Gearchange Stiff - Whats this part called?

[jonno946]

Hello,

The Mrs mini has had stiff gear change for a while, and the gearstick won't return to neutral.

I've had the airbox our and regreased the linkages and that has helped but the gear stick is still getting stuck in neutral and has to be moved manually to push it into third for example.

I removed the gear stick and there is a little plastic grommit which looks to have snapped on the left hand side. Any idea what this is called so I can buy a replacement? It's white and has little forks to hold it into place.

Jonno.

[mab01uk]

Put your Mini's details in here and you shuld find a diagram and part number:
RealOEM.com Online BMW Parts Catalog

[SouthHamsMan]

Hi.

Got the same problem on a Mini One 2005.

Apparently 2003 - 2006 models are effected. If you remove the airbox you can see the selector. The ball pulleys are probably free but the neutral is the block in the middle that should move freely up and down and you should be able to do it with your hand. If you can't it means that you have a problem with the selector. Replacement via Mini will cost in the order of £180 for the part plus fitting. Or.... you can do a repair - which I intend to do tomorrow. If it works - and I have no reason to doubt it - I will post again on the forum and let you all know how I did it and add some pictures.

Basically you have to remove the selector (three bolts) Support the gearbox from underneath (jack) and remove the selector. You cant do it without first removing the engine frame bracket.

There should be an obvious link that is seized. You grind off one end and put in a new link (Pic attached) which I have been told resolves the problem.

[SouthHamsMan]

If you look in my other posts you can see how I resolved it with pictures.