Been searching the forum for the definitive answer on transmission options for an 02 R50 base model mini with a 5 speed.

What options are there for upgrades to say a 6 speed?
What needs to change? Other than my job description :-)

Or, we suspect an internal bearing failure on this R65 trans. Gotta double clutch to get it into next gear etc. Clutchless shifting tests ruled out possible clutch related issues.

What successes have you guys had with particular mods or cost/time saving ideas.

Ordering parts is like a guessing game when you are trying to get a daily driver repaired. Would like to be at least 50% ahead of the game with parts when/if we have to crack this thing open....
thanks for any input and help. And thanks for help in previous related posts ..
Just juggling time: Work/Job/Family.
Cheers.

 

For time efficiency I would say just order a new trans from MINI, the Midland is in the early R50's and later in 04 they switched to a Getrag 5 speed which is a bit more resilient.

However the clutch, flywheel, slave cylinder, hydraulic lines, shifter cables, shifter box, axles, and mount are different. So a swap from one trans to another is going to be a deep investment, especially if you want to go to a 6 speed, just due to the price the used parts hold.

Putting a replacement new trans in would almost definitely last the life of the car, and come out to be cheaper in the long run.

But I'm all for projects, I have about 4 and haven't made much progress on any of them.

 

Thanks NKFRY,
What year mini comes with the R65 5 speed? 2002 - 2004?

(edit) - I just heard the 5 spd was changed in July of 2004.

 

i have a entire car that i was going to use for a trans swap if your interested

 

You have an 02-04 5 spd?

 

a 6spd

 

Yes going to a 6spd is the most reliable option as we have done many of them. You can use any 02-06 MCS 6spd manual. But the 05-06 trans has better gear ratios for the Cooper due to the lower HP.

 

Did the 05-06 also come in a 5 Speed? And if it was 5, was it a Midlands trans?

 

2005 and 2006 Cooper models have a Getrag 5-speed.