We recently purchased a 2002 Mini with 103k miles on it. (Our first Mini) It is a base model with 5spd transmission. After bringing the car home we noticed it was leaking transmission fluid pretty bad. From what I can tell the leak is coming from where the trans and engine mate together so I would guess a input shaft seal leak? We also noticed a little slipping while driving so we believe the clutch has gotten oil on it as well. Has anybody else had a leak like this and where was it coming from? If it is the input shaft seal, is the seal replaceable? We will end up doing the work ourselves after we get an idea of what needs work. Thank you for any help or advice.

 

This link will cover pulling out the gearbox in an efficient manner, then its as case of removing the flywheel and replacing the rear main seal (if that is where the actual leak is), this is the link for Part 1 hope its of help.

 

There is nothing in the bell-housing to leave transmission oil except the input shaft seal, provided that you don't have a cracked case or something like that.

Easy to fix once you get the transmission out. You can replace the oil seal without opening up the transmission. If the clutch is oil-contaminated, plan on replacing it.

Nice video but the only thing I'd suggest differently is to unbolt the steering gear from the subframe and bungee it to the car and leave it in place rather than remove it. I found that easier than taking it out and you don't have to unbolt the steering shaft.