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 a 52 plate cooper, im getting some whining in 5th. Could i have a price for a rebuild on the gearbox please.
Hello Gary
Thanks for your enquiry,
We have sent you an email with full details and pricing.
Kind Regards
Sophie
SINSPEED
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.
Hello Craig
Thanks for your enquiry,
We have sent you an email with full details and pricing.
Kind Regards
Sophie
SINSPEED
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
Hello Marius
Thanks for getting in touch,
We have sent you an email with more information.
Kind Regards
Sophie
SINSPEED
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 Stephen
Thanks for getting in touch,
We have sent you an email with full details and pricing.
Kind Regards
Sophie
SINSPEED
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.
Hello Steven
Thanks for getting in touch,
We have sent you an email with more details and pricing.
Kind Regards
Sophie
SINSPEED
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
Hello Justin
Thank you for getting in touch,
We have sent you an email with some more information.
Kind Regards
SOPHIE
SINSPEED SUPPORT
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,
Hello Steven
Thank you for getting in touch with us,
We have sent you an email with full details and pricing.
Kindest Regards
Sophie
SINSPEED SUPPORT
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.
Hello Ian
Thanks for getting in touch with us,
We have sent you an email with full details and pricing.
Kindest Regards
Sophie
SINSPEED SUPPORT
I have a mini cooper 2005 that crunches going into 2nd from both 1st and 3rd.
Price please.
Hello Guy
Thank you for your enquiry,
We have sent you an email with full details and pricing.
Kindest Regards
Sophie
SINSPEED SUPPORT