BMW Mini Gearbox Problems
The earlier BMW Mini (mk1) is notorious for it’s long list of common problems and includes the common failing 5-Speed manual gearbox. The BMW Mini Mk1 is fitted with a Midland box across all models including the Mini ONE and Cooper. This is possibly one of the most common gearboxes we see in our workshops.
The most common problem with these gearboxes is bearing failure and more often it’s either the pinion bearing or front bearing on the lay gear – you may notice a distinctive noise as they progress to wear out. If you do notice the problem in it’s early stages, the cost of repair is much cheaper than if you wait for the bearings to completely collapse.
Once the bearings collapse, it could as much as double the repair bill depending on the extent of damage it causes. We’ve seen gear-sets get chewed to bits and gearbox casings cracked – this type of damage is irreparable and new casings and gearsets can be very expensive.
Common BMW Mini Gearbox Faults
- Noisy Gearbox (Crunching / Whining / Grinding Noise)
- Not Going Into Gear (especially 2nd + 5th)
- Stuck In Gear (commonly 2nd + 5th)
- Loss of Power / Clutch Slipping
If the front bearing fails, your clutch may need replacing due to oil contamination.
Our BMW Mini Gearbox Rebuild + Free Fitting Service
We are able to fully strip & rebuild the BMW Mini gearbox. We use new genuine OEM components when repairing gearboxes to ensure each and every reconditioned gearbox meets & exceeds OE specifications. All of our rebuilt gearboxes come with a 2 year unlimited mileage warranty and free fitting in our gearbox service centre.
If you have a gearbox fault with your BMW Mini, call us today on 0203 815 9441.

Ajaz is a seasoned automotive electronics engineer with deep expertise in remanufacturing vehicle electronics. He has developed skills in all areas of the automotive field, from rebuilding hydraulic steering components, and mechanical gearboxes and reworking intricate vehicle electronics. Ajaz also acquired Bodyteq, a London-based vehicle bodyshop where he has developed extensive knowledge in automotive refinishing.
Alongside his automotive career, Ajaz has built a career in the IT industry, gaining accredited certification as an AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, Cloud Architect, and Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) specialist.
Hi, I have a problem with my mini 03 it doesn’t go into 1s-2nd properly I was wondering About the costs. Thank you!
Hi Julian
Thanks for the enquiry,
We have sent you an email with full information and pricing.
Kind Regards
Jason
SINSPEED
hi i have a problem seleting 5th and reverse in my 53 mini cooper any ideas thanks
Hi Richard
Thanks for the enquiry,
We can definitely get this sorted for you and we’ve sent over an email now with full pricing and some further information.
Kind Regards
Jason
SINSPEED
Hi i have a mini one 06 plate
reg: wv0****
I’ve been told by my local garage that my gearbox bearing have gone and needs replacin so i was after a price for a new gearbox or The price to rebuil the one i already have on thanks daryl
Hi Daryl,
Thanks for the enquiry,
We’ve sent over an email now with full pricing and some further information.
Kind Regards
Jason
SINSPEED
Hi have mini auto 04 rg Ry54sxw there is a rummble noise in low revs car pick up ok just a geranox noise in low revs constant ben told by garage its the gear box not time chain rattle or altenator how much to fix the gear box please thanks sukhi
Hi Sukhi
Thanks for the enquiry,
I have sent you an email with full information and pricing.
Kind Regards
Jason
SINSPEED
Hi,
I have a 2003 mini cooper and it sounds like inout shaft bearing is rumbling, noise dies down a little when clutch held in. What are my options on new bearings/fitment costs please
Hi Joe
Thanks for the enquiry,
I have sent you an email with full information and pricing.
Kind Regards
Jason
SINSPEED
Hi I have a 2003 mini one. Gearbox appears nice and smooth in forward gears but very temperamental in reverse. Any ideas ?
Hi Tony
Thanks for the enquiry,
I have sent you an email with full information and pricing for the rebuild gearbox.
Kind Regards
Jason
SINSPEED
Hi,
I have a mini one OV56***.
There is a grinding noise coming from the gearbox.
The noise comes when stationary and is pretty loud. Seems to Dissapear when you press the clutch down.
Could You please Provide a quote With and without clutch.
Thanks
Hi Uves
Thanks for the enquiry,
I have sent you an email with full information and pricing.
Kind Regards
Jason
SINSPEED
Would ot be pos for a price On a 2003 mini cooper recon gear box supply and fit..
Hi Wayne
Thanks for the enquiry,
I have sent you an email with full information and pricing.
Kind Regards
Jason
SINSPEED
Could you send me a quote on a gear box and clutch replacemenr mini cooper manual 2005
Hi Jill
Thanks for the enquiry,
I have sent you an email with full information and pricing.
Kind Regards
Jason
SINSPEED
Hi could you send me a quote for both the gearbox and the clutch for an 03 cooper.
KR,
Hi Saq
Thanks for the enquiry,
I have sent you an email with full information and pricing to rebuild the gearbox from your Mini Cooper and also to replace the clutch kit.
Kind Regards
Jason
SINSPEED