Hey guys,

My step father has a 05 MC with a 10/04 build date. From what I am reading, and according to a drawing on realoem.com, he's got a Getrag.

When driving, there is what seems to be a bearing noise that is proportional to vehicle speed, not engine speed. This would lead me to believe mainshaft or differential bearings are to blame.

When in gear with the clutch engaged (pedal up) there is noise on and off power, but if just a small amount of throttle is applied, the noise disappears. This again seems to point to bearings because the axial loads are minimized with this small amount of throttle.

The dealer says the Getrag is a sealed unit, and has the be totally replaced at a charge of 8k USD. I suppose a 6-spd swap would be possible if the shifter cables, halfshafts, etc. were changed. While I have plenty of experience to tackle a job like that, I live 500 miles away so he would have to pay labor to have something like that done.

He's got 65k on the odometer, and has just had the clutch and gear lube changed 2-3k ago. He says he doesn't remember the dealership saying anything about the condition of the lube. I told him to sell me the car once the trans blows for 1k USD, but I think he'd rather keep it as he is somewhat of a Mini enthusiist.

What do you guys recommend he do?