I don't see any threads here on a direct swap to the newer 5 spd, just topics about an upgrade to the 6 speed. What about doing a 5 speed upgrade, and not worry about fitting a 6 speed in the R50?
I'm all ears...

 

bump.
Really hoping for some early R50 owners to pipe up here. If the Getrag 5 is the common replacement now, how does the install compare to the 6 speed swap?

 

Can't point you to anyone who's actually done it, but there's no reason you couldn't. You have to swap out all the same parts you would replace in going with the Getrag 6 speed, so thats probably why it hasnt been done. Axles, flywheel, clutch & I think the starter would have to be replaced.
Since later (05-07) six speeds might become tough to find in the future, someone is bound to do this swap sooner or later.

 

Thanks for the reply, GordonP66
I know there's other places to buy these, but Minimania has the 6 speed at 2 grand more than the 5 speed. Have you replaced your transmission? I have a high mile 2003, just planning for the future.

 

At 80,000 my Midlands started making some noise which sounded like a bearing going south & occasionally the 1st/2nd shift was balky. It was still drivable but I didnt want it to grenade so I tore it down & rebuilt it. Cost to replace just the mandatory non-reusable parts like snap rings, thrust plates, seals & bearings was just under $300 for parts. In addition, I swapped out the clutch, 2nd gear synchro ,1st/2nd hub & the fifth driven gear. The reverse idler gear was worn but salvagable. I've seen two other Midlands that had the reverse idler gear teeth worn completely concave.

Way Motorworks posted yesterday that they can supply a new Midlands for $1700, which is a pretty good price. The last time I checked, MINI wanted approx $2300 plus a core.

 

GordonP66, You've convinced me to rebuild my Midlands as a preemptive strike as I'm at 105k. I've read enough horror stories about ruptured bell housings by now. Maybe I'll make a weekend out of sorting the problem parts. For sure I'd replace the seals and bearings, and my second/third gear shifting has been notchy. From where did you order the parts? Also, if you don't mind what was the total cost including clutch?

 

Including an additional cost of approx $175 for tools, $185 for a Valeo clutch, $290 to shotpeen & WS2 plate some of the internals (optional), it ran just under a grand.

As far as OEM parts sources, I highly recommend getting them from one of the MINI dealers that offers a NAM discount (see the vendor list). There are also vendors on Ebay UK selling good quality bearing & seal replacement kits. There are one or two vendors that advertise OEM parts at very low prices (DDM comes to mind). If you use them be ready to wait up to 7-8 weeks for your parts & shipping may be expensive. I was charged $42 for ground shipping on a four pound box!
Line up your tools in advance. You can remove the shift cables by levering them off with two screwdrivers, but it's easy to damage the cable ends which can be very expensive. Get the factory tool # 83300494345 if you don't want to take any chances. If you remove the clutch, the factory alignment tool is # 90880216100.
I left the motor in place. My Harbor Freight support bar worked fine when combined with the MINI adapter bracket # 83300493987. You'll need a two-arm gear puller to remove fifth gear. The smaller Craftsman puller works OK if you grind the ends about .030" so they fit under the gear. A T40 & T50 torx socket will also be required plus a decent torque wrench. The harbor Freight seal driver kit can be used or you can just get a length of properly sized pipe to drive the seals in nice & square.
There are six bearings that need to be pressed off & replaced. I had access to a 20 ton shop press with the correct size press plates. I recommend just taking the input shaft, output shaft & diff to a machine shop for bearing removal & install. Cost would be about $45-$65. It's not a technically difficult job but there is a lot involved. Obviously this job may take more than a day or two so plan accordingly & good luck!