 Gearbox/Clutch Please Help
Hi Guys,
I have a 53 Mini Cooper with 25,000 miles on the clock. Didnt renew my warranty in the summer cause I couldnt afford to.
Filled my car up with petrol yesterday(Sat) and as I was driving out I put the car in 2nd gear then the whole car stalled. I tried to put it back into neutral but It was totally stuck. I got out and left it 5 mins and then got back in. I could then put it into neutral and tried to put it in 1st gear. It made this awful noise like something was scraping really badly and it got worse when i reved the engine. I moved the car forward a little bit but it felt like some force was pushing it back. I then stopped the car waited 5 mins and managed to put it into neutral.
I rang Mini (£130) and they sent a removal lorry. The guy(real cowboy) said my clutch looked okay but said there was a problem with the gearbox. He said there was gearbox oil all over the road. He towed the car and took it back to my house cause all the garages were shut. He tried to drive the car off the ramp but it wouldnt cause it was stuck in 1st gear. He spent 10mins shaking it off the ramp by lifting up and down the ramp.
Does anyone have any idea what my car symptons could be?
Its been sent to Mini tomorrow to be looked at.
Im really scared cause im hearing things and figures like new gearbox (2K) new clutch (1k), etc, etc, etc. The mechanic said they could perhaps recondition the gearbox but thinks it unlikely. Surely they can make some adjustments without putting in a brand new gearbox but the guy I spoke to said MINI will do their best to make me have to buy a new one.
Im sure MINI will get difficult with me adopting the "that why we recommend a warranty" stance but 25,000 miles for a new gearbox seems redicoulous. I drive my car slowly and look after it well. I have had other problems with the gear box (sticks in reverse, hard to put it in 1st) but everytime I have mentioned it, they have said it was okay.
Should I suggest to MINI that they pay somepart of the repairs as a goodwill gesture considering how rare it is for a gearbox problem after 25,000 miles?
Im really at my wits end. Please help anyone!!!
James  | 
