Yeah so I am here to complain and vent. I am frustrated and disappointed. I have a "2005" base with manual transmission but build date was in 04. One of the last cars with the infamous midlands transmission from what I read.

And yet once again I am having transmission issues. If you have had one go out on you it is a sick feeling, trust me I have had it twice now. 1st time the noise just kept getting louder and louder until it impossible to ignore. The good news is that the car did not leave me stranded but drove under its own power noisily to the shop.

I was told it was a thrust bearing by the sound and that no parts were available to rebuild so new transmission only choice. I figured what the heck i may as well make it gnarly if i have to dump money in it but no good alternatives, went with new tranny and clutch while they are in there at 80,000 miles. 5 grand worth of work but its only money.

Now here it is at 103,000 and it is starting to make the noise again. Its not bad yet and I am telling myself its probably just the tires but I recognize the sound, its a thrust bearing I will bet money. The two year warranty expires in september of this year (13) so its at the dealer. They told me they werent able to get it to make the noise, but they will try again today.

I guess I am lucky it is going out before warranty expires. I am afraid I may get a little bit of a runaround from the dealer since they didnt notice the sound right away I will have to convince them its not sposed to sound like that.

Even if they put new tranny in under warranty no cost to me its still a bummer. It has to last longer than that. Also just have to say I am not a kid, hasnt been abused, just not holding up.

 

should have just bought a getrag instead and had someone install it if yuo cant do it your self. but sorry to hear, i know how you feel older vw's have the same problems and they just keep rearing ther heads all the time

 

[QUOTE=ind;3765106]Yeah so I am here to complain and vent. I am frustrated and disappointed. I have a "2005" base with manual transmission but build date was in 04. One of the last cars with the infamous midlands transmission from what I read.

ind,
I know the sickly feeling you speak of. Mine is a 2005 base with the infamous CVT and it went out almost a year ago. Big hassle lots of worry and time. The warranty is good for another two months and I've felt that sickly feeling of dread, starting to creep in. I made an appointment at the MINI Dealership and had the transmission thoroughly checked and driven by the best.
I'll pick it up tomorrow. Everything passed their inspection and I was told on the phone that the car is in excellent condition. For now I'll think of a little reward for my car and I and deal with the "what ifs", when they happen.
Good luck to you.

 

Yeah I travel for work and think I was lucky it didnt leave me stranded but at the time first tranny went out was told by everyone I talked to stock only option.

I asked about a getrag, I asked about a close ratio six speed that you had to get from a race shop in philly and they or one of their approved shops had to install it.

When it went bad first time I was on road and lucky to find an independent shop that was authorized to do repairs that would keep warranty valid.

So now what is invovled with getrag swap? Will dealer consider it? I think problem both times was thrust bearing, rest of transmission still good. I would love to be able to make it bullet proof, but I think fix it and sell it is the plan now.

I understand what you mean about old volswagons, had a few back in the day and actually tried to drive them back and forth to work and keeping up with them was a lot of work. Manually adjusted drum brakes, sheesh, those were the days.

 

Kathy I know with mine it was out of warranty when 1st transmision went so I had to pay for repairs (80,000 mi) but warranty is good for two years unlimited mileage on mini parts installed by authorized shop. So that means mine is covered including labor (I asked) if it is tranny.

If your does develop problems and you keep paperwork you might ask them to cover it for the two years unlimited miles. Mini has been very good about honoring warranty with me so far but I will say since I travel for work I have noticed a difference in some of the dealerships.

 

Ind,
I had purchased a vehicle service policy when I came to own the car. It covered the re-built transmission. Had also been experiencing an oil leak which could never be found, since I'd bought it in 2010.
From reading these forums and asking some, for their ideas I learned of the Crank Position Sensor. At the time of the transmission failure and while it was totally apart, I asked for the mechanic to check the CPO. Sure enough, that was the culprit. What wonderful news that was !! After several attempts and oil pan gasket replacements it seemed it would just always leak. This has been an experience in absolute highs and extreme lows but it looks as though I'm in it for the long haul....