My 2002 Mini Cooper (base) ran out of transmission fluid although the shop (nameless) I've been taking it to was asked in October to check all fluids... So here's the Q - CAN A 6-SPEED FIT IN A BASE COOPER?

 

It will fit, but it going to cost ya

 

The conversion is usually more than the cost to replace the car...CV joints, starter, coding...

 

guess I'm walking for a while until a replacement car finds its way to me... 5-speed rebuilds are $2200 here while 6-speeds are $1200 so I had to wonder - thanks y'all

 

When I did this a little over a year ago,
5-speed rebuilds* were $2200 and 6 speed rebuilds* were $3200.
It added up quite a bit with all the other parts.

* actually, factory remanufactured.

 

Why not look for a used tranny? Car-part.com is one place that lets you search many junk yards at once. I don't know where you are, but saw some used 5 speeds listed for $1500 and most junk yard pricing is negotiable. At the minimum, get a 3-6 month warranty so you know it's not DOA.

 

Yep. Gone this route many a times for the shop I used to work at. www.car-part.com is a gold mine for used parts. Since you have the 5-speed the process will be easier. You can read up on what is needed from this NAM thread here.

 

Factory rebuilt is around ~$2700 , so that gives you a range. Good luck on the search , sometimes used pop up on ebay, but make sure they have a warranty so its not DOA.

https://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2002-Cooper-R50-Base-Coupe-L4_1.6L_W10B16A/Drivetrain/Manual_Transmission/