So I have a 2014 Countryman S with an automatic transmission. I love it to death and I would want to keep it until its engine dies but theres just one problem. It has an automatic transmission. Now the auto gear box is fine, it gets the job done but one day I want to own a manual car HOWEVER I dont want to get rid of my current car as it is special to me. As such I would like to change it from an auto gearbox to a manual gear box.

A) What kind of parts would I need to do a complete OEM swap and how would I go about getting a mechanic to do the swap

B) How much would it cost?

 

Probably cheaper to sell and buy or find a swap.

 

Your right but this car is special to me and trading it in isnt really an option

 

Is it ALL4 or just a FWD?

Here is a quick list of what you will need assuming a FWD:

Manual Transmission
left and right axle shafts
master brake/booster cylinder
manual shifter
Clutch/brake paddle assembly
wiring harness

programming tools to change replace Automatic to Manual transmission.

you could source a totaled CM and swap the parts. it may run you about 6k


where are you located by the way?

 

My mini is an AWD Countryman, would i still all of those things? Also I am located in New York

 

Yes you would need these and the transfer case...i just missed a manual CM All4 with manual tranny from the auction..it was sold for 1700 (minus fees and towing)! With 112k miles...

 

Wow the manual All4 is a disaster. The clutch can't take it. Do some googling.

 

Has anyone done this? Pictures? Video?
Thank you

 

GT350 did a swap on his R55. Same concept though

 

Nobody has as it would never be very viable. Would always be cheaper to just buy a new car.

 

Really? What are the typical problems with it? I have a 2014 All4 with a manual and it has been problem-free. (Furiously knocking on wood.) 57K miles, which is not a ton, but enough that if was a "disaster" I would have known it by now.

 

Early models with the manual transmission were basically undersized. In many ways, I'm guessing engineers tried to cobble whatever parts they could from the regular Cooper and go with it. I suppose whether it was for cost or oversight, they didn't take into account that the R60 would be bigger/heavier and burn out the clutch faster.

Later units (your 2014 I believe is one of those) ended up getting the upgraded clutch that's on the JCW, however there are still some that feel that clutch might still be too weak to handle constant spirited driving through stop and go traffic.

There's been various 'upgrades' to the clutch in the aftermarket, some being relatively cheap to monstrously good (and expensive) so feel free to research that if you feel the need.

 

Good to know. I always look to upgrade critical components like this when given the opportunity. Hopefully that won't be for a while though...