car siezed - MINI2

jillybabs · #1 (**permalink**) Mar 2nd, 2009, 07:20 PM

Hi Guys

Can anyone help me, i have a mini one on an 02 plate, about a week ago i noticed what i can only describes as my wheels where struggling to turn and making a grinding noise.
Then yesterday i was driving up quite a steep hill and went to change gear into 2nd when the car siezed and i couldnt get it into any gear, when the AA came they tried to move it with the clutch in but it was solid, they brought me home on the flat back lorry.
I went to it this morning clutching at straws really, but was amazed it had freed but now when i drive it makes an awful grinding noise when going into 1st and second gear.

any ideas?

mab01uk · #2 (**permalink**) Mar 2nd, 2009, 07:51 PM

Do a search on here for "Midland gearbox" and see if your symptoms match those of many others as this early Mini gearbox can fail even at a quite low mileage. What miles have you got?
Less likely a clutch problem which would be cheaper to fix but will need further tests investigation to be sure.
Good luck and let us know what happens as someone on here might be able to save you money on where to go for repair/ parts when actual problem is confirmed..

jillybabs · #3 (**permalink**) Mar 2nd, 2009, 08:08 PM

Hi
I have done 74,000 miles, i often smell burning what do you think that is, forgive me if i get this wrong but it had a new diff pin replaced last august and a new clutch?

carl_a · #4 (**permalink**) Mar 2nd, 2009, 08:23 PM

hmm if the engine is running ok then it sounds like knackered gearbox to me, where abouts are you perhaps somebody can recommend somewhere to get it sorted?

jillybabs · #5 (**permalink**) Mar 2nd, 2009, 08:34 PM

hi thank you I live in Halifax West Yorkshire, do you have any idea how much it could cost and will i be charged for a garage to diagnose?

Regards
Jillybabs

carl_a · #6 (**permalink**) Mar 2nd, 2009, 08:44 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by jillybabs (original)

hi thank you I live in Halifax West Yorkshire, do you have any idea how much it could cost and will i be charged for a garage to diagnose?

Regards
Jillybabs

youll probably be charge for diagnostic. youll have to pay for transport to a garage and then theyll probably wanna take the gearbox out to check whats at fault then your at a point of no return.

urm when i had a 52 plate cooper a recon box from a place in manchester was about £500 iirc came with 12mth or 12000 mile warrenty. i fitted it my self but the place i got it from would charge £200 to fit. also youd be best to fit a new clutch whilst the box is out so add mabe another £100-£200 maybe.

you could get one from a breakers but i wouldnt advise this as you cant tell how long itll last.

hope that helps

jillybabs · #7 (**permalink**) Mar 2nd, 2009, 08:51 PM

Hi thanks for your help

jillybabs

mab01uk · #8 (**permalink**) Mar 2nd, 2009, 09:31 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by jillybabs (original)

Hi
I have done 74,000 miles, i often smell burning what do you think that is, forgive me if i get this wrong but it had a new diff pin replaced last august and a new clutch?

Who did this work as it may still be under some kind of parts warranty if your lucky?