Apologise for creating a new post on an old well documented subject - but the existing posts are all over the place and a couple of years old. Bought a 2004 Mini Cooper for a song, as a bit of a project, as the seller said it needed a new gearbox. The car has 70k on it. Have driven the car for a few weeks now and the only problem is that it jumped out of 1st gear, whined a bit in 5th gear and the clutch pedal was very stiff. It has the Midland 5 speed box fitted - so in view of the notorious reputation and to allow me to sell it on - I wanted the box and clutch replacing with a refurbished one. It was my intention to buy the box and do the job myself. Having priced the parts up and doing a bit of research I thought I would try Minigearboxes Ltd in Coventry. Rang them Friday afternoon and booked it in for the following day - drove down to Coventry from Derby dropping the car off at 8.45am. I then went for a walk around Coventry City centre (can recommend the Transport Museum) and at 10.55am got a call to say the car was ready. Test drove the car and then the 60 mile return journey home and the car was completely transformed. Spoke to the owner of Minigearboxes - John - who does the job himself, and he obviously has a vast knowledge of this car and has specialised in refurbing and refitting them and has got it off to a fine art, having supplied and fitted well over 1000. I for one am a very satisfied customer - I appreciate it is very early days, and a replacement gearbox is major surgery that could develop problems but from speaking to him I have every confidence that any problem would be resolved with the warranty given. John is also doing replacement engines and is worth talking to for any other used parts you require.
Please don't expect suits and ties and a state of the art BMW 'laboratory' if you take your car there - but a good, genuine, down to earth, friendly service for a fraction of what it will cost elsewhere.
I have no connection with this business other than being a satisfied customer who believes in 'plugging' a good service that may be of use to other members
Please don't expect suits and ties and a state of the art BMW 'laboratory' if you take your car there - but a good, genuine, down to earth, friendly service for a fraction of what it will cost elsewhere.
I have no connection with this business other than being a satisfied customer who believes in 'plugging' a good service that may be of use to other members