Gearbox rattle - Cooper S

[Antinontoxic]

Hi,

I have been searching around and found out that this is pretty common problem with the Cooper S. What I have not found is the cure for it. Some even say it is normal and you do not need to worry about it.

Symptoms for my MINI are...
- Rattle from the left side of the engine (UK - passenger side, EU - drivers side)
- It happens when the car is on neutral
- It is louder if you lift your clutch pedal rapidly
- It is quieter if you lift your clutch pedal slowly
- It follows the revs

However, my MINI does not have...
- Problems with the gear changes (even with temperatures below -20 celsius)

Some say the cure for it can be...
- Change the transmission oils
- Change the flywheel
- Change the release bearings
- Change the whole gearbox (there are cases where this has not cured the problem)


Is there a confirmed fix for this?

[DarkMini28]

It can be the gear linkages that come away from one of its brackets i doubt very much you need to replace your whole gearbox... I have the same problem with mine

[Antinontoxic]

Quote: Originally Posted by DarkMini28 (original)

It can be the gear linkages that come away from one of its brackets i doubt very much you need to replace your whole gearbox... I have the same problem with mine

Have you had it for how long? As I think that this rattle is not normal, I am afraid that it will braek something in the long run.

[BRG/Blk Cooper S]

Hi,
If the gearbox is operating quietly and smoothly when you are driving then I wouldn't worry about it.

What you are hearing is some gear chatter when the clutch is released - all Cooper S's do this to some degree - mine is a 2005 and I had BMW carry out the PUMA that replaces the flywheel to apparently alleviate the problem but tbh it's a small improvement only.

The time to actually worry is if the gearbox starts not wanting to go into gear, especially in 1st when stationary this in my case signified a faulty clutch and was replaced under warranty.

The 6 speed Getrag box is super reliable but it does have some gear chatter - if you were so inclined maybe get the oil changed and see how the old oil looks......if it's clean then nothing to worry about.

I don't believe in the gearbox oil for life idea, change mine every 2nd oil change, can't hurt.