Whinning Transmission

[DaiDick]

My 52 plate cooper with 91k has a whinning when accelerating through all gears, can't afford to take it for a diagnonsis at garage it had a new box fitted late 2007 only done average miles since then does this sound serious or could it be something that would'nt cost an arm and leg, any tips greatly received.

[mab01uk]

A good independent garage should diagnose the problem for free..........only main dealers like BMW charge for this!

Whining does not sound good, the Midland gearboxes are prone to bearing failure if the gearbox oil is not changed regularly......ignoring BMW's 'filled for life' recommendation.

More info here:
Early MINI Rover Midland Gearbox - Forums

[DaiDick]

Quote: Originally Posted by mab01uk (original)

A good independent garage should diagnose the problem for free..........only main dealers like BMW charge for this!

Whining does not sound good, the Midland gearboxes are prone to bearing failure if the gearbox oil is not changed regularly......ignoring BMW's 'filled for life' recommendation.

More info here:
Early MINI Rover Midland Gearbox - Forums

Cheers Mab, thats very usefull info does sound as thou it's a bearing problem i'll try to get a positive diagnosis soon don't want to be driving it to far do you think it's to late to change oil, as damage is most probably minimal at the moment. Thanks.

[mab01uk]

Get a diagnosis first on the whining noise and if they think its still worth trying an oil change, go ahead it is not expensive to do and will also confirm any metal has been floating around inside in the oil and on the magnetic drain plug........but unfortunately in long term it is unlikely to fix a worn bearing problem.

If it is your gearbox many Mini owners have found it worth travelling to this specialist in the Midlands for their keen prices and quick turnaround:

mini gearbox, gear fix - Mini recon gearboxes | BMW MINI cheap gearboxes
Mini Gearboxes Ltd were featured in Modern MINI magazine (July-August 2010)
Their prices for an exchange recon gearbox and new clutch fitted to a MINI:
5-Speed Midland gearbox £595
5-Speed Getrag gearbox £690
6-Speed Getrag gearbox £750
Recon box supply only from £325
(Ask for a quote on upgrading from Midland to Getrag as additional parts are required.)

Main Dealers quote a minimum of 6 hours for job, 'Mini Gearboxes' fit up to 15 Midland gearboxes a week and have got the job down to around 4 hours by removing the front subframe only from below, instead of the modular front end/rads/bumper assembly. Full method with photos showing stage by stage in MM magazine above (Issue 41).

[DaiDick]

Cheers mab, been told it's the diff on it's way out as the whinning is through all gears. Think i'm going to cut my loses and part ex her, been offered £2000, she needs 4 runflats soon and got a water leak and sunroof which does not sound to healthy. Great forum and all the best from daidick over and out.