I own a 2002 Mini Cooper, it has a 1.6L 4 cylinder engine. It is time for a new transmission. I have a 5-speed manual transmission right now, and a 6-speed transmission is a tempting swap. How difficult would this be? And suggestions on whether or not I should..

 

if you google "site:northamericanmotoring.com five speed to six speed r50"

you will get your answers

 

I'm assuming you'd be having a shop do the swap? Or are you pretty handy with the wrench?

 

Do some reading first and if you think you can do it after some research then do it. There is a DIY instruction somewhere here, i have a copy of it i just have to look for it.

 

The 6spd will bolt directly in, but you will need axles, shift cables, mounts, new intake clutch/flywheel, starter. Then you won't have cruise either.
It's cheaper to just get a new 5spd and put it in.

 

Way, did you ever crack the cruise control problem?

 

Densmini
I did a swap from a preface to postface lift tranny and my cruise control is now working. Mynes is the company to consult on this.

 

Thanks for the help guys, I looked into purchasing a new transmission from a parts dealer in the south, but decided to get a rebuilt transmission from my local dealership. Cost about $1800 for the transmission, also bought a new clutch ($400ish) and then a starter and new struts ($400 a piece) and my baby is back on the road!

 

Good for you!

 

Is it possible to get a 6 speed getrag and still keep the cruise control (onto an 03 R50) ? What would it take to keep the Cruise Control (even if its a swap w/o the 6 speed but a 5 speed instead) ?

 

By the time you are done buying parts, solving little problems, and perhaps paying a mechanic, you're better off selling the R50 and buying a nice R53. I know that's a headache as well, but you'll end up saving time/money.

 

Sounds like the right decision - glad you're back on the road!

 

As far as the Cruise question, some have had success, others still trying to crack that mystery. At a minimum, (after recoding your DME and all other modules to be Man. transmission), you will need a clutch switch and then do some wiring into your EWS and DME. The DME is the tricky part if you are converting from a CVT, because you will have to install a 'female' in the harness to connect to the clutch switch pin (can't remember the pin # at the mo). I am in the process of that now, and will let you know if I am successful.

 

Hello. I see from your post that you had DIY instructions for the R50 trans swap from Midlands to 6 speed. if you still have them, would you be able to send them to me?
Thanks, Joe

 

This may help.
https://www.motoringalliance.com/art...ini-cooper.56/