Veggivet, that's what I'm thinking.

If I was forced to pick a gear to lose, it would be 3rd without a doubt. I'd drive it as is and get the gas gauge fixed. 

Thanks! I'll be checking those links out.

Here are some Midlands 3rd gear parts. We would need to confirm if they are still available if you are interested: midlands 3rd - Mini Cooper Part Search (minimania.com)

See post #113 at this link for a list of parts for the swap:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/how-to/154845-r50-drivetrain-getrag-6-speed-swap-full-how-to-5.html

I guess I'm a glutton for punishment. I still have the 2009 MINI Clubman that still doesn't run right, here's that post. https://www.minimania.com/msgThread/128355/1/1/2009_MINI_Clubman_Question Well I also picked up 2004 MINI. I was hoping it was the same motor as the 2009, but it's not, and I knew that before I picked it up, but I got it anyway. It's a pretty clean car with 200000 miles also. It runs good. The bad, gas gauge doesn't work, and the big one, no 3rd gear. It's a 5spd. It drives great skipping third. So a used 5spd is about $1500.00, a used 6spd is about $250.00. I guess the 5spd goes bad and the 6spd doesn't, the reason for the price difference. I'll be checking to see if I can put a 6spd in it, and what that will require, anybody know? Or I might just drive it as is. I'm in it cheap enough that if the tranny goes out completely I could sell it and still get my money back out of it. Anyway, I think I need to stop buying new MINI's. HUMMMM, VTECH swap?