Gearbox stiff going to the left into first and second gear?

[L3V CL]

My gearbox seems very difficult to push to the left to get into first and second gear?
it is driveable but seems alot of extra effort, does anyone know what it could be or any fixes?
its a 2004 facelift registered 23/07/04 so im not sure what gearbox
Thanks

[MINIAC]

If the car was built prior to July 2004 it will have a Midlands gearbox ... otherwise a Getrag.

[L3V CL]

i know that but im guessing it should be a gretag because its a facelift?

[MINIAC]

Sorry, the other day someone posted about identifying a facelift model by looking at the headlights. I replied by saying some people fitted facelift parts (headlights, taillights and bumpers) to pre-facelift models, and that to be certain you had to know the build date.

If your MINI was built July 2004 or later it will have a Getrag transmission ... unless someone did the unthinkable and replaced it with a Midlands

Perhaps your problem is something to do with the transmission cable linkages.

[L3V CL]

Thanks, but is there anyway of finding out your build date?

[MINIAC]

FAQ: How can I find when my MINI was built?

[Zwilnik]

Quote: Originally Posted by L3V CL (original)

Thanks, but is there anyway of finding out your build date?

It should be on the plate under the bonnet (mine's over the right wheel well)

[L3V CL]

Cheers guys, it was also built in july 04 so it should be one of the first with a gretag gearbox.
does anyone know anything about the problem?

[L3V CL]

I fixed the problem yesterday and all it took was 20 minutes work, remove the airbox and give the gear linkages a spray with wd40 and then apply plently of grease.
Works like a dream now, it amazin what a bit of grease can do!