I'm the current driver of a newly-purchased R53 Cooper S with the newer auto 6 speed transmission (obviously not the CVT). The transmission itself is shifting a little wonkily and harshly, especially once the tranny has warmed up. I've done many repairs to try to solve the root of the problem, but I just can't seem to solve it. SO, I was wondering if I should try to convert my car to a manual or just buy a different R53 with a manual tranny. I know this conversion has been done before many times.

How much is often the total cost for this conversion? Is it a real PITA? Is the conversion a clean one? Electrical issues? Some advice please?

 

Conversion is common with the r50 CVT to a 6 speed....
Think you are in new terroritory with the r53 auto....the motor is mounted in a slightly different spot when you look under the hood....slightly more to one side.
The transmission conversions are mostly a labour of love....rarely making $$ sense...

 

Yeah, I feel you. A little scared to do it on my own (I'm in college), but I also don't want to give this R53 up - the interior is literally brand-spanking new! Oh well.

Anyone else know something?

 

Yep, Zippy said it. It's a boatload of parts and labor. I've never done it, and probably won't. When people approach me to do it, I recommend selling the car they have and buying a car with manual. I know it's not practical, but financially it makes sense, unless you are a serious masochist.

 

Try Way. He's done some of these, and seems to have it well sorted.

 

I’ve been looking into doing a manual swap on my 2006 mini cooper s r53 because the auto is starting to go bad and I would rather have a manual. My friend had a 2002 mini cooper s that he had a lot of good racing parts on but it got left in a lot and he would like to give me the transmission. But I have seen that the 2005 and up are preferred, why is that? Would the 2002 trans fit in my 2006? Would I need to get the car reprogrammed? And are there any more parts I should take from his car in order to perform the swap? Thank you!

 

Replied to your other post here: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post4643579

 

This article may help give you more information regarding the swap 1st Gen "How To" - Fixing the Weak Link - Getrag 6-Speed Swap for MINI Cooper (motoringalliance.com)