[BIGBADOM]

hiya guys,mini has been in and out of the garage this last few weeks. The passenger seat had a few squeaks and then wouldn't recline, so a whole new mechanism had to be ordered and fitted.Then a week later it was recalled due to rainwater possibly being able to get into the electronics that control the central locking and windows (the drivers side window locked shut for 3 days after a heavy shower). Anyhow, after the last visit i was lent a mini one and the gearbox seemed a lot smoother that in mine. I phoned the garage and sure enough it is a lot stiffer than it should and a new gearbox is being fitted next monday. What next is going to go wrong?? even after all this we still absolutely love it how can you not. At least it won't cost a penny. Anybody else out there got a gearbox stiffy??

[tomorthway]

hi what weight and type trans fluid do you use in the mcs??

[olerud400]

I have had a couple problems with my gearbox but haven't thought about bringing it in. maybe i will soon...

the biggest issue i have is engaging reverse after a cold start is a 50-50 proposition. it just locks in the detent for a while. after fiddling between fourth and the reverse detent it'll slide into reverse, though sometimes with an ungratifying crunching sound.

additionally shifting into first normally requires significantly force on the shifter then any other gear and also occasionally (even from a dead stop with the clutch all the way in) crunches.

the weirdedst and most recent issue, which is probably the main reason i'm bringing this up is recently it felt like it shifted into first fine, then as i'm puttering along in a parking lot it jumps out of first and just grinds, like it's half in half out. i had to go back into neutral and start again.

Any thoughts/advice?

Thanks

[epcots]

Had a similar problem with a 1989 Golf, although it was after about 50,000 miles and past warranty. When it would get stuck(no first or reverse without forcing and grinding) I found that just shifting to 2nd and letting the clutch out enough to move forward a few inches, would allow me to get back in 1st or R. After about a year the problem just disappeared comlpetely, although I did learn to shift into first just before coming to a complete stop.I know it is not areassuring answer but the original gearbox and clutch were still going strong after 135,000 miles when I sold.

Still waiting for my.....
2003 Chili Red/White MCS

[stevos]

I have problems getting the car into reverse and 1st, however the dealership tested it and told me that it was fine. However they also could not hear the squeaky seats (they managed to drown out the radio) so i no longer believe they know what they are doing.