I know I'm posting in a "problem" thread but there isn't a problem free thread.

Just curious if anyone has had or currently has an 02-04 cooper that never had any problems with their midlands tranny? I've heard nothing but problems but I'm wondering if there is a few luckies out there that got a good one?

Considering upgrading to an S to get rid of the midlands but then I have to worry about maintaining a supercharger, intercooler, and the other various things. Not to mention higher insurance premiums. So, I'm considering modding my 02 R50 as an option.

Considering a transmission swap isn't a DIY project, about how much would it cost me to do (parts+labor) if I have a shop do it?

 

Unfortunatly you only hear about the bad things on these boards. Quite a few S's have hit 100k on the orgional SC, so just like your Cooper, it is luck of the draw. Some midlands seem to fail, but I would count my luckey stars.....no CVT!!

 

I have to admit I've replaced many Midland trans, but just bought a 03 Cooper with a bad clutch, but the trans is still good and has 107k on it. So there are some that have lasted, but I still say they are time bombs. You'll be much happier with the S and your modding potential is so much greater.

 

Yeah. The thing is though, I don't care so much for having a ton of power. Sure it would be a blast but I don't feel that I have to have 200 whp or anything to enjoy a car. I feel that a stock cooper is quick enough to have fun with. I feel that taking a cooper to its potential without going forced induction would be rewarding. However, the draw back is the unreliability of the midlands. If the R50 had the 6speed like it should have from the begining, I would have no doubts about modding my R50.
Just a few things I really have to consider and ponder on I guess. I know there are other folks out there who too enjoy modding just a coopers. Preference I guess.

Thanks for the input.

 

i've read somewhere that to strip down a midlands the guy used a Rover manual,anyone know which model Rover and where the manual can be located?Mini Mania has rebuild kits along with indivisual parts and also complete refurb gearboxes so there is an option.But i dont think a mechanic would like to strip one down using brail.

 

I was told that cryo treating the bearings should help make the midlands more durable. Supposed to keep the metal from overheating and shredding...? Anyone know anything about this?

 

I had a problem free Midlands in my 2002 MINI Cooper until last month. Problem came at around 103k miles. Could not get into 5th gear consistently, only sometimes. Did not seem weather related. Now I'm driving only with 4 gears. So, I go tops 70mph hitting 4k rpms. Keeps me out of visits from state troopers.

A new transmission (and they want to do the clutch, too) is a lot of money for a car I've been driving for almost 8 years!

The thing is, I do not like the new MINI colors. and I LOVE my Indi Blue.

Dilemma.

 

It's a crying shame that US R50 owners have to contemplate getting rid of their cars because there are no affordable alternatives to MINI USA's $2400 remanufactured transmission. If you're not a DIYer add at least $1000 labor plus (usually) the price of a new clutch to that..

I've seen UK transmission specialists offering remanned boxes for approx $1200 USD. Fast track bearings in the UK sell a bearing & seal replacement set (OEM parts) for about $120 USD. Bearings can be cryo-treated & input shafts/gears can be REM treated to make them live longer. These processes have been around for a long time & are affordable.

A MINI specialist should be able to offer a rebuilt gearbox that's as good as, or better than MINI USA's box for under $2000 plus core and still make a very nice GPM. There certainly is a demand. The biggest problem would be getting good cores & keeping a rebuilt on the shelf. they'd be flying out the door!

Vendors ?????

 

Thanks Scotsman. Sounds good. I'll keep that in mind. Still trying to make up my mind as to whether I want to:
a) Keep my R50 and hope for the best
b) Bite the bullet and do the 6speed swap
c) Sell my R50 and buy an S
You're right - it's a shame this is the situation...

LaurieJean
I know exactly what you mean! I love Indyblue. There is one for sell by my house that I'm considering buying (if I can sell my R50) Only has 39k miles on the clock.
Shame they got rid of that color...

 

I'd be all over the six speed swap if it wasn't so expensive. In addition to the parts that must be replaced to do this, a good MCS flywheel & clutch is a big chunk of additional change. If you can do it, go for it!

For those who need it, here's the link for the R65 bearing/seal kit; http://www.transmission-rebuild-kits...057f6e6a1bb2a3

the menu on left side of their page lists reconditioned gearboxes (and Getrag parts too). Don't know if they could be convinced to ship a box overseas. Also, NAM member Nickbmw was kind enough to post a Rover pdf file on rebuilding the R65 gearbox. It's in one of the other R50 gearbox threads.
Best of luck to all.

 

Has anyone done a swap with a R50 2005 or 2006 Getrag 5 speed?
There are a number of differences versus the 2002 to 2004 Midlands
MTX cars including the airbox which I just had to buy for my 2006 R50.

 

I'm sure you can do the swap on an 05/06 R50. You'll more than likely need all the same parts the swap from a midlands would need. But, having a getrag, even though 5 speed, I wouldn't worry too much about swaping. Those getrags are pretty tough. I know the 6 is stronger than than 5 but the getrag 5 is miles tougher than the midlands.

Thanks Scotsman. I bookmarked that page

 

I just bought my R50 two weeks ago (85k mi), knowing it has a tranny issue. It has a whirring sound in 1st through 3rd, but operates fine. A drain of the old fluid, showed quite a bit of metal on the fill/drain plugs. Anybody know what these symptoms are a sign of, ie. bearings, synchros, etc?

 

Sorry to hear that. From reading the forums, the bearings are what usually goes (would explain the metal shavings) and the syncros aren't known to be very strong either. Only way to know for sure would be to drop the tranny. If it is shifting fine and you're not having to double-cluth to get into gear then maybe the syncros are still okay. I don't know. this is just what I have picked up from reading so please consult an expert.

 

Speaking of problems with the midlands...
When upshifting from 1st to 2nd gear, if I don't let the RPMs drop far enough, there is a deffiinate lurch felt. However, if I let the RPMs drop enough (right around 2k (depending on MPH of course)) then it feels smooth. I've never had to do this with my last two cars and they were both 5speeds. Both german cars btw (BMW 318is, and a Porsche 944).

All other gears feel fine shifting into - especially 4th. Going into 4th is like butter, I love it.

Does this sound like a problem with the syncros or maybe the clutch and the transmission is fine? Like, maybe the clutch isn't catching right? If so, then how come only in 2nd gear and not the rest of them?

 

have any of you guys considered changing the gearbox oil once a year ? im being a cautious cat and been that.

 

I just got the MINI two weeks ago, and immediately changed the fluid. I used Redline MTL, per some other recommendations I saw in the forum. Unfortunately, I doubt the previous owner ever changed the trans oil. And judging by the engine oil, they didn't change that very often either... :doh:

 

yea i used redline too. supposedly its better than the original one that range rover offers. hope your midlands holds up.

 

How much power/torque can the midlands withstand without self-destruction? I know this seems like a silly question since people have had problems with a stock cooper...

I guess what I'm asking is, how many LBs of torque is the Midlands capable of period.?

Trying to figure out if it can handle an intake, exhaust, and ECU tune and still be on the safe side if I don't abuse it.

 

I'm not sure what the Midlands is rated for. I do have a Way/DDM intake, and a Megan exhaust on my Justa, but no tune, yet. I think the intake is responsible for most of the gains, exhaust mostly just lets it breath better, and it sounds great. I also have an engine damper which helps getting power to the wheels. From what I understand a tune will help more with throttle response, rather than any real power/torque gains.

I drive mine with lots of spirit, but I don't slam it through the gears, hitting bounce has never been an issue Tranny fluid is changed every 1 1/2 to 2 years. Last change a couple of months ago revealed very few metal filings. It still shifts smooth, and is quiet. Reverse is sometimes an issue to get into, but has always been that way. I just release the clutch, push it in again, go into second, then reverse.

Mark

 

What do you mean by "hitting bounce"?

I just changed my fluid a few weeks ago and no metal shavings However, this isn't the cars original midlands...it looks as if it were recently replaced, I'm thinking no more than a year or two ago. You can clearly see the difference in color between the transmission and the oil pan.

I too drive mine with spirit but like you said, I don't slam gears, I just ease through them. Key to good driving is smooth inputs whether it be braking, accelerating, shifting, turning, etc. Keeps car in balance
But yeah, you have to double-clutch reverse. Mine is the same way.

I looked at the Dyno from where RMW tuned Dustin's R50 and with the K&N typhoon, megan, and tune, he was at 116wHP. Pretty impressive for what it is I think. but like he said, the biggest gain is in throttle response and a smooth powerband (no dips, goes right to redline).

I'm thinking of joining the BMWCCA and competing in the club events so I'm wondering if I can keep my cooper or have to switch to an S. I'm not sure how or if they even segregate the two (cooper and cooper s) into sperate classes so....I'm gonna call/e-mail to find out.
I can't imagine them considering the two cars the same. It just would be unfair. But if that's the case then Cooper S here I come..

 

Midlands rebuild parts available here.

Ken

 

35K on my 2004 R50 and no problems with the transmission. Gently driven most of the time, but I did use it in SCCA autocross for two years. Changed the trans oil twice so far. Shifts smoothly in all forward gears, sometimes have to clutch twice to get into reverse. I thought I would keep this car forever, but all the problem posts are making me nervous!

 

It's normal to have to double clutch to get into reverse so that ought not worry you.

I have talked to people who deal with MINIs in their profession and they say they have come across R50s where the original Midlands was in good shape even after 100k miles. So, I think there is still hope. However, I decided not to chance it and went with a R53. I don't regret it. It's quite fun but it did cost me a couple grand. I suppose it was worth it.

 

I did the same. I had an 02 R50, the transmission was perfect, but in the hopes of being ahead of the game, I sold it to buy an 03 R53. It's everything I liked in my R50 plus a few new bells and whistles (heated seats, Xenons and a sunroof). Couldnt be happier, especially once I get a few dollars together for some mods!