This is a bit of a long shot...

[CliveH]

One of the Minis has been diagnosed with a knackered gearbox.

This was previously replaced under warranty. At that time, we were told that it was a "weak point" on the earlier models, but that was some 3 years ago.

They now want £2,400 (to supply & fit) a new one.

Before this little mishap, it was probably worth about £5,500. Obviously, in this state, I'd be lucky to get much more than £3,000.

So I have a bit of a dilemma :-

• spend the money and get another 2 years' use out of it? or
• get what I can for it in its current condition and put the money towards another car?

The only other thought is to look for a second hand/refurbished gearbox, but how long is that going to last (and how much)?

Any experience, thoughts, advice much appreciated.

[Peakz]

There must be a plentiful supply of second hand gearboxes around, if the prices aren't too steep it's probably worth fitting a used 'box and selling the car.

[mikeyquattro]

I'd ring around breakers and get a used box. I take it, it's an early 5 speed? Shouldn't be too hard to fit..

[mikeyquattro]

http://www.transmission-rebuild-kits.co ... 205be62852

What do you think Clive? Is Dave up for the challenge!

[CliveH]

Many thanks Mike

Dave would certainly be up for the challenge, and I helped ChrisS2 fit one to his 3B S2, but we really do need this car to work again...

[jimbo1234567]

in my experience the a series engines and boxes are rubbish, metro boxes are the same but stronger but may affect the final drive gearing

[MarkB]

in my experience the a series engines and boxes are rubbish, metro boxes are the same but stronger but may affect the final drive gearing

I think Clive is talking BMW Mini.

I'd say get it rebuilt, use for a while then sell it on.

[CliveH]

That's right Mark, and that's what I'll probably do.

[DavidT]

I'm sure there will be plenty of breakers & repair specialists for that car.

If it were my money, I'd get it done for sensible money with a specialist so you have some comeback. Buying the bits and doing it yourself is one thing but you have to do it again of the bits are faulty

[tartan_rob]

Clive - I know you ain't that handy with a spanner - no offence, but assuming you can get torque settings etc, getting new cogs etc ain't that big a deal. Gearbox out, repaired and back in would take you a weekend, no longer.

That is asusming all you have done is shred some gears.

[s4woody]

clive i,ll give you £3500 as it is..

[CliveH]

Guys,

Thanks for all your advice, and to Woody for the kind offer

David/Rob - I was joking about attempting to fix it ourselves - as Rob says, I'm not that handy with a spanner (and our David is still learning...), so that was never on the cards...

It got worse before it got better - the gearbox mounts are shot too and some other stuff apparently needs fixing (don't ask me what)- another £600

However, we got a result :-

Some say she could kill a man at 10 paces....some say she could charm a snake charmer....all I know is she's called MrsH...!!!

Yes, the matter was left in the capable hands of my good lady today as I had a busy day in London.

Short version is that after a lot or argey bargey and some 6 hours later, we have managed to secure a goodwill contribution from BMW/Mini for 100% of the parts cost, we just pay for the labour. Oh, and we've got a courtesy car until it's fixed. I'm happy with that.

[Peakz]

Result!

And the courtesy car is . . . ?
A new Clubman??

[CliveH]

I'm not telling...don't want you to get jealous...

[mikeyquattro]

I'm not telling...don't want you to get jealous...

Goodwork Mrs H!

Must have a diesel clubman then. Horrible car imo!