My Mini is a 2002 with 63,000 miles. The transmission started making a bearing noise about 60,000 miles and continues to get worse. The dealer estimated $3000 to replace the transmission... not sure it this includes labor. I love my car but am disappointed that the transmission would fail at this early mileage. I am looking for anyone who has replaced their 5-speed and what was involved... particullary cost. I look into a used transmission... worried I could wind up with the same issues. Any advice?

Has anyone found a reliable independent Mini mechanic / shop in the Atlanta area. One that might do the transmission work? I am a vintage car / street rodder builder but won't tackle this one.

Thanks in advance. Tom

 

Yep, $3k is about right. It happened to my 02 MC around 46k. MINI of St. Louis ran it through BMW and they made an exception and covered it under warranty.

I believe if you do a search here on NAM you'll find that some of the 02s had bad transmission built by a company called Midland I think.

Good luck!