HI,

Anyone with a cooper S, do you have problems getting it into gear sometimes?

Getting into 1st is real stiff when in traffic, and it needs a fair amount of force to get it into gear.

I've read on some forums that the gearbox oil lasts forever, but some people have reported improvements in gearchange just by replacing it.

Has anyone similar experiences?

Thanks.

No problems for me! but if your taking it in for the warranty work mention it to the dealer & get them to look at that aswell that would be my advice

Hi ya

If your car is pre turbo MCSC then it could be few things. I not 100% about the later ones i think it same sort of set up
The gear change is done by two cables, the problem with this is there is a rubber gattor on the end of each cable, they split and water and dirt then get in to the cables making them stiff, spay wd40 on them while you move the gear stick in and out of gear see if it helps.
The cables do stretch but only if people have been hammering the gear Changes and would not think that's your problem
Also make shore where the ends connect to the selecter arm and go in to the gearbox are greased, which if you get some one to move the gear stick for you you will see moving if there not clean and regrease them
To look at cable ends, gators and selector cam you will have to pull out the air box assy It not a hard job
I would get you gear box oil changed anyway never hurts
I would recommend changing gearbox oil every two year or 30,000 miles or every second engine oil change. the oil deteriates with heat and moisture. Also if it never been changed it will still have the build swarf in it.

But like chris said if its under warranty take it back get them to fix it

Well after a couple of false starts and a looooong story, car finally went into the garage this week to look into the gear change problems.

After a day or so of looking at it I just had a phone call to say they're replacing the gearbox tomorrow.

Hopefully this will see the back of my problems with this car and I can get back to enjoying driving again!!

Fingers crossed!

Good job for warranty then

Totally agree about enjoying the MINI, hope to see you soon

Picked up the mini last night.

- New Gearbox
- New bearings
- Greased cleaned cables and gear linkages
- Changed gearbox oil (obviously)

They did check the clutch whilst everything was in bits, and said that looks OK.

Overall, clutch is still heavy, gearbox is still a little notchy, but fair play to them, its a hell of a lot better now!!!

Good job guys, Thanks!

Just a quick update!

After a months use the gearbox has loosened up a little and is now much easier to use. So overall I am a happy bunny.

It's still a little notchy, but thats all part of the Cooper S experience I guess.

Cheers.

Hey good to hear

Glad to hear its sorted

I avoided the stiff clutch by buying a works auto! Fortunately I've got a manual stashed for when I want to have a bit of fun - which incidentally has also had a gearbox!