I have a 2007 Mini Cooper S (R56) with a dead transmission. This is a huge bummer because I put a new engine into it last year. At this point I'm ready to move on but wondering if anyone has advice on whether I should fix it before I tried selling it. My mechanic said I would only get $1500 as is but it would cost around $8500 for a new transmission - used 2007s are running $10,000 here in Seattle so there seems to be a limited upside to fixing. Alternatively I could try to part out the car, particularly the engine - the engine has under 10,000 miles and is still under warranty. Wondering if any of you have leads, whether you are in need of an engine or have a transmission you can part with.

 

I can only assume you have the Auto Trans, with the paddle shifters...

IMO, Without knowing the total mileage on your car, and the fact that you had to put in a new engine... First if the transmission is around the 120 mile mark I would more than likely just do a fluid flush and refill and filter change, swap out the valve body and retest. If in fact the car has more than 200K, I would just look for a used replacement transmission (from a low mileage car), you should be able to find them around $800.00 to about $1500.00 you can easily pay more but there is no reason to. They are out there. (granted they too may need a fluid and filter change as well).

Point is, even if you want to sell the car after the work, you will profit in the end. Well as long as your shop doesn't profit over you!

Motor on!

 

Yes auto with paddles, the car has only around 80,000 miles on it. My shop quoted me at $5000 for a rebuilt tranny which seems like a far cry from the numbers you mentioned. Where would I go about finding a used transmission?

 

You might be able to save some money on the job if you drop the transmission, have someone open it up and fix it, then re-install it yourself. Should save you a lot on labor. Otherwise, you can source a used transmission at this site here.

-Luccia