02 Mini Cooper 5 Speed 5 Speed Midland

I need help!

I am pretty sure others have had similar problems with the transmission going out on a 02 Mini Cooper 5 Speed, from what I read this was due to maintenance and the fact that these cars rolled out with issues.

Also, it is difficult to find these transmissions and if I buy one it would about 2 or 3 grand so I am trying to approach this differently. I have heard that it is possible to do swaps with other transmissions but other mods also have to be made.

This is the second time I tore my car apart thinking the issue was a bad clutch but I was WRONG!

- What cooper model transmissions should I look for?
- Are there any articles from people who did this already?

Thanks!!













02 Mini Cooper

 

Just do a 6-speed swap. On my swap, I spent $1100 for all the various parts, including the transmission. I provided all the labor. If you do go that route, look for an 05-06 6 speed (also 07-08 Cabrio S).

 

I second the 6 speed swap. I was able to pick up an 06 6 speed for $300. New clutch $400 and a few odds and ends and your all set. Lots of talk on here and other sites on how to do it. It is not that bad of a job if your use to working on cars.

 

For sure going to the 6 speed is the best option as it won't fail again, but will take more parts like axles, clutch, flywheel, starter and so on.

 

Thank you! Is there a specific model I should look for?

 

I think I read that the shift cables are different from early to late first gen cars?

Bryan

 

I'm currently on the same boat as you and have been doing research,

from my notes
05-06 6 speed (also 07-08 Cabriolet)
axles from the S
and the tranny cables on the newer r53's are better than the old white plastic 5 speed ones we have
flywheel
clutch kit
starter

 

.

 

do the hubs on the non s fit on S outer axles?

 

Yes.
Also, here’s a good article from way
back on the subject. Some of the
part numbers listed have been
superseded and thus have changed.
Double check on realoem.com.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...eaklink-1-.pdf

 

great write up thanks !

 

yes the outer hubs are the same so they will work fine

 

You mentioned to look for an 05-06 but can an 04 Mini Cooper S 6 speed work for that swap ?

 

Physically they are the same. However the gearing is different. The 02-04 has a higher final drive. Works ok for the more powerful S model but not for the base model. It’ll really be a dog taking off but would probably get phenomenal fuel economy.

 

yes it will work. The older transmissions are just geared a little different than the 05-06. People put the older ones in as well. Just depends what ur looking for.

 

I apologize by taking off you mean as in speed or as in taking the physical parts off?

What happened is I bought an 04 Mini Cooper S when I was told it was an 05 -_-

 

Well, what happened was that I found a 05 Mini Cooper S for sale and when I bought it I found out it was an 04 Mini Cooper S 6 Speed, The owner wrote the wrong year.

I was hoping that the transmission on that 04 might do the trick to install it on the 02 Mini I have..

 

you’re fine to swap it if all you want is to make the car run and not worry about final drives

 

I was thinking I also have the engine (See pictures below ), from that 04 Mini Cooper S that I bought but haven't tested the engine to see if it turns on but if it did work, my question is, would it be wise just to swap out engine as well together with the transmission to avoid worrying about final drives?

1st picture - (This is how I bought the car. The impact was from the front but hopefully, it didn't damage the engine as much. I haven't tested to see if it turns on, should I?)

2nd picture (BROKEN ENGINE/MOTOR MOUNT)

3rd picture (FRONT ENGINE VIEW)


4th Picture - (TOP ENGINE VIEW)

 

What I meant by taking off is accelerating from a stop.

As for the 04 trans, it will work. It is physically the same as the 05-06 model but the gearing is different. Just expect the cooper to be a bit slower on launch but as I said before, it'll get great fuel economy at highway speed.

 

I'm looking to do this swap. Just need to know if we are talking about the 05-06 R53 S model trans or the Non S model 6 Speed? Or are they the same Getrag?
What about a limited slip differential, yes?

 

Is your car an S model?

 

No, It's a 02 R50. I don't want to put the Midland back in and from everything I'm reading here, I should be able to put in the 6 speed from the 05. I just need specifics, S or Non S. Then I'll get then I'll get the flywheel, clutch, starter, axels and whatever else that I need to not have the Midland in it.

 

The non-S never got a six speed. It’s the Getrag from the R53.

 

I just put a Getrag 5 speed out of a 05 R52 Non S into my 2003 R50. The starter was a direct replacement.
What I used and have to replace:
Both CV axles
The shifter box and cables
Transmission mount on the transmission
The aluminum trans mount on the car
Clutch pipe
Slave cylinder
The dust plate is different
Flywheel, clutch, pressure plate and release bearing.

There is no transmission noise now and it's great!