New to the group, new problem with my relatively trouble free 2008 Clubman base model w/6 speed manual.

Developed a bearing noise that I'm pretty certain is the input shaft bearing going into the transmission. Push in clutch and it goes away, present in every gear, more apparent in middle gears.

The real question I have is that there is a 6 speed manual transmission nearby for a 2009 Clubman S model with limited slip. Minimania calls for 3 separate transmissions between them for direct replacement, but no information on cross compatibility.

I think the gear ratios are slightly different, but the real question I have is will it bolt up and work and does the limited slip have any code generating gotchas...

Any knowledge on this is appreciated. If that transmission will work, I would like to procure it soon... Thanks

 

According to RealOEM...there are 2 manual transmission variations. It's the same transmission, but one has a LSD option. While I'm not certain, I don't think there would be any difference for the DME - the transmission has no input to that in the manual variants, there's no speed sensor, etc. Should be bolt and go.

I know there are folks in here who have added aftermarket LSD to their existing manual gearboxes, so maybe they could chime in.

 

If the noise goes away when you press the clutch pedal, that usually means the clutch throw-out bearing.

While I am not 100% sure, I believe the gear ratios are different between the "Justa" and the Cooper S transmissions. That doesn't mean they wouldn't be interchangeable. I've never had the two side-by-side to check.

If its only a throw out bearing, a new clutch kit would be the least expensive option for you. If you are planning on dropping the transmission, a clutch kit should be on the parts list anyway. But if that's all it is, will save some headache with sourcing a replacement transmission.

 

I would believe the ratios are different between the Base and S models. Transmissions have different part numbers - Base uses a "55BG", S uses the "53 BG/DG".

 

Ratios are indeed different.

55BG...........53BG
3.214..........3.308
1.792..........2.130
1.194..........1.483
0.914..........1.139
0.784..........0.949
0.683..........0.816
4.353..........3.647


Based on absolutely nothing other than feels I would expect the DME cross references engine RPM and wheel speed sensor info to sort out various functions so potentially a no-go or maybe some reprogramming might be needed?

Also, according to Sandy03 "I have just put an S 6speed in an R56 2011 Cooper. S clutch and dual mass flywheel were added but my issue is with the axles. Driver side is a new S axle which looks like it'll work ok. Passenger side is a different story. The Cooper axle won't engage with the S trannie - the end seems a millimeter too big in diameter - and the S axle, when engaged in the trannie, is an inch off at the mount on the aft side of the motor.
Were you able to get the S trannie to work in the Cooper? Did the right side axle work out?"

I pulled that from https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...o-a-non-s.html

 

The driveshafts have different part numbers between the S/Base.

IMHO, I would prefer if the S transmission actually had an overdrive 6th gear. My LCI R55s turns 3000 RPM at 74 MPH (which is actually 71 according to all radar/GPS info). I have to believe that you'd get better mileage if that were lower. There's no need for the 6th gear in this car to not be an overdrive; the first 5 gears are completely adequate for track/sport use.

Interestingly enough, my 2007 R56s with the Aisin/Warner automatic turns significantly lower RPM at highway speeds - I don't have the exact number, but something like 500 RPMs lower at that same 70 MPH. But that car gets lower MPG, even on straight highway cruising.

End rant.

 

TECHNICALLY, 5th and 6th gears are overdrive gears.

According to this site:
https://www.thecarconnection.com/spe...r-hardtop_2012

Cooper S 5th gear is 0.94:1 and 6th gear is 0.81:1

I don't know what you're getting for mileage, but my 2012 Clubman S with Stage 2 tune would give me 35-ish mpg at 75mph. Efficiency is less about rpms, and more about engine pumping efficiency. Typically, an engine is most efficient at torque peak. And these engines are pretty torquey between 2500-3500rpm.

 

Depends on the terrain. I very rarely get extended drives at that speed, and when I do it's often over sloped terrain. Western Connecticut is hilly, as you may recall.

I just replaced the valve cover/PCV, but think the clutch on the A/C compressor is on its way out.

FWIW though, the car gets better mileage at a steady 66 MPH (cc set) than it does at 74 MPH, which supports my point. Efficiency is about the engine having to work as little as possible. More RPMs = more firing cycles = more fuel use. For reference, I had a pair of A6 sedans, one with the 2.8 V6 and one with the 4.2 V8. The V8 got better mileage out on the highway cruising at 75 MPH, because it was running at lower RPMs.

 

Thanks for information all... I will need to wait to disassemble this to validate the throwout bearing potentially being the cause. Sure seems like the bearing would make noise when loaded rather when not, but I have heard secondary validation of that being a symptom. The larger drive shaft makes sense with the significant hp increase. I won't be tearing into this until for at least a week or two, but will update once I get them split...