Manual Transmission BLOWN - - - THE FIX!!!
 

Ok, my mini has had a SHORT life so far. It's been well cared for by two owners (I'm one) and garaged it's entire life (I called and spoke to the original owner - ALWAYS take your stuff out of the CAR!). She was not a happy camper with it either BTW.

After 2 weeks I got it back and had a LONG LONG Talk with the mechanics at the BMW Dealership (Mini USA offered "Good Faith" discount of $500 after a $900 towing charge- IE: More expensive). The one mechanic worked for a Mini dealer in MD. He said his JOB was replacing transmissions, that's all he did (sound like there's a problem?). He said BMW knows the problem, knew of it when they put the Midlands boxes in the car but figured they would last past the warranty long enough to sell the cars and it worked we all got suckered into them. This is also why the 2006+ have 6spd Getrags (same ones used by GM on the SS Cobalt BTW).

He said the ONLY way to keep these from breaking is to change the oil at 7500 miles. Use synthetic and hope for the best. The problem is in the bearings on the shafts. He showed me on mine where it failed. The bearing shreds then the bits get jammed into the gears which causes them to break apart. There not double heat treated gears so they are brittle but strong. Double heat treating would give them some flex which may actually cause them to bend and break up faster.

As for the CVT's when I asked he just laughed. He said every 5k miles change the fluid. Not sure if you can add a oil cooler to the auto's but it's all about the heat deteriorating the oil which causes the system to fail.

So there you go from the horses mouth, change the engine oil change the tranny fluid. Also on new boxes he reco'd changing at 500 then again at 3000 miles.

2006+ don't have transmission problems. He said he never worked on a 2006 or newer unit and he worked for them until Dec 2007.

Also when you replace the tranny replace the mounts too. The BMW dealer actually replaced them at no charge for me as well as the flywheel IF the gears punch a hole on the clutch side of the box itself. The core charge for the tranny is now $1000.

RE: Manual Transmission BLOWN - - - THE FIX!!!
 

The reason why the mechanic hasn't seen too many 2006 with CVT problem might be because the 2006 models are still fairly new, and have not reached the 50K- 60K miles when most CVT fail. I have been collecting names for a year now for a Class Action suit against MINI USA,a nd have collected quite a few names. We are in process of recruiting a good lawyer now. Next step might be going on a News Channel.

RE: Manual Transmission BLOWN - - - THE FIX!!!
 

The class action suit has been tried before and BMW stomped it out pretty quickly. Good luck, though.

RE: Manual Transmission BLOWN - - - THE FIX!!!
 

I just looked on Google and did not find any pre-existing Class Action on MINI USA. If you could direct me to somewhere on the web in regards to this case (at least which state this was held, and what year it happened), I would very much appreciate it. At least then I can compare that case with the problems the people I am working with are experiencing, to see how BMW won the last case, etc. On the other hand, the complaints against MINI has ben building up on Consumer affairs on line:

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/mini.html

THis, if anything, should help us with our case when we fidn a good lawyer.

RE: Manual Transmission BLOWN - - - THE FIX!!!
 

Hey Guys,
I was driving my mini home from an hour away and when I pulled into my parking lot I heard a loud pop and no change in the sound of the engine. I still drove it about 10 feet to a parking space, it was still idleing fine for 30 sec. and I turned it off. When I got out I saw a huge puddle of oil I guess and some metal casing peices and a plug on the ground. It is a manuel trans and has about 90,000 miles on it. I was hearing a fluttering noise that I was told was the bearings comming from the front drivers area. Does anyone have a clue what happened? Thank you so much for any wisdom.
Update...damned if it didnt end up being the transmisson case that burst. Count me in on the law suit.

RE: Manual Transmission BLOWN - - - THE FIX!!!
 

When you say, "The problem is in the bearings on the shafts." Would this be considered an internally lubricated part, as is spec'd in most warranties? The problem is these transmissions are not meant to be repaired as there are no "internal" parts available to the service centers. They have to just replace the tranny. The Warranty co on the other hand requires the thing to be "cracked open" to prove something inside is broken. duh.

I have a 2002 with a trans that is starting to Whir and not shift into 3rd gear properly. This was after a broken shift fork was replaced and we replaced the clutch while the trans was out.

My mechanic is going to change the tranny fluid in 2003 MINI....got the noise in driver's side front.30 or so mechanics have driven it (It's the first one in town...so having a fun ride for a diagnosis is becoming a game) We are guessing ..what is the noise?..Got any recomendations for the type of fluid? Thanks.B

i too have had a manual transmission issue. at 160,000 kms i had a berring noise in 3rd gear. when tech from bmw listened he agreed the tranny would need to come out. asked about reabuilding and was quickly told that you can't rebuild bmw trans. garbage!!!
after a long conversation with no happy conclusion. i ordered a transmission and decided to replace it myself. what's the worst that could happen? i break it?
a day to get it out and a day to get it back in. but saved lots in labour.

i wished i documented it and could post it but i just wanted my car back.

if you decide to do it yourself you should have a good knowlege of automotive repair because the whole front needs to come apart.

next time my transmission starts acting up im gonna run it till she lets go. it'll cost the same in the end anyways.....well plus a tow i guess

had to replace transmission for 8K at 60,000 miles. what does anyone know about class action suits besides that one failed?

Is this lawsuit to include problems with clutches as well?
 

Would you give me some more information in regard to the Class Action Lawsuit. If my problem fits the category I would like to get involved
The clutch blew out on my 2007 Mini-S at around 1800 miles. I know of a few other people, all competent manual transmission drivers with plenty of experience, who have had the same problem at even lower milage.

Could anyone post any information about Class Action Lawsuit for faulty clutches in Minis. Mine is a 2007-S.

I've heard that the mini lawyers pretty much shut it down pretty fast ///

Mini Cooper Transmission
 

Hello,
I have also had my transmission fail on me. I got my car from MINI Cooper Yaletown in Vancouver, British Columbia, brand new in 2004. It has 67,000 kms on it and has been well taken care of. I would also like to be in this civil action suit. I am also reporting this to my local news station to let everyone know about the situation.
I contacted MINI Yaletown and now I have contacted MINI Canada.
This is a huge problem.

Hey guys,

as a big mini fan im heart broken to read the stories about the transmission issues. i was browsing through another forum and the person of this email (no2@numba-tu.com) is getting a class action lawsuit going against the manufacturer.

heres my story,

In late september of 2009 i purchased a 2003 mini cooper with 26,500 miles. i thought i was getting a killer deal so i went on to purchase the mini. my transmission failed @ 29,400 miles and it was on 15 november 2009. it didnt give any kind of symptoms it all came at once. i was making a u turn and i was shifting into 2nd gear and there was no grip in gears. i just kept coasting till i coasted onto into a parking lot. i turned off the mini and then hit the clutch and turned it on. engine and all was working perfectly fine. now im going to see a mechanic tomorrow and im hoping for the best. im dearly heartbroken since ive been dreaming and saving up for a mini since i was in the military.

2006 Min Cooper S Transmision blown at 20K
 

Wow, this is not what I expected when I searched this topic. I have a 2006 Cooper S with 20K miles out of warranty for 3 weeks. I brought this car in 3 weeks before the warranty was up and told the delership that the transmision had a tendancy to slip out of gear. They simply told me that "they could not replicate the problem" I should have realized that they were choosing their words carfully. 6 weeks later it would not go into gear at all, and I was told that when they drew some tranny fluid it was very dark and full of metal shards. The cost was $6K to replace (Ouch). I asked them why they did not check the fluid the prior month when it was under warranty and they said again that "they could not replicate the problem". I was very upset and told them that they needed to go to bat to have this replaced under warranty because I had asked them to look at it when the warranty was in place. He called me back a few hours later and said that mini was offering to provide the parts, if I paid for the labor at $1300. I am suspicious because this was to easy, but something tells me to take the offer. Then I look here and see that I am not alone. Any suggestions?

Mini is VERY good about offering parts ect on your type of just out of warranty failures especially when the dealer looked at it weeks before... If it was me I'd take the offer and pay for the labor... If you'd like you could approach mini for reimbursement for the labor charges , but I'd be afraid they might not like that idea

I am possible looking at ordering a Cooper S this summer with the automatic transmission. Should I be worried or is it only with older minis?

I've not heard near the complaints on the new ones got 5k on the wifes new clubbie

yes to a mini class action lawsuit
 

sign me up. 2003 mini, 40k miles, very well maintained. $8k to replace faulty engineered transmission. this is criminal. look at this website, we are far from alone:

http://newmini.wordpress.com/2008/01...sion-problems/

me too!
 

Just in the door from having the 6 speed manual transmission and flywheel replaced, under warranty, on my 2007 Mini Cooper S. 25,000km, I'm an experienced manual trans driver, car was parked in the winters, summer driven only.
I am worried that the replacement trans will blow up too. I wonder if they improved the transmissions at all, or just stuck another one of the same problem transmissions in??

:mad::mad::mad::mad:

Mini trnsmission parts
 

I have parts for manual transmissions, bearings and seals kit, gears or full rebuild kit, you can rebuild your trany for less than $1,000, bearing kits for $350, (inc seals).

salvage cooper
 

I had an accident and got into the lake with front, insurance didn't cover me thanks got to f.. G..O , good commercial, lost money, had to buy whole engine and computers :( got hited in the back nice cooper, even thought which is better use as a donor :)
http://www.easyexport.us/?a_aid=4be815912c003

Is this problem w/Automatics and Manual Trans.
 

I have been thinking about buying a 2006-7 Mini with an Automatic trans. Is this frilure known to be of the same frequency with the Automatics as well as with the 6 sp manual. Are there other problems with an automatic?

Where can I get the parts and a good mechanic
 

Hi Minigears

I need the parts and a good mechanic to do the work for me, as my 2002 Cooper ( no S ) Manual is making noises like a main bearing is disintergrating :(

Also does anyone out there have any thoughts about replacing the Midland 5 speed with a later gertag 6 speed? The 5 speed has always felt like it needed another gear when doing freeway cruising.

transmission parts
 

I can get you the parts, if you live close to Toronto we can do the work or you can ship the tranny to us and we can fix it, bearing seals kit is $350 plus shipping, my email is javical71@gmail.com

I can get you the parts, if you live close to Toronto we can do the work or you can ship the tranny to us and we can fix it, bearing/seals kit is $350 plus shipping, if you have a good mechanig it's not to dificult to do, my email is javical71@gmail.com, to replace it with a 6 spd you need new shafts, trans mount, starter etc, it is a big and expensive job.

transmission issues
 

I know this is a manual transmission thread, but I thought I would still ask.

I have a 2005 (purchased in 2004) S convertible with an automatic transmission, 57,000 miles, and it's been having transmission issues. Check engine light is on, and it says EP, emergency program, now. I took it in and they said that I would have to get a new or used transmission because there aren't any mini transmission parts that you can buy. I'm not sure exactly what's wrong, I can find out, this mechanic has been very trustworthy in the past.

Is this true? you can't find any automatic transmission parts??

It was $5000 for a used 30,000 mile transmission or $9,000 for a brand new one... unfortunately I can't really afford either right now, so I'm trying to find if there are parts available.

It still drives, but has troubles shifting to 4th gear after about 10 or 15 minutes of driving, it mainly happens after I downshift, the shifting back up to the higher gears gets problematic, and it won't allow me to go into manual because it's in EP.

I just replaced the transmission on my 2005 Mini cabrio. Clutch fork and clutch also replaced. I would also be interested in provided my case for the class action suit. My transmission had been making a winding sign since 20,000 miles, and BMW refused to acknowledge that it existed until I was past 50K.

I'm confused with all this. I have a 2003 with the 5 speed, is it a problematic tranny? It's the stock tranny with 66,XXX miles on it, so is it going to go out soon? Is the 5 speed the CVT or is that only the automatics? I don't know much about transmissions, especially these trannys. After reading this thread, I am half hesitant to sell my mini right away with all these horror stories, even though I want to keep it! Help me before I make the bad decision to sell it!! Thanks!

I also find this thread to be a little unclear: Is it the CVT or the standard 5spd that is the problem. I am on my second R50 Mini.
The first one had 99K on it when I sold it, standard 5spd with the original clutch, gearbox and gear oil still in it and it worked perfectly. DB

I am just now going through the transmission swap on my 02 R50 with a midland 5 speed. At 70k miles it developed a pronounced whine like a bad differential and within an hour developed a muffled clunking sound just below my feet, exactly where the transmission is located. This was on a Friday, I parked the car and changed the transmission fluid and there were shavings in it. Also the gear oil was pretty much water and was about half the viscosity of the fluid I bought to replace it.
Took it to shop and had three options:
Replace with rebuilt Midland transmission from BMW for $3100 including new clutch and labor.
Replace upgrade with Getrag 6 speed for about $4500 with all the parts and labor, but a used getrag 6 speed.
Rebuild transmission for about $2500.
I am going to replace with Midland and see how long the tranny lasts this time, I hope I am not just pouring money into a hole, but I do like the car.
Also my dealer is flaky about this, the first time I called about this problem, the guy said they never have this problem, but the second guy I called to check on the warranty of the new transmission said I was lucky to 70k miles out of it and that I was very lucky that I did not have the auto/cvt unit. The second guy went on a 5 minute diatribe about the problems with this transmission and bmw transmissions in general and was laughing.
I guess $3100 has different meanings for different people.
I like the car and will keep it for at least a few more years, but that is it, there are too many other choices for this type of car.
I researched quite a bit about the midland transmission and came to conclusion that anybody that would put this thing into a car does not really need to be building cars, maybe scooters are a good fit.

I rebuild midlands. Can do for $800.00 (return shipping included) 1 week turnaround.

ERK: how do I contact you about rebuilding my 02 tranny?

Shoot me an email? Shetland87 at hot mail dot com

I have a 2006 Mini, manual trans. In 2009, new engine and clutch, now I need transmission repaired or replaced. What other major components are left to fail?
BMW knows there is a major problem but as with most major corps, they are trying to ignore it away, LETS NOT LET THAT HAPPEN. I would love to hear from anyone regarding class action lawsuits. I will be making a large car magnet that will caution
people about Mini's problems and will drive with it on my car.
ceronapea@comcast.net

Manual Trans
 

Can I be included in a suit, I own a 2007 Cooper, 6-speed manual. The synchros are gone. I can't find many complaints-- my car has 45,000 miles

Mini Cooper Transmission Problems
 

I was told by dealer that I couldn't have the transmission serviced, and my current mechanic said that Mini said this, too.

2002 Cooper w/ 105 K miles is GROWLING in 1st and 2nd except when the clutch is in, tho still shifting well.

I took the my car to the dealer and they said there is no way to repair, the "sealed" unit is full of filings (I asked how they new that, it being a sealed unit. No answer. They said I must replace the transmission and that I should pay up- no rebuilt engine, only all new would do.

Took it to my current mechanic. He said that he could do it for 1/2 the cost of the dealer, but that a 5-sped w/ this low mileage shouldn't burnout. He said it would be progressively worse not fail catastrophically (anyone know if this is true?) Decided to clean out the filings and refill the transmission.

I talked to the same repairman at the dealer about another problem, and told him that my tranny was still working. He recognized me and said "I got in trouble about this probem......

Is there anyone w/ the same problems- and could you please count me in if you litigate this?

Thanks!
Karen
503-293-8901

It's not a sealed unit. That's for sure. It is, plain and simple, an offshoot of the original mini transmission, without the technology upgrades. The trouble with the transmissions is that the owners fail to flush the oil out of them during break in.( "sealed unit" is dealer-speak for " wedunnohowtododat") The transmission should be flushed at 15-20k miles, after it has broken in, otherwise the main input shaft bearing and then syncros fail. The original oil should be replaced with 90w or higher royal purple synthetic after break in.
I wouldn't say that it is a design flaw, as the transmission will last a long time if maintained correctly, and that, is consistent. I would say that it is a maintenance or information flaw, as I haven't noted that the manual says anything about this.
Fortunately, in the world of cars that could go really bad, the mini cooper is one of the few vehicles that is fun, quirky and cool that manages to be really pretty maintenance-free, save for the transmission problems that they have.
Volkswagen beetles are fun, quirky and cool, they don't have transmission problems ( for the most part) but they do have their share of other problems, ( interior bits falling apart, window failures, lights, door latches, seats that stain, abs issues, timing belt and water pumps. etc. ) that can add up over time. \
Change the oil in your transmission, they do have an oil drain, fairly often, about once every fourth oil change, and you will enjoy a good long mini life with the tranny in it. Two bottles of royal purple will set you back 20 bucks, you can enjoy monitoring your tranny's progress, make it a part of your car ownership, just another chore to do, like rotating the tires.
IF you don't do this, I rebuild the transmissions and haven't had a single one come back. ( see my ad above ) They are pretty light and easy to ship.

I contacted several lawyer firms and this one said it was worth a shot. I sent my receipt last week. The number is 310.556.5637, his name is Steven, sorry, I don't recall the firms name.. Good luck, let me know if it helps

Thank you, I wasn't sure what kind of fluid was inside. My old-school Camaro 4-speed uses 90wt, I know newer cars can use auto trans fluid in manuals. I don't mind routine maintenance if it works.