Hey all when dropping my transmission and removing the shift cable connections to the linkage the rubber/plastic boots pretty much disintegrated, is it possible to replace these somehow without replacing the entire cable? are they needed for proper function if i just leave them as they are?

 

there are upgraded metal ones from the facelift models. i know that did not answer your question

 

@JustinR I believe your looking for this? https://www.bushingfix.com/mini-coop...ushing-repair/

edit: link the wrong one, https://www.bushingfix.com/mini-coop...ushing-repair/

 

While good to know for sure because the bushings themselves are a bit beat i was more curious about this part that crumbled circled in green.

 

honestly was thinking about putting on a spring around the cable there if it's needed for proper function.

 

shift cable might be your root cause in your other post / thread

 

May sound rediculous but - alternatively, you might consider a salvage yard? I've come across some junkers with fairly new or "garage kept" parts on them. I don't build/maintain or replace parts on my Mini with salvage parts - but somethings are unfortunately not sold or not intended to be manufactured = "planned obsolescence".
With consideration to replacing your shift cables - Beware/be advised - depending on when your Mini was built; early pre-facelift ('02-early'04), these cables can be difficult to source (I think there are three variants for the early models). If you have a Mini built after July '04, Your in luck. The facelift cables can be had....
Although, from your picture it appears that you have the early model Mini (?).
Contact@WayMotorWorks Way was able to source the cables for my pre-facelift '04.
Perhaps you might source Home Depot or McMaster Carr to improvise something? (small Vacuum cleaner hose, wire sheeting, a spring + shrink tubing?)...

 

Edited above^^^
Ceck the McMaster-carr link above.
It might suit your improvised (bellows) needs.

 

It's a 2005 but i agree the shift cables look like preface lift ones ive been seeing.

 

plug your vin into realoem to see your production date. then lookup your cable part number.

you could be production date right before the change as it were

 

Dependent on model and year. We do have those of those cables in bremmen parts on sale. https://www.ecstuning.com/b-bremmen-...train-shifter/

Run your vin through realoem to double check and watch as some models dependent on year have variants. Condition "A" and Condition "B" and realoem will show a picture of your shifter base to match.