Engine Drivetrain 1st Gen Cooper Will this transmission fit my Mini?

Discussion in 'Tuning and Performance' started by flashover604, Jun 29, 2015.

  1. flashover604

    flashover604 New Member

    Mar 11, 2015
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    Hi all. I wanted to check here and see if a 5 speed transmission out of a 2006 Mini Cooper base model will interchange with a 2003 base model Midlands. I have a 2003 with a whiny 5 speed and have a chance to buy a 5 speed out of a wrecked 2006 base model.

    Thanks in advance!

    Zach
     
  2. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

    Mar 30, 2009
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    If I remember correctly it is a straight swap.
     
  3. ZippyNH

    ZippyNH Well-Known Member

    Jan 25, 2010
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    The CV joints have a different number of splines....
    So more than just a swap...you need matching CV joints.
     
  4. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    May 4, 2009
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    I thought the 2006 went to a 6 speed or was it a Getrag instead of a midlands.......:confused:
     
  5. M1N1

    M1N1 Well-Known Member

    Jan 5, 2014
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    There is an interesting "How to" in the Gen 1 section of the library. It will give you an idea of the kind of work involved in the conversion that you are thinking of doing. :Thumbsup:
     
  6. cristo

    cristo Well-Known Member

    Jan 4, 2015
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    Need a bunch of new parts if going from a Midlands to a 5-speed Getrag or a 6-speed Getrag.
    Count on new axles, flywheel, clutch, clutch lines, starter, mount, and maybe shifter box and cables
    (depending on the exact box and cables you have now). These parts add up to about as much as the
    transmission itself.

    It's a little cheaper than going to the 6-speed Getrag, but not by much, mostly the difference
    in the cost of the transmissions themself.
     
  7. RallyMini370

    RallyMini370 Well-Known Member

    Mar 12, 2012
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    Not a straight swap, 2006 5 speed is from the Ford KA and needs all the parts above, plus it is not much better than the Midlands. If you use the Mini for regular street use I'd go fix the Midlands. If the box is shifting ok then the input shaft bearing will be on its way out. Just pull the box, get some new bearings and you should be good for another 70,000+ miles.
     
  8. 00Mini

    00Mini Well-Known Member

    Feb 24, 2013
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    This is good advice from a person who can probably take apart and put together a Midlands 5 speed blind folded.
     
  9. RallyMini370

    RallyMini370 Well-Known Member

    Mar 12, 2012
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    Thanks 00Mini I dream the Midlands! LOL Or flashover604 can go fit a straight cut gear set for a real whiny sound. hahaha
     
  10. Eric@Helix

    Eric@Helix New Member
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    May 4, 2009
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    The incorrect-for-that-model trans swap is something we've never done--thankfully. I know other vendor have done it with good results. When I get inquiries about it, I try to steer the owner away from the idea. Ultimately, you're better off selling your car and getting another one with a better trans/motor package, like sell your R50 for a R53.
     
  11. RallyMini370

    RallyMini370 Well-Known Member

    Mar 12, 2012
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    True Eric but to help the lad out. Fixing the Midlands is easier. I bet his Mini has done 70,000+ miles so fixed correctly it should last the miles again.....plus who's going to buy an R50 with a dodgy Midlands box? Only me! hahaha
     
  12. flashover604

    flashover604 New Member

    Mar 11, 2015
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    RallyMini, I've got a mini for sale. 89,000 miles....lol!
     
  13. RallyMini370

    RallyMini370 Well-Known Member

    Mar 12, 2012
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    Thanks....just need the gearbox!
     
  14. RallyMini370

    RallyMini370 Well-Known Member

    Mar 12, 2012
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    but really, don't sell it because the gearbox is talking. Go get it fixed. Damn I should travel the US fixing the Midlands. Strange because I'm from the Midlands in the UK...LOL
     

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