The dealer just returned my '06 JCW S after replacing the flywheel and clutch for the second time. There was minimal wear on the clutch, but glazing on the flywheel.

The problem is that soon after receiving the car I noticed that it was difficult to shift into reverse, and then first and now second gear is also very difficult to shift into. It is definitely getting worse everytime I drive the car.

What is the the problem?

I'll leave the car with the dealer on Tuesday, but I am really curious to hear what this forum thinks.

Cheers.

Hmmm its probably completely unrelated but ever since i've had my 03 Cooper 1st gear has been quite stiff to get into (usually more so first thing in the morning), reverse occasionally won't engage or will crunch, and very rarely 2nd will be abit stiff to change into aswell.
I assumed it was the problematic midlands 'box but let me know if your mechanic finds anything we may have the same problem?

hi every one

reading all this posts is good, i Have a 2008 mini cooper convertable 34,000 miles, I have already replaced the clutch, and today just had the gear linkage cables done and the selector mechanisam done, first gear seems much better now but reverse still is funny, it never makes any strange noises or anything it just goes into the direction of the gear but it almost feels like the gate wont open, for at least 2/3 seconds then it just goes slightly further, does it need a new gear box?

please help!