101101, you are my hero.

 

I ran the numbers to satisfy my own curiosity; then I saw that it could be of benefit here. After I looked up the gear ratios I was disappointed that the only way to lower rpm's on hwy driving was to go with an early S gearbox, though then you also would have less thrust off the line b/c the gearing in that 1st is higher (lower numerically)

I also decided that if mine ('04, so the early 5 speed) grenades I'll probably replace it with another 5 speed (either one, most likely later) unless I can get a late 6 speed cheep.

Edit: I just did some estimations based on those plots and the numbers behind them for accelerations.
0-60: a late 6-speed is ~0.2 sec faster; a late 5-speed is ~0.3 sec faster, and an early 6-speed is ~0.2 sec slower.
0-100: a late 5-speed is ~0.1 sec slower; a late 6-speed is ~0.7 sec faster; an early 6-speed is ~0.15 sec faster

 

Very nice work on the calcs and graphs... I have ALMOST finished the write-up document! If you wouldn't mind sharing the graphics, perhaps I could embed them into my write-up with credit given where credit is due?

FWIW, the Getrag 5-speed might have been an option but they're harder to find. The big problem with either the Midlands or the Getrag 5-speed is that there is no Quaife option - IMHO, that bites. Quaife has NO plans to support the Getrag 5-speed and definitely not the Midlands. You're also much more limited in flywheel, clutch, and pressure plate options.

For motorsports applications (like mine), there's really only one choice - the late Getrag 6-speed, IMHO. And, since I've already done the tranny job twice now, I cannot imagine ANYONE EVER (ever ever ever) wanting to replace a Midlands gearbox with another Midlands gearbox if their original goes up in flames. The cost is roughly the same for the gearboxes - and there's more aftermarket support for the Getrag 6-speed. Yes, there are other parts that you need for the swap, but I cannot imagine that you'd ever regret shelling out a tad more $ for never having to worry again.

I am convinced that it's only a matter of time before a Midlands transmission takes its own life, regardless of how you drive - it's just a POS design that cannot stand any amount of power input. It's BARELY rated for what a stock MC generates. I'm sure there are plenty of people running around out there with Midlands that are just fine with all sorts of mileage - some may never have issues, but IMHO, it's a grenade with the pin pulled out.

I will say one thing about the late model Getrag 6-speed - 1st gear rocks, as you predicted. 2nd is a bit flat, and tops out right around 70 mph with my slightly higher redline. 3rd and 4th are wicked fun. The shift from 3rd to 4th keeps my motor right in its sweet spot. In fact, short shifting a bit early from 2nd into 3rd produces very fun results. I'll have to play around with some datalogging at some point to see what shift points produce the best results...

 

Sure, you can use them.

If / when mine blows up I plan to do the late 6-speed swap. Of course, mine is stock power and not my motorsports car, so I don't expect that to happen any time soon.

 

Yeah I'm in the "if/When" my midlands blows up group too.....My MC is pretty stock (powerwise) CAI, Miltek Catback.....that's it. I wouldn't put another midlands in my MC. It's like playing russian roulette....

 

With an automatic...

 

HAHAHAHA exactly.

So I'll will just go about my normal driving until the gearbox lets go. I have a special savings account called the "Midlands" account......

 

Sure... after I buy the clutch and flywheel from the old Midlands that was in the TSW car, you tell me this.

Hopefully, I'll be able to get my car back in track shape with the old transmission and run it that way for at least a year. Then I might be able to scrounge up enough money for a transmission swap later on.

 

Snid, mebbe you got a good one this last time your midlands was replaced... IT WILL NEVER DIE!!!!...

 

What model year did MINI ditch the midlands and start using the getrag gearbox in the MC?

 

I think it was 2005 (with the facelift), or at least it was the first full year with the Getrag.

 

is there anyway to find out? is the gearbox stamped 'midland' or 'getrag' anywhere? i have a 5/04 build MC and would like to know which one i have.

 

From the "other" site's FAQ section:
http://www.mini2.com/forum/faq.php?s...l&titlesonly=0

"In July 2004 the first generation MINI had a "facelift" to coincide with the launch of the MINI Convertible. The new models had different (smooth) grill surrounds, new front and rear bumpers and headlights. Inside the face lifted MINI has a three piece rather than five piece dashboard, a new Getrag gearbox for the One and Cooper, and many other revisions. The Cooper S also jumped from 163 to 170 hp as standard."

In another spot:

"The 5-speed manual transmission for the MINI One and Cooper was a BMW Midland Gears unit until July 2004, when it was replaced with a Getrag unit."

 

thanks cristo

now that I know which gearbox I have, I can report 55K with no failure (knock on wood).

 

What is the limit of engine modification that is safe with the midlands gearbox? I have a 2004 so I am assuming the midlands is what my car is equipped with.

 

Ha, I just read that my car does have that gearbox. I was looking at adding the lightweight pulley and a cat-back exhaust. That won't really hurt my gearbox will it?

 

I don't think so. I have a cat back exhaust on my '03 with the Midlands, and I don't think you're going to add enough power to hurt anything. I have no idea if it helps the Midlands last longer, but if you haven't changed the transmission fluid, I would do that right away. I changed to Amzoil. Redline, and I think Royal Purple, also make compatible fluids. My Midlands shifts even smoother since I changed the fluid.

 

how is the cvt holding up, i have 23000 miles on my 03 and everything is fine so far. if it breaks, will swapping the new automatic be an easy fit? any comments?

 

There have been some problems, but I really don't know what the percentage of failures is. If you mean changing to the six-speed, "regular" automatic, something tells me it would be real expensive.......but I'm just guessing.

Maintain the CVT well with regular fluid changes, hope for the best, and consider an extended warranty.

 

thanks resmini, sound advise.

 

good advice. ive always used redline MTL in my bimmers, is that what you're using in your midlands 'box?

 

Well, out of nowhere, in the middle of nowhere, my Midland box blew up on the highway earlier today. Feb04 build Cooper with 40k miles/63k km on the ticker. Owned car since new, never any powertrain trouble till today. All original, no power upgrades, chip etc, 50/50 city/hwy miles. Only driven by me and driven proper for most part, no burnouts, ditching the clutch etc. Dealer says they took out the upper fill plug and its full of metal filings so its toast.

It died 3 months before the new car warranty expired so I am actually quite relieved. Given the reputation of the midland gearbox, it blowing up was always a huge concern for me and the number one reason why I did not upgrade the power like I had originally intended.

Why BMW has never uprated this crap gearbox is beyond me? After reading earlier posts about MMUK uprated Gearboxes not always fairing better, maybe that's the reason? It can't be!

Wise man once said, the definition of Insanity is repeatedly doing the same thing, the same way and expecting a different outcome. I believe the Midland gearbox is terminal and can never be made reliable. The ghosts of British Leyland live on!

 

Sorry to hear about the failure, but good that it happened under warranty. But I have to ask - as a warranty repair at this late date, what will MINI replace it with?

If my wife's Midlands goes, we'll find a way to upgrade it to the 6-speed - even if I have to ship the car to txwerks!

 

No, I changed mine to Amsoil. Had a friend who has used the stuff for a long time...and he sells it. I'm hoping it's better than the original stuff, but only time will tell. My tranny shifts even smoother than before. The Midland tranny is a smooth shifting one, too bad there are reliability issues.

 

ive blown up 2 midlands transmissions in my 2004 mini, all i have to say is thank god for warrantys the fist died at 50,012 miles on the way to the dealer to get it looked at because 2nd wouldn't engage. just stopped working trying to leave the light. my 2nd one happened at 59,897 crossing some railroad tracks in 1st i crossed and gave it some throttle and just free revved with the clutch out i tried every gear... nothing stopped on a side road and realized there were no pegs separating gears anymore... hauled it back in and got a new one for free. my car now has 63,0xx miles.

i have 2 questions which might of already been posted... but

#1. does a getrag transmission bolt up?
#2. would a better clutch (kevlar) just destroy the midlands