ANOTHER gearbox issue!!

[nelz]

Hi everyone. I have put a deposit on a 2004 pre-facelift MCS (done 38k miles), should be picking her up next week, so excited!!

Only problem is, the gearbox is rather stiff and quite hard to engage. It is most definitely more difficult than the one I test drove last week.

I've trawled through this site and google, and potential problems are ranging from needing to get new cables for the gears, perhaps something wrong with the teeth (??), or a possibility the gearbox oil needs draining, and refilling with a better quality one.

What are you guys thinking? Buy it and fix the problem, or steer clear and look for another?

Thanks.

[jamski]

Are you getting any warranty with it? Take a look at this thread. He's been going through getting this fixed today, and his MINI warranty seems to have come up trumps. If you get it without any, and it goes, you are in for a hefty bill!!

Cherished Mini Warranty/What will the dealer say today - totalMINI Forums

Hope it helps,

James.

[nelz]

Thanks for that jamski. I won't get any warranty as it is a private sale unfortunately.

Ohh I don't know what to do, risk it, or leave it.

When you say it's an expensive job, how much are we roughly talking?


Anyone else have an opinion on the issue?

[ScottyBoy]

The MCS gearbox is rather stiff TBH, if the oil needs draining then its a fairly simple job. Just undo one bolt on the gear box and drain it out then there is another one just above that you undo and refil it with.

The gearbox oil bottle has a filler neck inside the bottle for ease of filling. it take 1.7liters to fill.

If you have to eventually get a gearbox then it will set you back a small fortune depending on where you get the box and which garage fits it but you could be talking a grand from an independant garage with parts or more.

Id say its normal but then i aint drove the car to decide that.

[jamski]

Yeah as above, a grand or more depending on where you get the box from. My cooper box was £1100 for a reconditioned one (plus fitting and had the clutch done at the same time £1500 in total, if you go to mini you are talking several thousand, well over 2 by the time it's fitted I would think.

It's a horrible position to be in, I do feel for you.

[mooneymini]

I have a pre facelift 04 MCS, and my gearbox is much stiffer than my mums facelift 05 MCS.

Very different feel overall.

I have had mine over a year now, and gearbox still seems fine. Hasnt got any worse.

[nelz]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I'm gonna risk it for a biscuit and hope it will just be something I get used to, and won't get any worse. So excited about getting it!!

And fingers crossed I don't have to fork out £1500 for a new gearbox jamski, that's a bit harsh!!

[nelz]

Also, it is unlikely that a car that has only done 38K will need a new gearbox isn't it?

[mooneymini]

On the MCS I would say its unlikely.

They are the Getrag unit which is used over all MINI models now as it is a much better/stronger unit than the old style Midlands box that was used in the old Coopers, which were the ones renowned for going wrong and needing to be replaced early.

[jamski]

Quote: Originally Posted by nelz (original)

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I'm gonna risk it for a biscuit and hope it will just be something I get used to, and won't get any worse. So excited about getting it!!

And fingers crossed I don't have to fork out £1500 for a new gearbox jamski, that's a bit harsh!!

I hope it's ok for you. You'll love it!! Happy MINI motoring!