Hi folks, this is my first post and I appreciate any information you can give me. I am looking at buying my first Mini. It will be a used car, and I definitely want a Cooper S. This will be my daily transportation, and I have some questions. I have read a good deal in this forum about the Midlands transmission vs. the Getrag. Should I avoid buying a Mini with the Midlands? I don't plan on hammering the gears every time I get behind the wheel, but there will be times, if you get my meaning! Is there some way of visually identifying the Midlands vs. the Getrag? Was the Midlands used only certain years? Were there both 5 and 6 speed Midlands??

Are there any other issues I should be on the lookout for? I have read about the shock towers, but what other issues might I be looking for? I am an engineer and do all my own maintenance, so please give me a heads up on what to look for! Thanks for your help!

 

The Midlands transmissions were only used for 5-speed Cooper (non-S) cars. The S has had a Getrag all along, although the gear ratios changed (apparently dramatically for the better) beginning with the '05 model year.

 

Welcome to NAM!

Midlands were '02-'04 Cooper 5sp. The Cooper went to a 5sp Getrag in '05-'06. Supposed to be better. To me the Midlands are a timebomb. Some people get 100K, some got FAR fewer miles. It's possible to change to a 5sp Getrag, and Fireballed Racing and a couple of others (check out MINI2.com too) has figured out how to put a 6sp Getrag in Coopers. It involves shifter, cables, driveshafts, clutch, flywheel. If you're handy and have time, changing the tranny takes quite a bit of work, but getting a Midland car and having the transmission die wouldn't be the end of the world. Sticking with S avoids the problem.

MCS Coopers always had 6sp Getrags. The ratio changed in '05. There isn't a widespread problem with them-unlike the Midlands.

'07 MC and MCS are all 6sp Getrags, although the ratio is different between S and Cooper.

There's also a problem '02-'04 power steering pump wiring that can cause engine fires. You'd definitely want to check the wiring for abrasion.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...t=fire+starter

Superchargers make it around 100K.

 

Thanks Chris! That is exactly the type of info I am looking for!