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 Reality of r50 transmission failure?

 Created by: nunafida
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 Posted: Jun 18, 2020 03:44AM
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The R50 Midlands 5-speed gearbox is actually a Rover R65 unit. We suspect MINI incorporated this gearbox since it was readily available and only needed slight external re-design to fit the MINI. It was a significant cost saving compared to designing a new gearbox for the new model.

 Posted: Jun 17, 2020 02:07PM
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US
I bought a 2002 Mini with the 5 speed manual.   I bought it new.   It never leaked any oil, so I know the transmission did not run dry.    But at around 49,000 miles the transmission started to get noisy.    Especially in 5th gear.    I brought it back to the dealer and they swapped out the transmission under warranty.   Even though the car was out of warranty officially, they swapped out the transmission anyway.

I then drove the car until it had about 110,000 miles on it.    I would probably still have it but it got totaled in a rain storm.   We had a flash flood and the Mini got water up to the dash board.   It was a mess electrically.   The insurance company totaled it out.

I replaced it with another new Mini.   This one I got in 2013.  Cooper S.   It has about 80,000 on it now and is going strong.   The only issues it had mechanically so far other than wear and tear is that I had to change one of the coil packs.   I must admit, it is a MUCH better car than the 2002 Mini.

 Posted: Jun 17, 2020 06:46AM
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If you have to get the R50, get the 2005+ with the Getrag 5-speed manual.

However there is a good chance that a 15 year old car will have other normal issues simply from age and mileage.

 Posted: Jun 15, 2020 12:25PM
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I believe the 05-06 R50's used the getrag 5speed transmission and the 02-04 used the midlands.

My understanding is that ONE of the reasons for the premature demise of the 02-04 midland transmissions is that the seals would fail and the transmissions would be driven considerable distance with no or insufficient gear oil in them until bearings went bad.

 Posted: Jun 15, 2020 10:13AM
 Edited:  Jun 16, 2020 06:36AM
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The 2002-2006 R50 MINI Cooper Hardtop and 2005-2008 R52 Convertible automatic CVT transmission was definitely 'temperamental' and have had some reported problems.

The 2002-2004 R50 MINI Cooper manual Midlands 5-speed was also similar in temperament.


The 2005+ Gen1 R50 Cooper Hardtop and R52 Cooper Convertible used the Getrag 5-speed which was more robust.

 Posted: Jun 13, 2020 09:26PM
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I am aware that r50’s are know to have transmission troubles but it was my understanding that it was related to Automatics only. Friend of mine says he’s owned two manuals that had to have trannys swapped.

What’s the deal?