I took Sting in for the 45k check up. While I was going over the work order, (change oil, check brake wear, fix window squeek) I mentioned that a couple of times in the last few weeks, when I first start off in first gear, (just started the car for the first time that day) the car would *shutter* then take off. Also, the shifting wasn't as crisp into the gates as before-again from time to time.

These were intermittent problems, not everyday or even every week. Just every now and again.

So I leave the car. I get a call the next day-dead transmission Covered under warranty.

Now, I've had many cars and have had to replace exactly 2 clutches in my entire life. The first one was a POS 87 Caviler Z-24 and the second was on my 87 Toyota 1/2 pickup with 250k miles, (still have and still runs-second clutch for the truck since 1987).
I have not done burnouts, clutch dumps or any other abusive treatment to the transmission of this car. Are the trannys that fragile?

I'm hoping to get the whole story today if the car is ready. Global has had it since 12-21.

 

I will have the dealer drain and replace the so called "Lifetime" transmission fluid on my '05 MCS next 25K mile service stop. Just cheap insurance to prevent transmission problems down the road.

 

Just got off the phone with Global.
They don't know what's going on. They installed the new transmission. Still not shifting right. They had their #1 service guy and the regional Mini service guy take it out yesterday. Still no go.
They are ordering more parts. If that doesn't do it, another tranny will go in, (#3).
I don't know when I'll get my car back. I'm not so worried about when I'll get it back I just want to make sure it's fixed for good.

Anyone know what the new transmission warranty will be?

 

two years, unlimited milleage....speaking from experience. I'm hoping to pick up my car with it's 4th tranny today.

We should really start a club...the mulitiple trannies owners club. Maybe someone will make up one of those logos we can put in our sigs!

 

I think they usually put in refurbished transmissions (Read: Used and rebuilt) instead of brand new units.

 

What year and model are we talking about?

 

October 04 build 05MCS
Liquid yellow/black
15% pulley
Pilo Racing CAI
6 Speed
45,000 miles

 

I can attest to that.

I had the unfortunate circumstances of my BRAND NEW July 2006 build MCS needing the transmission replaced because of a "factory defect" in first gear. So... *logically* that means they should give be a used/remanned tranny in a brand new car... makes perfect sense...

I'm still mad to this day about this.

 

Thanks!

Only issue I've had is the throw-out bearing went at 90K on my 02. The last time I was BS'ing with the service tech he had 3 new tranny's to put in the newer model Coopers. He also said the Midland seemed like a better transmission then the Gertrag based on failure rate.

Good luck with yours and I think it speaks well of your Dealership to take care of this. Yes the car is under warranty, but I'd say there might be one or two out there that would blow it off as, "oh that! That's normal"

 

For what I have heard and read the old 5-speed "Midland Gears" fitted in the '02-'04 Coopers was a piece junk in terms of durability. Hence MINI switched to an all new 5-speed Getrag gearbox for the Cooper in 2005.

 

I had my tranny replaced in my 03 Cooper 2 years ago. The first one had a bad axle seal, very cold weather issue. They put in a NEW Midlands, and I have had no issues with the new one. Helps I don't live where it goes to -40 anymore.

Mark

 

You know, I had a disclaimer in my post saying something like, "that's what he said, not me" but figured I didn't need it and took it out

The fact that there were 3 sitting on the floor waiting to go in cars, lends his statement some credibility, at least in my mind.

 

Loved my Midland till it died at 69K. It was replaced with a new Midland. Still WAY better than the Getrags I've had: 4 in 7,200 total miles. Kicking myself for selling my 03.

 

I have owned 2 MCS equipped with the 6-speed Getrag, a '04 & '05. Miles combined between both of them: 40K.

Not a single problem with my Getrags whatsoever.

 

No problem with mine either 152K miles and still kicking 2003 MCS Dec 02 build. I had promised myself that I would not touch this engine and tranny until it breaks, its still not broken but due to track use I will be rebuilding both engine and transmission (Quaife and clutch only) in January.

 

48.8k New Tras, and new clutch assembly on back order for an 05 w/ LSD.

I just hope the new tranny +2 years new engine rule doesn't hold true.

 

BTW, my 02 MCS is currently at 122k and has been handling the SPEC Stage II clutch launches with ease, and the occasional missed shift to 3rd.

The wife's 05 MCS with 23K hasn't had any trouble either. But I'll be watching for your issue Drew.

The other 2 cars are both Cooper auto's

 

My '03 Cooper had a new tranny at 43,000 miles and had a refurbished Midlands installed--it was after they had stopped production of new Midlands. I was hoping that moving to an MCS with a Getrag would give me some peace of mind over having to fork out money for a new tranny.

 

My 02 MC is still shifting pretty well for having 40,000 miles on it.

 

Im not taking any chances, Im putting "Shuttering intermediatly" on my final warrenty check up

 

I've heard the exact opposite, that the midlands break all over the place. In our local car club, there are about 6 MCS's and 4 MC's, no getrags have had any problems, but there have been 3 instances of midlands crapping out, one car had 2 of those failures. . .

 

I wonder if changing the Midland tranny fluid to some super-duper synthetic like Royal Purple or Red line would help it last longer?

 

My 02 MC with Midland tranny failed at 35K miles, 4 months out of warranty. Fortunately they replaced it with a Getrag. So now I have a decent transmission (and a $4000 bill).

MINI thought I should be happy and grateful that I only had to pay half of the bill. I can't say I am. I really don't think ANY OF US should have to pay a dime. Is it really acceptable to only get 34,000 or 40,000 out of transmission?

Now there's a rattle coming from the rear. I'm scared to death to take it to the mechanic. I had over $3000 in repairs in 3 months. Sigh :(

 

Here's a quick follow up:
The syncros went out and caused the transmission to fail. Global installed a new transmission, (not rebuilt) and still had some problems with the shifting. They had to go back in a adjust some linkages and all is well now.
The warranty is for 24 months unlimited milage on the new transmission. I'm sure it's a pro-rated warranty.
Total warranty claim is over 4000.00 to replace the transmission.

 

How the syncros went out?