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..iv got a 51 mini..and its hard to get it into reverse..could you tell me how much it will cost to sort it…. obviously i will take the box out myself,,Thank you Gary..
Hi Gary
Thanks for the enquiry,
I have sent you an email with full information and pricing.
Kind Regards
Jason
SINSPEED
I have a 2003 mini and have just noticed noicey gearbox but goes away when press clutch . Any ideas wot this could be and price to get it fixed
Hi Sharon
Thanks for the enquiry,
I have sent you an email with full information and pricing.
Kind Regards
Jason
SINSPEED
The gear box on my 2005 mini Cooper is Whining. Do you offer a fitted replaceme and or repair service. If so cost please.
Hi Ian
Thanks for the enquiry,
I have sent you an email with full information and pricing.
Kind Regards
Jason
SINSPEED
Hi , I’ve got an “02 Mini One (~65k) with an Increasingly noisy gearbox, and occasional difficulty selecting reverse (all other gears seem fine). Taking note of your comment that taking action early could avoid more catastrophic problems, what would you course of action be and at what cost? Thanks, IR. (sorry about all these capitals – happening as I type!)
Hi Ian
Thanks for the enquiry,
I have sent you an email with full information and pricing.
Kind Regards
Jason
SINSPEED
I am looking at buying a 59 plate mini one With 39k for my son but it has a problem changing from 3rd to 2nd (syncromesh.?) is this a known issue and what would an approx repair cost?
Hi Alan
Thanks for the enquiry,
I have sent you an email with full information and pricing.
Kind Regards
Jason
SINSPEED
Hi,
Is this service still available?
Looking to get an understanding of replacement and fitting costs.
Thanks
clyde
Hi Clyde
Thanks for the enquiry,
I have sent you an email with full information and pricing.
Kind Regards
Jason
SINSPEED
Do you supply and fit for mini Cooper 06 gearbox
Hi Yem
Thanks for the enquiry,
Yes, we do offer a supply & fit for the 2006 Mini Cooper gearboxes. We now also offer an interest-free option to spread the cost over 6 monthly instalments as well, subject to a soft-check. I have sent you an email with full information and pricing.
If you have any further questions, please reply to the email and we’ll be happy to assist you.
Kind Regards
Jason
SINSPEED
I have a 53 reg mini one and was crunchy going into reverse. Now I have lost all the gears whilst the engine is running.
Any ideas of the problem and how to solve it with the cost.
Thanks
Hi Mark
Thanks for the enquiry,
I have sent you an email with full information and pricing.
Kind Regards
Jason
SINSPEED
Hi
My sons father in law purchased a 2002 mini cooper and was told the brakes were binding, it turns out its gearbox, goes through gears fine but noisy, what price are we look at for repair
Thanks
Hi Jason
Thanks for the enquiry,
It’s a very common issue to have and one of our most popular gearbox rebuilds. I have sent you an email with full information and pricing.
Kind Regards
Jason
SINSPEED
Hi, my 2001 mini cooper whines in every gear, if you suspect a gear box fault please send a price tofix it, Thanks.
Hi Antony
Thanks for the enquiry,
We have sent you an email with full information and pricing.
Kind Regards
Jason
SINSPEED