
Got a 2003 Mini one 1.6. Gear box appears very Loud with a Grumble when being driven and at loiter. any ideas? email address should all be lower case.
Hi, i have a 2003 mini one which has recently started making a Grinding Noise. I went to a mechanic to see if the gearbox was the problem and i was wondering how much it would cost for a rebuild.
Thanks.
Hi, i have a 2002 mini one and the gearbox makes a whine noise but goes when you press the clutch. Just Wondered what it could Be and how much it Would cost. Thanks
Hi i have a 2002 mini one(midlands box) gear selection is fine, slight whining noise, how much to repair/recondition before any future problems and to get A1 regards jason
I own a 05 plate mini one 1.6 petrol, gears are working fine but there is a grinding noise that Disappears when you press the clutch in, looking for a rough repair cost? Cheers
Hi, my gearbox is whining and it can get quite loud at higher speeds. What would this cost to fix?
Hello
We have a 2002 mini cooper that has suddenly developed a lovely grinding sound from the gearbox, i’ve been advised it is probably an input bearing. It had a replacement Midland box about 3 years ago with a previous owner.
I would like a rough worst case quote, and would you be able to collect the car from us in trowbridge, wiltshire?
Thanks
Dave
Hi can i have more details + costs please
Hello,
I have a mini One 2005, that Can’t get past 50mph because of the Gearbox.can I get a quote for a rebuilt?
Hi, I have a 2005 mini one with a whining from the gearbox. I suspect its A failed/failing bearing issue. What is your pricing on a rebuild please?
Hi, my 2001 mini cooper whines in every gear, if you suspect a gear box fault please send a price tofix it, Thanks.
Hi
My sons father in law purchased a 2002 mini cooper and was told the brakes were binding, it turns out its gearbox, goes through gears fine but noisy, what price are we look at for repair
Thanks
I have a 53 reg mini one and was crunchy going into reverse. Now I have lost all the gears whilst the engine is running.
Any ideas of the problem and how to solve it with the cost.
Thanks
Do you supply and fit for mini Cooper 06 gearbox
Hi,
Is this service still available?
Looking to get an understanding of replacement and fitting costs.
Thanks
clyde
I am looking at buying a 59 plate mini one With 39k for my son but it has a problem changing from 3rd to 2nd (syncromesh.?) is this a known issue and what would an approx repair cost?
Hi , I’ve got an “02 Mini One (~65k) with an Increasingly noisy gearbox, and occasional difficulty selecting reverse (all other gears seem fine). Taking note of your comment that taking action early could avoid more catastrophic problems, what would you course of action be and at what cost? Thanks, IR. (sorry about all these capitals – happening as I type!)
The gear box on my 2005 mini Cooper is Whining. Do you offer a fitted replaceme and or repair service. If so cost please.
I have a 2003 mini and have just noticed noicey gearbox but goes away when press clutch . Any ideas wot this could be and price to get it fixed
Hi..iv got a 51 mini..and its hard to get it into reverse..could you tell me how much it will cost to sort it…. obviously i will take the box out myself,,Thank you Gary..
Hi could you send me a quote for both the gearbox and the clutch for an 03 cooper.
KR,
Could you send me a quote on a gear box and clutch replacemenr mini cooper manual 2005
Would ot be pos for a price On a 2003 mini cooper recon gear box supply and fit..
Hi,
I have a mini one OV56***.
There is a grinding noise coming from the gearbox.
The noise comes when stationary and is pretty loud. Seems to Dissapear when you press the clutch down.
Could You please Provide a quote With and without clutch.
Thanks
Hi I have a 2003 mini one. Gearbox appears nice and smooth in forward gears but very temperamental in reverse. Any ideas ?
Hi,
I have a 2003 mini cooper and it sounds like inout shaft bearing is rumbling, noise dies down a little when clutch held in. What are my options on new bearings/fitment costs please
Hi have mini auto 04 rg Ry54sxw there is a rummble noise in low revs car pick up ok just a geranox noise in low revs constant ben told by garage its the gear box not time chain rattle or altenator how much to fix the gear box please thanks sukhi
Hi i have a mini one 06 plate
reg: wv0****
I’ve been told by my local garage that my gearbox bearing have gone and needs replacin so i was after a price for a new gearbox or The price to rebuil the one i already have on thanks daryl
hi i have a problem seleting 5th and reverse in my 53 mini cooper any ideas thanks
Hi, I have a problem with my mini 03 it doesn’t go into 1s-2nd properly I was wondering About the costs. Thank you!
Hi Jason, I have A 04 mini One 5 gear and have been told that the gear box and potentially the clutch has gone. please. is this something you could help with.
My 53 plate cooper is making a whining noise buts gets all gears perfect,been told it’s gearbox
hi i have a 2004 mini cooper 1.6 it has started making a crunching sound when going in to 2nd gear, whats my optionscan it be fixed or do i need new box?
Hi my gearbox seems to be making a grinding noise from 2nd Gear upwards on a 2003 mini cooper, how much would it cost to get fixed/replaced
Hi,i have 2003 cooper 5speed ,differential making lots of noise,how much for rebulding tge gearbox,cheers
My 53 plate mini has been making a winding Noise for about a week, i’ve spoken to a Mechanic and theyve told me it’s the gearbox. Sounds expensive! Can you give me a quote?
Hi i have a mini cooper 2002 44000 miles auto gearbox on every revolution it makes a clicking noise like when you were a kid and you put a playing card in your bike spokes coud you tell me is it a easy fix and the cost to do this .regards john.
Hi my 10 reg mini cooper wont go into second gear it just crunches all orher gears are fine would this be an expensive problem?
Hi, i went to my mechanic over what i thought was a wheel bearing but turns out my gearbox is on its way out and he doesnt do them. How much is it roughly to get a gearbox fixed. Thanks ashley
got mini gear box with what sounds like a grinding diff? cost of replacement / repair
email address is all lower case
my daughter has a 2004 1.6 mini one with a noisey Gearbox seem to drive ok just seems noisey
could you please advise on most cost effective cause of action .
regards
john
Hi
I am looking to buy a mini one and the man selling the vehicle says there is some whining noises in 1st and 2nd gear? What should i do about changing or repairing it?
Thanks
Piers
Just today herd a slight noise on my wifes mini one 52 reg done 90,000 bin told by a mecaninc its the gear box can you give me a price on the repair thanks
I have gear box rattle on a 5 speed getrag mini one box, i just replaced the release bearing and clutch, but the noise is still there. how much will it cost if i bring the box to you in person? many thanks.
Have started getting a wineing noise from my gearbox, gear stick feels very sloppy, grinding noise when going in to Reverse, now and then i have to let my clutch pedal out so can get in to first gear so it just drops in, when changing gears the gear stick is very easy to push in to gears doesnt have a nice tight feeling what would you Suggest, bmw mini mk1 03 mindlands 5 speed
Hi,
I just purchased an 07 cooper with 6 speed gear box. only 35,000 on the clock. I’m not sure if it is me getting used to a different car or whether this is the start of a problem.
on a few occasions 2nd gear hasn’t engaged properly, feels like it slips out as soon as I let go of the stick and bring up the clutch. Im trying to find out if this is a common issue and how much it will likely be to fix. The car drives beautifully otherwise, no whines, rattles, bangs or anything, and all other gears seem fine.
Thanks
Hi,
I have a mini Cooper 2005 with 65k on the clock, it frequently ‘jams’ when i put it into 1st, reverse and 5th gear. Would appreciate any advice.
Regards,
Nadia
hi I have a 2002 mini cooper in our work shop
we have just done the clutch on in
as I went for a road test it was all fine until I pulled over on the side of the road as I went to take off I found I could not select 1st or 2nd gear 3rd 4th 5th and reverse are all working fine
any ideas wound be most help full
regards mike
We have a 07 cooper
Been told the bearing in the box has gone. Would like a price on this
Hi sinspeed!
My 04 cooper has recently started to jump out of first gear when I go to pull away, Is this a common problem? If so could you send me a price list? Thanks guys!!
My 2001 mini cooper is making a horrible crunching grinding noise is low gears also may need new clutch. Im in Doncaster could you help?? thanks
hello there have trouble with 5th and the gears are getting stiff to select. could i have a price for a replacement/recon with and with out the clutch kit please… reg r****** mini one
many thanks
Hi jason. My 02 plate recently developed a noise that sounds like a train going over the tracks. Its exactly the same sound at exactly the same constant intervals through every gear. This is on a recon box that has done around 3k on it
Any ideas on fault and cost
Thanks
Nathan
Hello,
I appear to have a very similar issue to the one below. I would be grateful if you could kindly send me the same details you send to the person below please.
Many thanks
Gareth
Jason 12 Sep at 11:55 am
Hi Jason , I have a 2004 cooper convertible and have problems with the gear selection , very stiff going in to most gear especially first gear. After reading other problems above it sonds to me like an internal fault on the box . Could you send me a quote on what you think it would be and also a lead time for the repair please.
Thanks
Jason
Reply ↓
Jason Post author14 Sep at 4:34 pm
Hello Jason,
Thank you for your enquiry.
This is a very common fault found on the Mini Cooper and I have sent over an email with pricing & further information regarding a Gearbox Repair for this vehicle.
Kind Regards
Jason
Sinspeed
Reply ↓
I have a 5 speed 1.6 mini cooper,03 plate 89.000 miles.
problem with 2nd gear it keeps popping out of gear, you can hold it in but pops out as soonas you let go help please
Hi I have a Mini Cooper 2004 it changes gear fine maybe a little stiff, but once it’s in gear 3,4,5 & R. It makes a whining does when driving along, when putting the clutch down the noise stops but then starts after shifting into gear. Can you advise me on what this would cost to repair.
Many thanks
Hi Jason , I have a 2004 cooper convertible and have problems with the gear selection , very stiff going in to most gear especially first gear. After reading other problems above it sonds to me like an internal fault on the box . Could you send me a quote on what you think it would be and also a lead time for the repair please.
Thanks
Jason
Hi,
Thanks for the post. I’ve recently bought a Mini One 2005(Automatic). When I accelerate on a “A road” or Motorway, it starts making(rattling) noise when it crosses 45-50mph. But the noise dies after I cross 70mph. Any thoughts on the problem and cost to fix the issue?
Thanks,
G
Hi,
I have a 2007 mini cooper convertible. if i accelerate to around 5k rpm in 2nd gear, the gear gets stuck, if i can take it out of gear it wont go into another gear.
Thanks
I have Mini Cooper 5sp man 1.6 petrol on 53 plate, that is making 1st and 2nd gear grinding noises. I would like to change this to a 6speed box fixing the above issue. Can you give me a cost for complete fitting please and how long the job will take.
Thanks
Kus
Hi the gearbox in my 03 mini is very noisy and rattles a lot, I’ve been told it needs to be replaced and was wondering if you could send me a quick quotation for this, thanks.
Hi I have a 2002 mini with a noisey gearbox how much would it cost to repair please, I’m in Torquay Devon.
Hi Jason
Wifes 04 cooper needs midland gearbox replacement. Would you be able to give me full pricing as well as closest available garage, im based in exeter.
Kind regards
Mark
Hi there
I believe my wife’s Cooper may have started to develop the whining noise as described in other posts. Please can you send me your pricing list.
Many thanks
Pete
Hi Guys daughters mini cooper 03 with 45000 miles and 1 owner car drives perfect all 5 gears work as they should no rattles or noises ,crunches etc problem being sometimes hard to get it into reverse have to put it in nuetral couple of small revs then it will usually go in to reverse any idea of problem and likely cost many thanks
Could you please give a price for a 2003 Mini Cooper gearbox rebuild as it rattling ( clacking) particularly in second gear. Guess the gearbox could be removed by our local garage and sent to you?
i have a 2002 mini cooper and it has started having a winding noise when in 4th and 5th. is it a full gear box change or simpler fix and how much .
thanks
andy
Hi Guys
My wife’s 2002, 46,000 mile Mini One has just started making a faint rattling/whirring noise when driving. The noise is present at constant speed and under acceleration and deceleration and seems to change with the road speed. When travelling and depressing the clutch the noise almost disappears but not quite.
We live in Preston Lancs. Would it be feasible for you to rebuild the gearbox if necessary and what sort of costs would be involved?
Cheers
Gavin
Hi can I have a price for a 03 cooper gear box rebuild please
Hi i have mini one 2001 115k on the clock which has lost all drive, i can put it into gear but it does not move, any thoughts on this? and how much it would cost to repair?
I recently bought 2002 Cooper and it occasionally jumps out of 1st gear. Clutch is also very light which I read is unusual?
On changing down into 2nd or 1st you also get a faint “crunch” occasionally.
Hi, I have a mini country man copper s that has a grinding noise comming from the gearbox. Typically it’s 4 months out of warrantee, but it only has 16,000 miles on the clock.
Unfortunately the noise is getting powder buy the day, but it isn’t efecting the gear changes.
Have you any ideas in what the fault could be, and could you give me an estimated price to fix the fault ?
Many thanks
Hi Jason 52 plate Mini Cooper 75 K miles – low down rattle when pulling away in 1st, 2nd and 3rd under engine load, quieter in 4th and 5th. no noise when clutch pushed engaged, or out or gear and free wheeling noise is low rpm speed related (but not engine speed) noise has increased dramatically over the last 5 days.
Amy ideas and a quotation for the repair would be good, also an estimated time for the work to be carried out
Regards
Ian
Hi, Can you please give me a price for fitting a Midland gearbox to a R50 53reg mini. mine is rattley in 2nd gear mainly, can be heard when not accelerating. Been told its likely to be the sun and planet gear on the diff.
Hi Jason, I have a Mini Cooper 2003. 130.000 on the clock, the gearbox has a noise coming from it which disappears when the clutch is pushed in, also sometimes struggle to get in reverse but not always. Would be greatful for any information thanks in advance , rob .
Hi Jason.
Again many thanks for your time and expert view. I shall definetley be getting my mini looked at soon! And as you say hopefully it’s not a new box! I shall very much look forward to reading your email.
Regards Gary.
Hi Jason.
Wow!! That’s an eye opener you saying how weak these particular gearboxes are! Many thanks for your response to my question and i shall be keeping a concerned eye on my car from now on! If the prob does appear to get worse are we looking at much expense? Would it result in a new gearbox if i don’t have these noises looked at?
Regards Gary
Hi Sinspeed.
I’ve recently bought an 06 Cooper(84000 miles)and have just noticed a slight grinding noise coming from what i can only presume is the gearbox or clutch, coz the noise disappears when i press the clutch in, and it also makes a clunking noise(best description i can make) between 1st and 2nd. It’s not a major noise and doesn’t affect the performance in anyway, but having read many stories about such gearboxes do i have a cause for concern.
Many Thanks Gary.
Have a 2004 Mini Cooper. 64000 miles , no problem going into or coming out of gear but sounds like a rattle at slow speed going forwards, is this something you can help with? I’m in Central Scotland, thanks for now, colin.
Rattly noise from geerbox only in the last couple of weeks. 06 mini one 64000miles. Noise changes a bit when clutch peddle is pushed in. I am in Arbroath Scotland. Approx cost to repair?