How can a Cooper or One owner be dissatisfied with the S gearbox?


Quite easily. Just because the Cooper S has is more expensive car, and the gearbox can clearly handle a lot more power, that doesn't mean it is the nicest gearbox to shift. I thought it was very notchy and made gearshifting quite slow. I don't expect everyone to share this opinion but I don't think everyone will share your opinion that the S gearbox is the better one. Its just like saying the Cooper S has the more sporty suspension to the Cooper or One so everyone should prefer that too.

By saying this I am no way saying the Cooper S is a worse car than the Cooper or One. That would be stupid. All I am saying is that I prefer things on the Cooper to the S, as the two cars have bigger differences than just the 50bhp. Someone who prefers a sportier, firmer ride would disagree with me and would choose the S everyday.

Quite easily. Just because the Cooper S has is more expensive car, and the gearbox can clearly handle a lot more power, that doesn't mean it is the nicest gearbox to shift. I thought it was very notchy and made gearshifting quite slow. I don't expect everyone to share this opinion but I don't think everyone will share your opinion that the S gearbox is the better one. Its just like saying the Cooper S has the more sporty suspension to the Cooper or One so everyone should prefer that too.


I'm not saying the S has a better gear box. How can I, I haven't even driven one! The point I was making, is how can one be dissatisfied with something they don't have?

I like the sound of the Getrag as it sounds slightly more robust, like I could really slam it into the next gear with little worry for the well-being of the gear box.

Funny how the change of Mini gearbox manufacturer has prompted such a discussion about the pros & cons of the various 'boxes in the various cars :D

Funny also that gearboxes were also a fairly emotive issue in the classic Minis - just mention Jack Knight and a few stories would flow... :p

My Cooper S also had what felt like a harsh, knotchy gearchange when new - comparing it to the standard Cooper - after 1000miles or so, either is it a bit easier, or I have got used to it - but I wouldn't say that it is bad any more :)

I'm not saying the S has a better gear box. How can I, I haven't even driven one! The point I was making, is how can one be dissatisfied with something they don't have?

I like the sound of the Getrag as it sounds slightly more robust, like I could really slam it into the next gear with little worry for the well-being of the gear box.


Someone can easily be dissatisfied with something they havn't got, that is probably the reason they havn't got it. Does that mean I can only not like the Cooper S gearbox if I own a Cooper S ?
I loved the Cooper S and thought it was a great car and without question on paper the 6 speed Getrag box was a selling point. BUT, when I drove one I realised the box doesn't fit my driving style at all and it made shifting a bit annoying. The gearbox is more robust though for sure, it is needed to handle the extra horses of the S. Saying that it didn't actually feel more robust to me, it just felt like the Cooper box but more hard work and another gear.

Does that mean I can only not like the Cooper S gearbox if I own a Cooper S ?

No, but you can say that because you are dissatisfied with the Gearbox, you chose not to have (buy) it ;) :D

I would be dissatisfied with a Mini One, that is why I have a Cooper S - my choice :)

I would be dissatisfied with a Mini One, that is why I have a Cooper S - my choice :)



Too right. I don't want Cooper S owners to think I'm laying into the car. Its a sportier version of the Cooper and that is exactly what it is suppost to be.

Someone can easily be dissatisfied with something they havn't got, that is probably the reason they havn't got it. Does that mean I can only not like the Cooper S gearbox if I own a Cooper S ?


Of course you can dislike the Cooper S gearbox if you don't own it. Disliking something is slightly different to being dissatisfied with it, as I'm sure you can understand.

Example of what I mean:

You were dissatisfied with the Getrag 6-speed box. You can't say you are dissatisfied with it, as you no longer have it.

However you can still say you dislike the Getrag 6-speed gear box.

Understand? :)

Of course you can dislike the Cooper S gearbox if you don't own it. Disliking something is slightly different to being dissatisfied with it, as I'm sure you can understand.

Example of what I mean:

You were dissatisfied with the Getrag 6-speed box. You can't say you are dissatisfied with it, as you no longer have it.

However you can still say you dislike the Getrag 6-speed gear box.

Understand? :)


I think I get ya lol ;)

I'm wondering if the gear ratios will be the same or
different with the getrag 5-speed tran compared to
the original. Any details??

I'm wondering if the gear ratios will be the same or
different with the getrag 5-speed tran compared to
the original. Any details??
I would expect it to have the same fittings and same ratios.

Why? Because then Getrag 'boxes could be used to retrofit to the old R65 coupled engines.

When the company closes, it would either have to produce enough gearboxes to supply all future needs (warrantly replacements etc.) for the cars currently using that gearbox, or ensure that there is a useable replacement.

With an item the size of a gearbox, storage costs alone would be prohibitive.

I would expect it to have the same fittings and same ratios.

Why? Because then Getrag 'boxes could be used to retrofit to the old R65 coupled engines.

When the company closes, it would either have to produce enough gearboxes to supply all future needs (warrantly replacements etc.) for the cars currently using that gearbox, or ensure that there is a useable replacement.

With an item the size of a gearbox, storage costs alone would be prohibitive.
If MINI determines there's a 'better' ratio set, then they could retrofit the R65 transmissions. If all the bolts and such stay the same (since the engine and drive train shouldn't change) then you could just drop in the new transmission, and you'd have an 'upgrade' as well as a warranty replacement.

Its just a theory, but they do upgrade things like the coolant tanks when those fail.

All those who've written off the 6-speed should find someone with a MCS with some miles on it and drive it again. It's very notchy and stiff when new, but gets much smoother and just...positive as the miles accumulate. I missed a couple of shifts in my MCS within the first 1500 miles, but haven't even come close since.
You really owe it to yourself to drive one after the gearbox has loosened...

All those who've written off the 6-speed should find someone with a MCS with some miles on it and drive it again. It's very notchy and stiff when new, but gets much smoother and just...positive as the miles accumulate. I missed a couple of shifts in my MCS within the first 1500 miles, but haven't even come close since.
You really owe it to yourself to drive one after the gearbox has loosened...


The Cooper S I drove had just over 3,000 miles on the clock so the gearbox was run in a fair bit. I don't doubt it would loose up a bit more as the miles go on but I never thought the gearbox would be so stiff. Still, some people prefer that.

I prefer the Cooper 5 speed box to the Cooper S 6 speed (had an S for a week as a courtesy car - fantastic car it is, just wasn't as keen on the gearbox).

As has already been mentioned in this thread, I too think that the weak point if any is the engine in the Cooper. I'd have preferred to have seen BMW stick a Rover K series lump in it, but that was never going to happen!

My dad works for midland gears in longbridge. So if anyone wants specific info i can plug him 4 it?

When I odered my One in May, I discussed the gearbox situation with my Dealer. He said that the only reason he wouldn't want an S was because of the gearbox. If we now get the same "feel" in the 5-speed as we have in the 6, then it seems that this will not be a positive step.