There were a number of problems with the gearbox fitted to the MINI from start of production to July 2004. This was produced by Midland Gears, who closed when the contract was transferred to Getrag in '04.
Having said that, I had no problems with my Midland Gears box in 32,750 miles.
The Getrag unit has had separate problems (though they do seem more robust). From reading a lot of posts on here a lot of people derive a lot of comfort from the assumption that they must be built by those infallable Germans, ignorant of the fact that they are not only made in France, but that the R65 Midland Gears 'box actually started off life in France as well (as a Peugeot/Citroen product)
The most serious long term problem with the Midlands unit is that there are no new replacements available; all replacement units are now refurbs and have been for some time
May '04 - Feb '07 R50, Feb '07 - May '10 R53. Enjoyed our time with MINI's, but ran out of space! Now Focus RS & Land Rover powered...
