Hi, hello everyone. I just joined the forum because my 2005 mini cooper gearbox gave up at 56k miles. Does anyone know where I can get it rebuilt, or a replacement at a reasonable price? I am in the Boston area. Thanks
:cornut: Welcome! Welcome! I don't have that info but some of our more knowledgible people will be along shortly and they can assist you better than I. Jasonopcorn:opcorn:
I think I'd start the search with wrecking yards you will want a 05 or 06 Getrag transmission. You are soooo lucky you do not have a CVT.
Thanks Chuck Does that mean I should replace the gearbox or find spares from the junkyard one? If so any guides to local Boston ones? The Aamco garage took it out and found two holes in the case which is where it had been leaking they said! I spoke to the mini specialist in Arlington who had not seen the holes when he inspected it and never heard of holes appearing in the casing. Has anyone. Here are two photos of it: 1 2.
Well, if that's all thats wrong with the transmission, take it to a welder that knows how to weld aluminum. Ask to see their work (it's easy to tell if they know what they are doing) and just have them plug the holes. We do that kind of work all the time. We just welded up an aluminum cracked bell housing today. They shouldn't charge you any more than $50.00 to do the work. Most of the work will be in the labor to get a nice clean surface around the holes. The welding is real quick. More importantly, find out what caused the holes (it's difficult to tell by your pictures). Was something rubbing on the case or was it bad salt corrosion? If corrosion, you may have other spots close to breaking through. A thorough inspection of the surface would be in order just to make sure it's salvageable.
I agree welding is a doable option depending on the cause of the ventilation. If you do need to rebuild it I think I would find a good used box rather than rebuild what you have. I seem to remember reading that parts for the Getrag boxes were hard to come by.
If you are interested in doing a 6 speed Getrag swap, contact [email protected] Ash has a 05 MCS transmission with only 18K on it. He's in your neck of the woods so to speak.
Did fluid loss damage the gears? Did something grenade causing the holes? I know both the Midlands and Getrag have parts available, I haven't repaired one yet, but my local gear shop says they can do it, and I've read of others finding parts. As for the six speed swap, the Getrag six weighs about seventy pounds more than the Getrag five. One of the things I enjoy about driving a Cooper is how nimble steering is. A large part of that is from less front weight bias, and part is due to narrow tires. As much as the taller gearing of the six will help on the hwy, the Cooper needs to rev high to be quick, and lower gearing is better suited for that. I think the Cooper is better off with the five speed gearbox.
Thanks so much for your replies, it's a great help. I'm sorry I didn't prepare this post better. Here are a few more photo's to show how the bolts came loose inside. 3. 4. 5. 6. I'd appreciate any comments again. Best Richard
Here are the other shots of the gearbox showing the enlarged bolt holes. Is this normal? I must admit I'm completely skeptical of Aamco now after they quoted $2844 & labour at $95ph.They also told me they couldn't weld the casing and that BMW don't make spares for this year (05) mini's gearbox. Auto Engineering in Lexington who are mini specialists (and have very clean floors and a selection of teas in the waiting room!) quoted $3300 installed. I mention this so that it may help others in a similar situation. I spoke to Ash(Thanks for the referral) and had a good chat with him, very knowledgeable. Possible solution with him. Here are a few more shots: 3. 4. 5.
No it is not normal, the differential and ring gear should be replaced. Manufacturing QC probably missed torque check on those bolts. There is a good chance with the amount of metal circulating in the transmission other components have been damaged. You haven't mentioned if it is a Midlands or Getrag. I know parts are available now, keep looking for a competent gear shop. A quick web search turned up two persons claiming to rebuild these gearboxes on one forum Manual Transmission BLOWN - - - THE FIX!!! - Page 4 - Mini Cooper Forums - Mini Cooper Enthusiast Forums. Rebuild kits for the CVT are readily available, BTW.
I'm sure all that swarf in there has done no good at all to the bearing widgets, whatnots & cogs that live in that box. 05 & 06 Coopers have the Getrag box. Earlier cars have the Midlands box of rocks tranny.