2006 Mini Cooper Gearbox/Clutch?

[Jonny H]

Hi guys and gals, newbie here.

Just wanted to ask something really to put my mind at rest. I picked up a brand new mini cooper last friday and im absolutely loving it. However ive noticed that the gearbox is very 'clunky' no matter how soft you engage/dis-engage the clutch. Also in reverse gear, whilst reversing, if you engage the clutch as if you were going to stop, i can hear 2 sort of clunk noises (this only happens everytime your reversing and you engage the clutch to stop)
Is this just a characteristic to the new gearbox on these cars that i need to get used to or should i be concerned?

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks

Jonny.

[MiniMpi]

Welcome to MINI2!
Yeah, the Getrag gearbox is abit clunky, but you grow to like it,I find it very positive.
With reverse, there is no sycromesh so, a "cure" which works perfect for me is to put it into first gear first,THEN select reverse and no "Grab/snatching noise".
Hope this helps you out.
Got this tip from MINI2 on first night I got my new MINI.
Great place for stuff like that etc.
Fergal.

[Jonny H]

Right ok, so its absolutely nothing to worry about then?

[MiniMpi]

Quote: Originally Posted by Jonny H

Right ok, so its absolutely nothing to worry about then?

If "your" sound/experience is same as I said above,
then no need to worry, as just a trait of the Gertrag box.
Fergal.

[MiniMpi]

Did you try the "select first gear then select reverse"?
Was it okay?
Fergal.

[Jonny H]

When i select 1st then reverse it certainly goes in easier and the crunch disappears, although going back to what i said in my first post, when your reversing and you engage the clutch to stop/slow down, at biting point im still getting the 2 hollow clunky noises, im assuming its just the clutch engaging. I might wait to see if it still does it when ive run the car in.

[westiebj]

Quote: Originally Posted by Jonny H

When i select 1st then reverse it certainly goes in easier and the crunch disappears, although going back to what i said in my first post, when your reversing and you engage the clutch to stop/slow down, at biting point im still getting the 2 hollow clunky noises, im assuming its just the clutch engaging. I might wait to see if it still does it when ive run the car in.

Hi

A loud clunk when disengaging clutch / changing gear / engaging clutch is indeed a trait of the getrag 5 speed gear box as fitted to the mini one/cooper mid 2004 onwards.

BMW have acknowledged the noise but refuse to do anything about it, saying that it is 'normal'

There are several different threads here covering this, but I am surprised that more people have not felt the need to complain, as it is truly awful and ruins any driving pleasure.

BMW refused to change my box saying that the new one would be exactly the same.

That means everybody with facelift mini one/coopers must be driving around enjoying their cars clunking like a tractor.

[micdesign]

Dear All,


I am new on the mini2.com as well, i bought a second hand mini cooper s last year, and warrenty run out for 5 week ago (mini cooper s 2003 may model).

I got the funny noice and the gear dos not go in to 1st gear, is there is something blocking it.

have anybody got these problem? all other gear is working fine.......

can anyone advice me what to do!!!

thank you.

micdesign

[Jonny H]

Quote: Originally Posted by westiebj

Hi

A loud clunk when disengaging clutch / changing gear / engaging clutch is indeed a trait of the getrag 5 speed gear box as fitted to the mini one/cooper mid 2004 onwards.

BMW have acknowledged the noise but refuse to do anything about it, saying that it is 'normal'

There are several different threads here covering this, but I am surprised that more people have not felt the need to complain, as it is truly awful and ruins any driving pleasure.

BMW refused to change my box saying that the new one would be exactly the same.

That means everybody with facelift mini one/coopers must be driving around enjoying their cars clunking like a tractor.

Ok, i mean tbh if the gearboxes unfortunately crunch and make strange noises by default then fair do's, i just wanted to put my mind at rest and ensure i didnt buy myself a brand new dud car. I think im going to run the engine in for 1200 miles as it states and see how it is after that.

[Lawrothegreat]

It isn't an acceptable situation, but you do get used to it. I have 31,000 miles on my Dec 04 build and it's still clunking - but I no longer notice it driving along, and only at rest in neutral depressing the clutch pedal.

I thought BMW rectified the problem over a year ago with a redesigned replacement part (not sure what) that would allow the gearbox and clutch to interface better (you're all impressed with my technical knowledge now!), but I never received it.

The getrag box does get better with age. The notchy feel becomes slightly smoother and the change remains precise. Lucky I prefer a bias toward precise/notchy than vague/smooth. My real annoyance is that I find the clutch a little harsh and find you have bring it up slowly to achieve a completely smooth gearchange that passengers don't feel.

But every once in a while you change gear and it feels like a bag of unconnected cogs ratling around together................

[Jonny H]

Quote: Originally Posted by Lawrothegreat

But every once in a while you change gear and it feels like a bag of unconnected cogs ratling around together................

I couldnt have put that better myself

I have to admit though, since i posted this i have noticed the clunkyness a lot less than when i first picked the car up.......may i also suggest turning the radio up!!.....that works a treat!

[Madeira Jon]

I have the April 2006 MINI Convertible and the gear box certainly isnt "clunky" at all! Its one of the sweetest changing boxes Ive ever driven. Maybe its on the way out!

[JG.26]

It's a sorry state of affairs that people are still paying their hard earned cash for a new car with a Clunky, Ponderous, noisy gearbox this is been going on for years and has still not been sorted and doubt it will be now until the new model arrives, and will it be sorted even then?. It's always the one thing I notice when driving other makes of cars especially Japanese with their knife through butter quiet gear boxes and then I jump back in the S and it's the same heavy feeling change... groan. My neighbour has recently swapped his 03 One for an 07 One and is not happy with the sound the current gearbox makes against the older box, seems to think it is much noisier, this surprises me on the newer car. I don't understand why BMW can't get this right. Have to admit the gearbox and gear change on my new Suzuki Swift is far smoother, quieter and snappier than the BMW's box. Perhaps this will all change with the new models arrival

[micdesign]

I just took my MINI Cooper S in to BMW this morning, and they came back to me with a gearbox problem, and the gearbox need to be change.

Parts: £2380 + VAT
Labour: £900 + VAT

After spending some time on the phone I finally got BMW pay for the Part and Holland Park got me 50% off the labour, so I guess is a fear deal (with 2 year warranty on the gear box.)

micdesign

[Wooly]

did they say what the problem was to warrant a new gearbox?

Quote:

Quote: Originally Posted by Lawrothegreat
But every once in a while you change gear and it feels like a bag of unconnected cogs ratling around together................

ive always had the clunking but recently ive had a 'double clicking' noise when i press the throttle at low revs, it happens in every gear up to 4th. damn annoying