MINI Drivetrain Repair Costs

BMW’s MINI brand is one of the most popular on UK roads, especially when you consider all the models such as the Countryman, Clubman and of course the Cooper. However, being a subsidiary of BMW, are repair costs very high?

In this article, we’ll take a look at some common faults relating to the drivetrain of common MINI models, and how much they’re likely to cost.

How much does repairing your MINI drivetrain cost?

Drivetrain repairs on MINIs can cost anything from £200 to £3,000+.

The drivetrain of your car is anything that transmits power from the engine to the wheels. In most two-wheel drive cars this includes the clutch and flywheel, gearbox, differential and driveshafts.

If your car needs significant drivetrain work, such as a replacement clutch or gearbox repair, Bumper can help spread the cost with interest-free car repair finance.

How much does a MINI clutch cost?

Clutches in most modern MINIs cost between £450 - £1300, depending on the particular model, and if any other components need to be replaced.

For example, if the dual mass flywheel needs replacing, you should typically estimate another £200-300 on top of the above figure.

How much does a MINI gearbox cost?

Gearbox replacements can cost between £550 for a reconditioned manual one fitted, to over £3,000 for a new automatic unit.

In some cases, the fault can be repaired without completely replacing the gearbox, but this will still typically cost at least £200-300 as it is likely to involve removing the gearbox.

How much are replacement MINI driveshafts or CV joints?

Replacing MINI driveshafts generally costs between £70 and £550, depending on whether just the CV boots need to be replaced or if the whole unit needs replacing.

Driveshafts transmit power from the gearbox to the wheels. To enable the necessary suspension travel, CV or constant velocity joints are used. These contain multiple bearings and are generally the reason a driveshaft needs to be replaced.

What are the main components of a car's drivetrain?

The term drivetrain refers to a collection of components that transmit power from the engine to the wheels. It incorporates:

Clutch and flywheel

The clutch is used to engage and disengage power from the engine to the gearbox. They are typically only found on manual gearbox cars, although some types of autos also use clutches.

Flywheel

This is attached to the clutch and serves to smooth out power delivery, making the car easier to drive. Dual mass flywheels can sometimes cause issues, but solid ones generally do not need to be replaced.

Gearbox

Used to select the gear ratio, it is a complex assembly of multiple spinning shafts and many gears; some types of modern automatic gearboxes are even more complex still.

Differential

On Front Wheel Drive cars, the differential is built into the gearbox, but in rear-drive cars, such as most BMWs and others, it is a separate unit located underneath the boot. Its job is to allow the driven wheels to spin at different speeds, such as when turning.

Are MINIs more expensive to repair than other car brands?

MINI repair costs are typically higher than the average, both in parts costs and labour rates.

Although MINI does make some performance models, such as the Cooper S and John Cooper Works editions, most of their cars are modestly powered and spec’d daily use vehicles, rather than luxury or high-performance cars. This is generally a good thing for repair costs.

However, as MINI is a subsidiary of BMW, parts costs can be expensive, as can labour rates. There are also a few common faults that can be a hit to your wallet, such as the N14 engine.

Repair your MINI with Bumper

If your car does not need to be repaired at the dealer to maintain its warranty, it is advisable to use an independent specialist, which will have much lower labour rates. To help with the cost even further, check out Bumper’s zero-interest car repair finance.

Author - Joseph Law

Joseph has been writing about cars for over eight years and writing for Bumper for over three, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.