I thought I would shed some light on the noises I and others have heard from their '05 MC with the 5sp. And yes, I make sure the car is completely stopped before going into reverse.

MINI Service Measure M23 200 05 05/09/2005

Subject:
MY'05 MINI Cooper w 5sp Getrag - Transmission Noise Diagnosis

Complaint:
On MINI Cooper R50/R52 vehicles produced from 07/2004 and equipped with 5-speed Getrag transmission, the following customer complaints may be encountered:

1. Grinding when the reverse gear is selected.
2. Rattling/grinding noise coming from transmission area when engine is at idle during a cold start. The noise dissappears when clutch pedal is depressed.

Cause:
1. Reverse gear was selected with vehicle still in motion. Reverse gear is not syncronized on G252 transmission. Prior to reverse gear selection, vehicle should be stationary in order to insure proper engagement.
2. Under investigation.

Measure:
1. Advise customer on proper reverse gear selection procedure (refer to MINI Owner's Manual page 56)
2. Do not replace any componants at this time. Replacing clutch assembly or transmission unit will not correct the condition. An effective technical solution is going to be communicated shortly.

Important:
In case the replacement of 5-speed Getrag transmission is required for some other reason, please contact Parts Consultants Group (at 800 272 02020 for parts release.

 

hmm.... have any of the other MC owners noticed a whistling noise comign from the tranny while in motion? you need the windows down and stereo off to hear it, but it sounds strange....

 

This is starting to sound like getting my Midlands replaced with another Midlands was not a bad thing.Mine was replaced because of extreme cold,and an axle seal let go,letting the tranny fluid leak out.I caught it in time,but the dealer still replaced the tranny.I love my new tranny as much as the old one.
3 rd gear is best,starts to pull at 50 mph,and runs me up to 85 mph right quick.

 

Update on Item number 2 above. MINI has now provided a fix. I do not have the Tech document yet, however, the fix is a new clutch and a dual-mass flywheel.

MINI of Pittsburgh is ordering the parts to repair my car.

YAY!!!

Steve

 

Are you sure you want a dual-mass flywheel?

One of the Cooper's advantages is lighter feel because of less rotational mass of the drivetrain components!!!

Dual mass flywheel in Cooper S is ~10lb more!

Leon

 

LMK when you get the tech document. I think I have the same noise.

 

The Cooper already has a Twin Mass Flywheel.

This is a redisigned Clutch and Flywheel to fix the problems with the new 5-sp Getrag. These are different part than fitted at the factory.

Steve

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...93&hg=11&fg=20

 

As soon as I get my hands on the article, I will post the contents here.

Steve

 

I thought their was no fix for this so i did not say anything to them , I get the whine noise and then depress also, on cold mornings its sounds like a truck. I checked the parts diagram and found nothing. It takes lots of Pumas to get something done. I guess i will have to set a time again.
Plus when I have the top down i can hear the whine. I bought this 5-speed for the getrag, i thought it was the best unstead of those france made GM trannys, they are crap!

Thanks for the finds!

thanks alpinamike

 

Talk to your dealer

 

Don't have the Tech Document yet, however, The parts are on order.

I am getting:
Redisigned Twin Mass Flywheel
Redesigned and upgraded Clutch Disc
Redisgned Pressure Plate
New Throw-out Bearing
and a new 5sp Transmission

This is the fix handed down by MINI.

MINI of Pittsburgh has already completed 8 upgrades, 5 more scheduled, and my parts on order.

Apparently the new tranny is needed because the old patrs may have damaged the transmission.

From all I could gather the production parts used by MINI were the same as used with the old Midlands tranny. Now they are switching to parts actually designed to be used with the Getrag.

I won't be having the work done until the middle to late part of January, as I will be out of town.

I will keep you updated!

Steve

 

Here is what I found so far on the issue:

click here

I have to eliminate exhaust as the cause of the noise, otherwise it's back to the dealer I go.

 

Do you know if there is a similar tech bulletin for the 6-spd Getrag? The tapping sound is the same in the MCS. Almost all owners who have had the transmission/clutch/flywheel/throw-out bearing replaced have the noise come back sooner or later...at least as posted on NAM and MINI-2.

 

Here is the bulleting for pre 08/04:

click here

Hope that helps.

 

I wonder if ther redesigned clutch and pressure plate helps solve another problem too....

IDK if anyone remembers, but, Classic determined my transmission in my Feb 05 Build MC failed due to premature clutch/flywheel failure.


I'm wondering if I was just one of the few people that found out that the MC had a weak spot somewhere in the drivetrain early on...

 

Thanks, that is the bulletin I was looking for...but my '05 MCS is a January 2005 production (does this mean it already has the "improved part"??). I have the tapping noise in neutral (clutch engaged - pedal out)...but it is minor and not an issue for me.

Do you know if there are any similar/related bulletins for post 08/04 production?

Thanks.

 

Update: My car went in yesterday morning to have all the tranny work done. I should have it back sometime tomorrow. I will update you as to exactly what was done, and if it was a successful upgrade.

Steve