This a bit of a long shot...

[CliveH]

Our (BMW) Mini 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.

[lji86]

try to get them to do it again under good will! if its only 3 years since it was changed and is a known problem then they might do it!

failing that i would source a secondhand one and get someone cheaper to fit and a flog the car

[Acidburn]

try to get them to do it again under good will! if its only 3 years since it was changed and is a known problem then they might do it!

failing that i would source a secondhand one and get someone cheaper to fit and a flog the car

I second the above comments.

Tbh it should last longer than that, if its a known fault that bmw know about say to them your go to watchdog and complain about it, that should sort them out.

[dubmeister]

try to get them to do it again under good will! if its only 3 years since it was changed and is a known problem then they might do it!

failing that i would source a secondhand one and get someone cheaper to fit and a flog the car

Spot on!! common fault on the boxes,
get a good(ish) on from a breaker and then get shot of the Medium (not REALLY a Mini are they!! ) ASAFP..................Take the money and run- buy a Lupo GTI instead(much more fun!!)

[S2central.net]

Three years on a gearbox with a silly wee engine producing the pitiful torque from that is incredibly poor.

I'd also suggest getting a 2nd hand box fitted and getting rid - unless you think the goodwill option is worth a try. It is amazing where a brass neck can get you after all.

Paul

[CliveH]

Thanks for all the advice guys

Pretty much my thoughts - I'll be trying the goodwill card tomorrow...

[dubmeister]

Thanks for all the advice guys

Pretty much my thoughts - I'll be trying the goodwill card tomorrow...

I find using this produces better results................

http://www.browningint.com/intro.html

and think when you're in jail you won't need a car...............

[iain1067]

is the gearbox that was replced still under warranty???? when i was with audi all parts come with a 2 year guarantee whether the dealer fits them or not, not sure if this is still the case though

[CliveH]

Hi Ian,

Unfortunately, it is now some 3 years since the gearbox was first replaced under warranty, so even if BMW's guarantee is the same as Audi, it is now well out of it.

I think our best chance is to seek a goodwill contribution, on the basis that this is a known problem, second gearbox in 5 years, not to mention the clutch being replaced just 8 months ago.