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.
Ajaz is a seasoned automotive electronics engineer with deep expertise in remanufacturing vehicle electronics. He has developed skills in all areas of the automotive field, from rebuilding hydraulic steering components, and mechanical gearboxes and reworking intricate vehicle electronics. Ajaz also acquired Bodyteq, a London-based vehicle bodyshop where he has developed extensive knowledge in automotive refinishing.
Alongside his automotive career, Ajaz has built a career in the IT industry, gaining accredited certification as an AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, Cloud Architect, and Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) specialist.
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
Hello Kus,
Thank you for your enquiry.
I have sent over an email now with pricing and further information regarding your Mini Cooper Gearbox enquiry.
Kind Regards,
Jason
Sinspeed
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
Hello Simon,
Thank you for your enquiry.
I have sent over an email now for further information regarding your Mini Cooper Gearbox repair enquiry.
Kind Regards,
Jason
Sinspeed
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
Hello G,
Thank you for your enquiry.
I have sent over an email with further information regarding your Mini One enquiry.
Kind Regards,
Jason
Sinspeed
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
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
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
Hello Julie,
Thank you for your enquiry,
I have sent over an email with pricing and further information regarding your Mini Cooper Gearbox Repair.
Kind Regards
Jason
Sinspeed
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
Hello Chris,
Thank you for your enquiry,
I have sent over an email with pricing & further information regarding the repair of your Mini Cooper Gearbox.
Kind Regards,
Jason
Sinspeed
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 ↓
Hello Gareth,
Thank you for your enquiry,
As requested, I have just sent over an email to you now with pricing and further information regarding a Gearbox repair on your Mini.
Kind Regards,
Jason
Sinspeed
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 Nathan,
Thank you for your enquiry,
I have just sent over an email now with pricing and further information regarding your BMW Gearbox Repair.
Kind Regards,
Jason
Sinspeed
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
Hello Bryan,
Thank you for your enquiry,
I have just sent over an email now for further information regarding the repair of BMW Mini One Gearbox.
Kind Regards,
Jason
Sinspeed
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 Tasha,
Thank you for your enquiry,
I have just sent over an email now with pricing and further information regarding the repair of the Gearbox & Clutch on your Mini Cooper.
Kind Regards,
Jason
Sinspeed