[Gotham Taffer]

Hello all. I'm in central NJ. I also have the "noise" when the clutch is out and I'm in neutral. I pointed it out to my dealer yesterday when the car was in for a fix to a trim light. They said they changed the gearbox oil, but the noise was still there. They then called the MINI USA hotline at which point they were told they need to take the transmission apart to look at the problem. They said they are ordering a new transmission for me, "just in case they need to replace it". Car goes in a few weeks from now for the fix.

I'm shocked that even without any pressure from me, they are ready to replace the transmission. Seems like a BIG job. It must be a known issue, as was mentioned above. Thanks to all the posters on this thread, or I may not have said anything about the noise. And thanks to my dealer for being so top-notch.

-GothamTaffer

[northandy]

Quote: Originally Posted by Gotham Taffer

Hello all. I'm in central NJ. I also have the "noise" when the clutch is out and I'm in neutral. I pointed it out to my dealer yesterday when the car was in for a fix to a trim light. They said they changed the gearbox oil, but the noise was still there. They then called the MINI USA hotline at which point they were told they need to take the transmission apart to look at the problem. They said they are ordering a new transmission for me, "just in case they need to replace it". Car goes in a few weeks from now for the fix.

I'm shocked that even without any pressure from me, they are ready to replace the transmission. Seems like a BIG job. It must be a known issue, as was mentioned above. Thanks to all the posters on this thread, or I may not have said anything about the noise. And thanks to my dealer for being so top-notch.

-GothamTaffer

Its strange I spoke to Mini here in the UK this afternoon, and pointed out the fact the it seems in the US everyone who complains gets a new gearbox, but in the Uk we have a real battle.... also sent a 5 page letter to Mini Uk (they suggested I put it all in writing)

[GTmini]

Quote: Originally Posted by northandy

Its strange I spoke to Mini here in the UK this afternoon, and pointed out the fact the it seems in the US everyone who complains gets a new gearbox, but in the Uk we have a real battle.... also sent a 5 page letter to Mini Uk (they suggested I put it all in writing)

That's funny b/c to me it's always seemed like owners outside of the U.S. were getting their transmissions replaced with less hassle. Grass is always greener...

On a similar note, I never thought I'd say it, but I wish I was in Central NJ right now. haha

BTW, sexys' service advisor is one slick mutha..."they all do that, to stop people trying to get into the back on the side thats in the traffic flow" It's so sad and so insane that it's actually funny

[Gotham Taffer]

Quote:

On a similar note, I never thought I'd say it, but I wish I was in Central NJ right now. haha

LOL. Yes, that's not something you hear every day!

[NYCguy]

I had the ticking noise at idle that would go away when I stepped on the clutch on my 03/03 build MCS. I took it into the dealer in New York city for this and a few other minor things last week and they diagnosed it as a "defective control valve for engine ventilation".

They replaced the valve and the hose and now the noise is gone. Apparently there is a one-way flap in the hose that was sucked in the wrong way or something. I couldn't get any more details from the SA.

I don't quite understand how this can be but I'm glad it's fixed and it wasn't the transmission or the clutch. You guys may want to tell your dealers to look into this before they start tearing into the tranny. Manhattan Mini is a BMW corporate-owned dealership so I assume their techs know what they're talking about. At any rate they fixed the problem and, this may just be a psychological thing but the exhaust note is a little deeper and the car seems peppier.

[MG-BGT]

Hi
FWIW, I've had the noisy throwout bearing since about 5k mi (now at 26k on my 03 MCS). It aas monitored and finally changed around 23k mi, is quiet now. In my area I know of 6 other MCS' now that had the throwout bearing changed. In all of them the new bearing removed the noise, in one of them it returned and a second replacement is being done now.
Cheers,
M.

[V8bruiser]

Yes it's the clutch release bearing and clearly a lot of them are noisey - But who cares, if it 'aint broke don't fix it - It should have no effect whatsover on the transmission shifting and if and when it does fail, fix it then. Just enjoy the dam thing! And remember, if this becomes common knowledge outside the Mini fraternity it will hit your residuals hard.

[Rich-UK]

My MCS does this too (built Feb 2003), my dealer said it was normal and all BMW's do this

But like V8bruiser says, if it ain't broke don't fix it.

[MG-BGT]

I'm with you to some extent: if it ain't broke, don't fix it. This is why I monitored mine for so long, eventually the dealer decided it needed to be fixed. The problem is, if it does fail catastrophically, it is not a pretty thing. At the very least, it would immobilize you somewhere on the road.

[northandy]

Quote: Originally Posted by MG-BGT

I'm with you to some extent: if it ain't broke, don't fix it. This is why I monitored mine for so long, eventually the dealer decided it needed to be fixed. The problem is, if it does fail catastrophically, it is not a pretty thing. At the very least, it would immobilize you somewhere on the road.

H'mm problem is I've already had a new throw out bearing.... and worryingly (for me anyway) is that the box is now becoming notchy, (10k miles on the clock), and over the past week I've had a couple of occasions of not being able to select first....

I understand if it aint broke dont fix it, but I've already been driving one car that stopped selecting gears, and it wasnt fun to go barreling into a quick corner (legally before someone says anything), downshift and find you cant get a gear, how I kept it on the road i'll never know.... thats my worry and its affecting my enjoyment....

And about it affecting residuals.... Is that a reason to put up with a faulty car ?, for me it isnt.... dont take my comments the wrong way, but if you'd have had to put up with a dealer and the blatant lies I've had over the past 6 months, you'd feel the same.

[GTmini]

Quote: Originally Posted by northandy

H'mm problem is I've already had a new throw out bearing.... and worryingly (for me anyway) is that the box is now becoming notchy, (10k miles on the clock), and over the past week I've had a couple of occasions of not being able to select first....

I understand if it aint broke dont fix it, but I've already been driving one car that stopped selecting gears, and it wasnt fun to go barreling into a quick corner (legally before someone says anything), downshift and find you cant get a gear, how I kept it on the road i'll never know.... thats my worry and its affecting my enjoyment....

And about it affecting residuals.... Is that a reason to put up with a faulty car ?, for me it isnt.... dont take my comments the wrong way, but if you'd have had to put up with a dealer and the blatant lies I've had over the past 6 months, you'd feel the same.

I also back this particular viewpoint...and it's interesting to hear that you're gearbox has also become quite notchy with trouble selecting gears...these are the other symptoms I've been trying to find out if anyone else has. It's truly drivng me nuts as well....fortunately it hasn't led to any near-accident situations yet, but it's still nerve racking to suddenly be stuck trying to get the transmission to go into a gear while on the road. This thread (and hopefully an announcement of something by MINI) means as much to me or more as the stumble/yo-yo threads. Even just the idea of a bad throwout bearing mated to that $3000+ clutch isn't very reassuring either

The only reason I'd care a lot about residuals vs having a properly functioning car are b/c I almost want to sell the thing due to the fact it isn't working well. Beyond that, I plan(ned?) to keep this car for an indefinite time as hopefully the first of many cars I hope to own/collect.

[sexys]

Quote: Originally Posted by northandy

Dawn.... whats the build date of your car ?, Is it June 03 ?, I ask because my drivers seat is faulty too... Dont let them fob you off with "well this one does it as well so it must be ok" Mini have acknowledged there is a problem, but as yet they dont know what the fix is.... I've seen the email from Mini, I believe it was a guy called Justin Barker (or something like that)... when I complained about my seat (the one in the car!) they said "they all do that, to stop people trying to get into the back on the side thats in the traffic flow"... so i goes out gets into the courtesy car they had given me, and hey presto the seat slides and tilts no problem !!!.... i'm currently in the process of writing another letter of complaint to Mini UK... we'll see what happens then.... I'll keep you informed, you must let me know what they say !!
Andy

Well Andy, just been to get the seat sorted. The technician had a listen and attributed the noise to the gearbox. They want to book it in for a replacement!!

It's good that they are doing something about it, but it's a bit worrying for a 4 month old car with only 2.5K miles!! I know it should be OK once it's done, but it does concern me.

Considering your dealer says they can't guarantee a fix, should I be happy with a new 'box? What do you think?

A bit miffed
Dawn

[MHALEY57]

I'm getting the same noise in 2nd gear. this usually only happens the first time the car is driven. It has started since the weather got consistently below 40.
When i go from 1st to 2nd, at 2500 rpm a rattling noise starts, and stays till I got to 3rd, where it usually dies out. Sometines it stays and continues even through 4th gear, but fades rapidly. I can't tell whether it is in the front or back of the car, it seems to migrate! The engine has no rattles when just taken to 2500 rpm in neutral, so I don't think it has anyting to do with the engine. Could it be in the exhaust or gearbox. No hard shifting or anything in the gearbox.
Anyone else experienced this??
Any help would be greatly appreciated. It's a 2003 MC, not ans MCS.
Anyone else hear of this problem with the MC 5 speed?

[GTmini]

Quote: Originally Posted by MHALEY57

I'm getting the same noise in 2nd gear. this usually only happens the first time the car is driven. It has started since the weather got consistently below 40.
When i go from 1st to 2nd, at 2500 rpm a rattling noise starts, and stays till I got to 3rd, where it usually dies out. Sometines it stays and continues even through 4th gear, but fades rapidly. I can't tell whether it is in the front or back of the car, it seems to migrate! The engine has no rattles when just taken to 2500 rpm in neutral, so I don't think it has anyting to do with the engine. Could it be in the exhaust or gearbox. No hard shifting or anything in the gearbox.
Anyone else experienced this??
Any help would be greatly appreciated. It's a 2003 MC, not ans MCS.
Anyone else hear of this problem with the MC 5 speed?

Coopers have had a plethora of serious transmission and shifter linkage problems that are all their own...I can't point to any specific threads, but if you do a search on MC and "broken linkage" or "gearbox replacement" you'll probably find plenty of links to get you started.

As for the MCS gearbox matter, I'm almost convinced my car is just messing with me now. I leave for work this morning and my transmission is shifting as smooth as butter...I'm absolutely amazed and wonder what the hell happened. Perfect shifts, no notchiness at all...just the way I remembered my test drive. Barely ONE block later (the first light on my way to work) and the shifter was suddenly back to behaving like its busted, notchy, poorly-shifting "normal" self again The fact that it randomly has super short periods where it works great is just beyond baffling. This car is going to drive me insane...

[northandy]

Quote: Originally Posted by sexys

Well Andy, just been to get the seat sorted. The technician had a listen and attributed the noise to the gearbox. They want to book it in for a replacement!!

It's good that they are doing something about it, but it's a bit worrying for a 4 month old car with only 2.5K miles!! I know it should be OK once it's done, but it does concern me.

Considering your dealer says they can't guarantee a fix, should I be happy with a new 'box? What do you think?

A bit miffed
Dawn

Dawn....At least they're attempting to fix yours, they've basically told me to lump it until a fix is out !!!.... I must admit from what i've heard there is some issue as to whether new boxes are the same, thats a big concern for me, my cars been off the road enough already and i'll be well unhappy if it had a new box and that was no better !!.... plus I dont trust my dealer enough to do the job properly !!!... I have written to Mini GB and am waiting their response, but its funny when I wrote to my dealer asking them to put in writing their comments that it wouldnt fail they wont reply.... I'll keep you informed... Andy

[northandy]

Quote: Originally Posted by MHALEY57

I'm getting the same noise in 2nd gear. this usually only happens the first time the car is driven. It has started since the weather got consistently below 40.
When i go from 1st to 2nd, at 2500 rpm a rattling noise starts, and stays till I got to 3rd, where it usually dies out. Sometines it stays and continues even through 4th gear, but fades rapidly. I can't tell whether it is in the front or back of the car, it seems to migrate! The engine has no rattles when just taken to 2500 rpm in neutral, so I don't think it has anyting to do with the engine. Could it be in the exhaust or gearbox. No hard shifting or anything in the gearbox.
Anyone else experienced this??
Any help would be greatly appreciated. It's a 2003 MC, not ans MCS.
Anyone else hear of this problem with the MC 5 speed?

H'mm sounds a bit similar to the problem I had earlier with my MCS, I believe that was cured by new cables in the linkage, give your dealer a call and get them to look into it, also I'd do it sooner rather than later as i've heard a few stories of the 5 speed box failing totally... hope you get it sorted !

[MHALEY57]

Quote: Originally Posted by SPClark

Boy, that's the truth! I think My Dealer cares about his customers (so it seems so far) as well, but a $3,000+ non-warranty repair will be the test....

I'm just shy of 36K miles on my week9/03 build S, been motoring all around the Midwest since I picked 'er up over 13 months ago.

My "history" with cogs gives me pause; thrust bearings, clutch throwout bearings, synchros, etc. all are dear bits when it comes to R&R. Been there, done that on various marques.

I haven't heard the "sewingmachine" noise others have commented on, or any noises associated with the clutch being in or out in neutral. Will be paying close attention (& turning down the CD) from now on.

Have noticed though a "sticky" sensation once in awhile going up thru 4-5-6 though, like things aren't sliding as smoothly as they used to. Not always, nothing I can point a finger at, but worrisome nonetheless.

V'glad for Mini2.com though - that we're all in this together & sharing our experiences makes it hard for the vendors to do the "thay ALL do that!" line!

It's the synchro's in my '03 MC. just got the word from MAG Mini yesterday, need new trans & clutch, all covered no hassle happy so far. They've seen 3 cases so far of this at this dealership.

[sexys]

Aug 03 MCS now booked in for new gearbox and clutch. (they said they may as well do the clutch as well whilst everything is out).

Im still itchy about having this work done, but at least so far it has been stress free. The technician sat in the car with me, whilst he listened for the noise. Without me saying a word he asked me to put the clutch in (noise stopped). He quite openly said "its the gearbox, we'll book you in for new one". He said he's had a few back but not many considering the amount sold.

They have also had a few of their demonstrators in and they are fine now. Its booked in for 29th December, so i'll keep you all posted on the outcome.

Dawn

[GTmini]

Quote: Originally Posted by sexys

Aug 03 MCS now booked in for new gearbox and clutch. (they said they may as well do the clutch as well whilst everything is out).

Im still itchy about having this work done, but at least so far it has been stress free. The technician sat in the car with me, whilst he listened for the noise. Without me saying a word he asked me to put the clutch in (noise stopped). He quite openly said "its the gearbox, we'll book you in for new one". He said he's had a few back but not many considering the amount sold.

They have also had a few of their demonstrators in and they are fine now. Its booked in for 29th December, so i'll keep you all posted on the outcome.

Dawn

Now that's a respectable service department...I'm so jealous. I also hate the idea of dealers' mechanics touching my cars (since there's often the chance they'll break more than they fix if you end up with a bad service department), but I'd be even less thrilled driving around with a busted, iffy, expensive drivetrain. I think I'll complain to my dealer again after the holidays and see what happens (hopefully they'll upgrade me to v36 while they're at it). I'd be a lot less ticked off if MINI would just bite the bullet, fix the problem and make sure it never happens again.

[northandy]

Quote: Originally Posted by sexys

Aug 03 MCS now booked in for new gearbox and clutch. (they said they may as well do the clutch as well whilst everything is out).

Im still itchy about having this work done, but at least so far it has been stress free. The technician sat in the car with me, whilst he listened for the noise. Without me saying a word he asked me to put the clutch in (noise stopped). He quite openly said "its the gearbox, we'll book you in for new one". He said he's had a few back but not many considering the amount sold.

They have also had a few of their demonstrators in and they are fine now. Its booked in for 29th December, so i'll keep you all posted on the outcome.

Dawn

Dawn,

I'm gonna send you a PM, I could do with some more details on your problem to see if it helps me with mine, Mini UK now say "its a characteristic".... got a letter from them yesterday, I'm so angry its unbelieveable... they say they will not touch mine as theres nothing wrong, this is despite what they said previously !!!!.