gearbox???

[Richy777]

I am currently in the process of buying a Mini and I have been looking on here for problems, and gearboxs seem to be the big area for concern.

Q1, are MCS boxs ok?
Q2, when did MC boxes got to the new one and how can you tell?

I think if I get an MC I would be better of getting one with a later box?

Hope you can help....Richy

PS any think else to watch ot for?

[Ady]

The MCS gear boxes are of the getrag type and are pretty good. Sadly the earlier MC gearboxes are rover based and have a tendancy to fail, they were changed to the 5 speed getrag box when the MINI was given a face lift in July '04 and are a much better box. If you are after the newer getrag 5 speeder car you should go for a face lifted model which you can tell at a glance from the different bumpers which have a thin strip accross the front of the lower grille. below i have posted a couple of pics tho help you tell at a glance post and pre facelift cars.

Ady

[Richy777]

Thanks ADY, Do you think I should have a major concern on the old box? or I am being over cautious

[Ady]

definately have a major concern over the old box, so far i have had 2 Coopers both from new a 52 plater and a 53. The 52 needed a new box at 11k the 53 needed a new box at 25k both times i got rid of my car because of the problems with the gearbox. I now have just taken delivery of a 55 plater with the new box hopefully this will be one i actually keep.

Ady

[Nick_MSM]

Just had a new box on my '03 JCW too, only 15k miles.

[pocketrocketowner]

I have an 03 Cooper S and I have have zero problems with the box. I track it a lot and have raced it so it is not like it has been babied. I opened the box when I installed the LSD and these GETRAGS are built like brick shethouses.....Have nothing to say of the Cooper box other than what you can read on these forums and others. If I was you, i would stay away from early manual Coopers.
the other thing I would watch out for is the previous owner having learned to drive a manual on the car you are considering.......

[HarryHBMCC]

I just got an '05 MC after owning an '02 MC for almost 4 years. The new box is great, the acceleration is better and from what we've heard it is more solid. My '02 lost its gearbox at 22k km/11 months of service. The second box was good so the replacement Midlands seem to have been OK but if you buy an old one I'd check to make sure the tranny is OK -- I hear they'll replace the seals preventitively under warranty if they are original and you ask.

The Getrag boxes (6-spd MCS and new 5-spd MC) seem to be much better but have still had their problems so a warranty is a good idea.

Harry

[MINI-Morgan]

Although all the boxs are pretty tough go for anything that is after the face lift...and 2005 models MCS are very likely to include an LSD.

[mooneymini]

i currently own a 51 plate MC that has done 20,000 miles,

drive shaft has been replaced, and the gearbox has got those familiar symptoms of failure...

mine will be out of warranty soon too....

[SamHarrison]

box on my 51plate cooper blew at 42k

internal oil seal went and leaked oil all over the clutch which burnt that out too..great

got a 2nd hand getrag box off a crashed cooper and so far it has been good to me..the box had done 23k and has now done an extra 5k

[Richy777]

Thanks for all you replys, I think i will be trying to get a 54 or newer if I go for aMC, or I might still get a nice MCS for my budget of £11500.

[MINI-Morgan]

Quote: Originally Posted by Richy777

Thanks for all you replys, I think i will be trying to get a 54 or newer if I go for aMC, or I might still get a nice MCS for my budget of £11500.

You could push the budget a bit and get something much faster http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2004-MINI-MINI...temZ4601336604

And gearboxes breaking is luck of the draw and how you drive. I sold my MCS at 70K miles with no hint of gearbox problems and I drive my cars on tracks and very hard.

[Richy777]

I would love that MCSW but I guess it will get over 14K at the of the auction. Arr well I will just keep looking

[MINI-Morgan]

Quote: Originally Posted by Richy777

I would love that MCSW but I guess it will get over 14K at the of the auction. Arr well I will just keep looking

It varies... i've seen 53 plate works go for 12K. Just depends whos looking to buy that week I guess.

[TallAndy]

I'd go for a 54 plate if you can (july 04 on-wards). Ive had my JCW for just over a year now 19k miles box is fine.