MINI2

coded2112 · Jan 18th, 2008, 02:08 PM

Hi any GP owners out there finding that 1st is very stiff to engage? Not impossible but more awkward than i would have thought it should be!

Not a great or technical description i know, just wondering if this is a trait of the 'box or something i should be making a fuss about, as my next service(27kish) is due fairly shortly.

The Red Baron · Jan 18th, 2008, 02:29 PM

Sorry can't say I've had any problems with the gears in my GP (now covered 22,500 K)

gpmick · Jan 18th, 2008, 02:45 PM

No real problems here

coded2112 · Jan 18th, 2008, 03:14 PM

Mmmm might need to metion this at service i think, its not bad but at least i will have made them aware of it!

Cheers peeps!

Banana Panceyette · Jan 18th, 2008, 11:02 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by coded2112 (original)

Hi any GP owners out there finding that 1st is very stiff to engage? Not impossible but more awkward than i would have thought it should be!

Not a great or technical description i know, just wondering if this is a trait of the 'box or something i should be making a fuss about, as my next service(27kish) is due fairly shortly.

I've found that too actually!!! It's a little stiffer than my previous MINIs. I'm glad I'm not the only one

Joogle · Mar 19th, 2008, 12:24 PM

Went into the dealers for something else - they noticed this problem as they drove it into the workshop (Never thought there was anything particuarly wrong as the car had always felt like that....) and when I picked it up the GP had a new clutch fitted under warranty. 25k on the clock and the gearchange is now as sweet as a nut

Massive difference, very happy with the result.

GP Thunder · Mar 21st, 2008, 11:55 AM

I've had the same experience getting into first, but only on cold mornings and once the car's warmed up, its back to normal. It definitely feels awkward till its warm.

Was the new clutch installed do to damage caused by the stiffer movement into first?

Joogle · Mar 21st, 2008, 05:53 PM

It was not a damage related fault - clutch assembly was apparently faulty/manufacturing defect.

Technician noticed that the clutch felt heaver than he was used to and thought that 1st was more difficult to engage. So they checked it out, found the problem and it was replaced, it was not even one of the 50/50 wear & tear settlements you hear about with most clutch issues - they just did it. Like I say the first I knew about it was when I went to pick it up.

Its completely different to drive - if anything it actually feels a bit quicker and more eager to pull away and the gearchange is very smooth with no selection problems on first - probably the best change I have had on any of my MINI's

PAULWILL · Mar 24th, 2008, 10:10 PM

Just reading this thread with interest....

My GP has started making what I can only describe as a whining sound when I pull away in 1st gear from a stand-still, more often than not this happens on a slight incline/uphill slope rather than on the flat. Anyone have any ideas what this sound could be? Do you think it's related to the clutch problem you had Joogle?

Many thanks for any advice in advance all!

GP Thunder · Mar 25th, 2008, 11:07 AM

PaulWill,
I have the same sound occassionally and noticed it after the first couple of weeks owning the car and brought it to my salesman's attention. He owns and races a mini and thought that the sound was from the car not warmed up enough and it being a little cranky in the morning or if its been sitting a little while. I live in the northeast US and we get a bit of dampness, so the cars take a little time to get good and ready.....so my GP is a little cranky in the mornings, kind of like me!
Do you notice it more after starting the car cold or does it happen only during those moment that you talked about?

BRG/Blk Cooper S · Mar 25th, 2008, 03:55 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Joogle (original)

It was not a damage related fault - clutch assembly was apparently faulty/manufacturing defect.

Technician noticed that the clutch felt heaver than he was used to and thought that 1st was more difficult to engage. So they checked it out, found the problem and it was replaced, it was not even one of the 50/50 wear & tear settlements you hear about with most clutch issues - they just did it. Like I say the first I knew about it was when I went to pick it up.

Its completely different to drive - if anything it actually feels a bit quicker and more eager to pull away and the gearchange is very smooth with no selection problems on first - probably the best change I have had on any of my MINI's

Hi,
Totally relate to the above post.
I had the service bulletin flywheel/clutch update done on my 05 Cooper S and after the work my lovely box suddenly felt like junk (at least the gear chatter had gone) - it was incredibly difficult to engage 1st on occasion to the point where it felt like the shifter would snap if I pushed any harder. Overall the other gears didn't feel great either and it had certainly lost the drive train smoothness and zest I was used to.

Took it back to the supplying dealer 4 times complaining of this, they replaced the master cylinder, bled the system several times and generally fobbed me off.

Got sick of them and their "it's fine" bull***t.
Took it to a BMW service centre that I can walk to from my house and within 30mins the head tech wanted to pull the gearbox out.
The clutch fingers were bent and this in turn had somehow damaged the box - so new clutch and box under warranty.

Totally different car, beautiful, smooth power delivery and the shift feels lovely!!

Get it checked out and don't accept it back until the box feels amazing as it should.

Cheers, Geoff.

ScottyBoy · Mar 25th, 2008, 04:16 PM

Im having trouble with this also, i had a new clutch and flywheel fitted last november and its extremely difficlut to engage 1st then even 2nd til until its warm.

Im out of warrenty now but ill take it in for them to have a look and see what they say!

BRG/Blk Cooper S · Mar 25th, 2008, 05:40 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by ScottyBoy (original)

Im having trouble with this also, i had a new clutch and flywheel fitted last november and its extremely difficlut to engage 1st then even 2nd til until its warm.

Im out of warrenty now but ill take it in for them to have a look and see what they say!

If the parts are faulty you should qualify for a "goodwill" case.

The S box should feel amazing - mine does now all the time cold or warm no difference.

Good luck with that - I know how you feel, I was totally frustrated that "BMW" techs could not diagnose such an obvious issue..

Different dealership and a tech with an actual "clue" problem solved!!

ScottyBoy · Mar 25th, 2008, 05:58 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by drainaudio (original)

If the parts are faulty you should qualify for a "goodwill" case.

The S box should feel amazing - mine does now all the time cold or warm no difference.

Good luck with that - I know how you feel, I was totally frustrated that "BMW" techs could not diagnose such an obvious issue..

Different dealership and a tech with an actual "clue" problem solved!!

Im dropping it off at the dealers now, going back to work for a wek and half so they have that time to look and see if there is a problem and what they can offer me as in a good will gesture or anything! If they cant ill be getting it done else were.

Scott

Edit - The tech guy that looked at my car alst time was quiet fair, i think he'l agree (hopefully)

Joogle · Mar 25th, 2008, 06:34 PM

I think getting a good technician is the key thing here.

I have not had to do anything this time but in the past I have been known to drop a car into one or two other dealers to get it checked out - a second or third opinion does not hurt.

PAULWILL · Mar 29th, 2008, 11:45 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by GP Thunder (original)

PaulWill,
I have the same sound occassionally and noticed it after the first couple of weeks owning the car and brought it to my salesman's attention. He owns and races a mini and thought that the sound was from the car not warmed up enough and it being a little cranky in the morning or if its been sitting a little while. I live in the northeast US and we get a bit of dampness, so the cars take a little time to get good and ready.....so my GP is a little cranky in the mornings, kind of like me!
Do you notice it more after starting the car cold or does it happen only during those moment that you talked about?

Hi GP Thunder, you may have a point there about the car making this whining sound more when its cold. Thanks, will keep an eye on this to ensure it doesn't become a problem (will report back if it does).

PAULWILL · Aug 14th, 2008, 05:15 PM

http://www.mini2.com/forum/john-coop...ranty-fix.html

howsoonisnow1985 · Sep 9th, 2008, 08:19 AM

wow, guess I got to take mine to service, as 1st gear feels notchy, also occasionally down shifts to second feel notchy as well.

Jan 18th, 2008, 02:08 PM	#1
coded2112 MINI2 Regular Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Bucks Local Time: 07:54 PM Posts: 299 Offline	Stiff 1st gear on GP Hi any GP owners out there finding that 1st is very stiff to engage? Not impossible but more awkward than i would have thought it should be! Not a great or technical description i know, just wondering if this is a trait of the 'box or something i should be making a fuss about, as my next service(27kish) is due fairly shortly.

Jan 18th, 2008, 02:29 PM	#2 (permalink)
The Red Baron Oh good grief! My Classifieds Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Legoland Local Time: 07:54 PM Posts: 5,223 Offline	Sorry can't say I've had any problems with the gears in my GP (now covered 22,500 K) 20 Oct to 1 Nov follow the job and make a donation www.miniadventureworld.com

Jan 18th, 2008, 11:02 PM	#5 (permalink)
Banana Panceyette A List! Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Norn Iron Local Time: 07:54 PM Posts: 8,578 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by coded2112 (original) Hi any GP owners out there finding that 1st is very stiff to engage? Not impossible but more awkward than i would have thought it should be! Not a great or technical description i know, just wondering if this is a trait of the 'box or something i should be making a fuss about, as my next service(27kish) is due fairly shortly. I've found that too actually!!! It's a little stiffer than my previous MINIs. I'm glad I'm not the only one Suckin Diesel!

Mar 19th, 2008, 12:24 PM	#6 (permalink)
Joogle MINI2 Master Join Date: May 2006 Location: Midlands Local Time: 07:54 PM Posts: 915 Offline	Went into the dealers for something else - they noticed this problem as they drove it into the workshop (Never thought there was anything particuarly wrong as the car had always felt like that....) and when I picked it up the GP had a new clutch fitted under warranty. 25k on the clock and the gearchange is now as sweet as a nut Massive difference, very happy with the result. Its a very difficult job and the only way to get through it is we all work together as a team.....

Mar 21st, 2008, 05:53 PM	#8 (permalink)
Joogle MINI2 Master Join Date: May 2006 Location: Midlands Local Time: 07:54 PM Posts: 915 Offline	It was not a damage related fault - clutch assembly was apparently faulty/manufacturing defect. Technician noticed that the clutch felt heaver than he was used to and thought that 1st was more difficult to engage. So they checked it out, found the problem and it was replaced, it was not even one of the 50/50 wear & tear settlements you hear about with most clutch issues - they just did it. Like I say the first I knew about it was when I went to pick it up. Its completely different to drive - if anything it actually feels a bit quicker and more eager to pull away and the gearchange is very smooth with no selection problems on first - probably the best change I have had on any of my MINI's Its a very difficult job and the only way to get through it is we all work together as a team.....

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Jan 18th, 2008, 02:45 PM	#3 (permalink)
gpmick GP 56 MCK 0774 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: stoke Local Time: 07:54 PM Posts: 606 Offline	No real problems here

Jan 18th, 2008, 03:14 PM	#4 (permalink)
coded2112 MINI2 Regular Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Bucks Local Time: 07:54 PM Posts: 299 Offline	Mmmm might need to metion this at service i think, its not bad but at least i will have made them aware of it! Cheers peeps!

Mar 21st, 2008, 11:55 AM	#7 (permalink)
GP Thunder Speeding along... Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Pittsburgh, Pa. USA Local Time: 02:54 PM Posts: 18 Offline	I've had the same experience getting into first, but only on cold mornings and once the car's warmed up, its back to normal. It definitely feels awkward till its warm. Was the new clutch installed do to damage caused by the stiffer movement into first?

Mar 24th, 2008, 10:10 PM	#9 (permalink)
PAULWILL MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Staffordshire Local Time: 07:54 PM Posts: 44 Offline	Clutch related problem? Just reading this thread with interest.... My GP has started making what I can only describe as a whining sound when I pull away in 1st gear from a stand-still, more often than not this happens on a slight incline/uphill slope rather than on the flat. Anyone have any ideas what this sound could be? Do you think it's related to the clutch problem you had Joogle? Many thanks for any advice in advance all!

Mar 25th, 2008, 11:07 AM	#10 (permalink)
GP Thunder Speeding along... Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Pittsburgh, Pa. USA Local Time: 02:54 PM Posts: 18 Offline	PaulWill, I have the same sound occassionally and noticed it after the first couple of weeks owning the car and brought it to my salesman's attention. He owns and races a mini and thought that the sound was from the car not warmed up enough and it being a little cranky in the morning or if its been sitting a little while. I live in the northeast US and we get a bit of dampness, so the cars take a little time to get good and ready.....so my GP is a little cranky in the mornings, kind of like me! Do you notice it more after starting the car cold or does it happen only during those moment that you talked about?

Mar 25th, 2008, 03:55 PM	#11 (permalink)
BRG/Blk Cooper S w' all the toys.. Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: United Kingdom Local Time: 07:54 PM Posts: 602 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Joogle (original) It was not a damage related fault - clutch assembly was apparently faulty/manufacturing defect. Technician noticed that the clutch felt heaver than he was used to and thought that 1st was more difficult to engage. So they checked it out, found the problem and it was replaced, it was not even one of the 50/50 wear & tear settlements you hear about with most clutch issues - they just did it. Like I say the first I knew about it was when I went to pick it up. Its completely different to drive - if anything it actually feels a bit quicker and more eager to pull away and the gearchange is very smooth with no selection problems on first - probably the best change I have had on any of my MINI's Hi, Totally relate to the above post. I had the service bulletin flywheel/clutch update done on my 05 Cooper S and after the work my lovely box suddenly felt like junk (at least the gear chatter had gone) - it was incredibly difficult to engage 1st on occasion to the point where it felt like the shifter would snap if I pushed any harder. Overall the other gears didn't feel great either and it had certainly lost the drive train smoothness and zest I was used to. Took it back to the supplying dealer 4 times complaining of this, they replaced the master cylinder, bled the system several times and generally fobbed me off. Got sick of them and their "it's fine" bull***t. Took it to a BMW service centre that I can walk to from my house and within 30mins the head tech wanted to pull the gearbox out. The clutch fingers were bent and this in turn had somehow damaged the box - so new clutch and box under warranty. Totally different car, beautiful, smooth power delivery and the shift feels lovely!! Get it checked out and don't accept it back until the box feels amazing as it should. Cheers, Geoff.

Mar 25th, 2008, 04:16 PM	#12 (permalink)
ScottyBoy Obsessive Car Cleaner OCC My Classifieds Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Thornaby NE Local Time: 07:54 PM Posts: 2,897 Offline	Im having trouble with this also, i had a new clutch and flywheel fitted last november and its extremely difficlut to engage 1st then even 2nd til until its warm. Im out of warrenty now but ill take it in for them to have a look and see what they say!

Mar 25th, 2008, 05:40 PM	#13 (permalink)
BRG/Blk Cooper S w' all the toys.. Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: United Kingdom Local Time: 07:54 PM Posts: 602 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by ScottyBoy (original) Im having trouble with this also, i had a new clutch and flywheel fitted last november and its extremely difficlut to engage 1st then even 2nd til until its warm. Im out of warrenty now but ill take it in for them to have a look and see what they say! If the parts are faulty you should qualify for a "goodwill" case. The S box should feel amazing - mine does now all the time cold or warm no difference. Good luck with that - I know how you feel, I was totally frustrated that "BMW" techs could not diagnose such an obvious issue.. Different dealership and a tech with an actual "clue" problem solved!!

Mar 25th, 2008, 05:58 PM	#14 (permalink)
ScottyBoy Obsessive Car Cleaner OCC My Classifieds Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Thornaby NE Local Time: 07:54 PM Posts: 2,897 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by drainaudio (original) If the parts are faulty you should qualify for a "goodwill" case. The S box should feel amazing - mine does now all the time cold or warm no difference. Good luck with that - I know how you feel, I was totally frustrated that "BMW" techs could not diagnose such an obvious issue.. Different dealership and a tech with an actual "clue" problem solved!! Im dropping it off at the dealers now, going back to work for a wek and half so they have that time to look and see if there is a problem and what they can offer me as in a good will gesture or anything! If they cant ill be getting it done else were. Scott Edit - The tech guy that looked at my car alst time was quiet fair, i think he'l agree (hopefully)

Mar 25th, 2008, 06:34 PM	#15 (permalink)
Joogle MINI2 Master Join Date: May 2006 Location: Midlands Local Time: 07:54 PM Posts: 915 Offline	I think getting a good technician is the key thing here. I have not had to do anything this time but in the past I have been known to drop a car into one or two other dealers to get it checked out - a second or third opinion does not hurt. Its a very difficult job and the only way to get through it is we all work together as a team.....

Mar 29th, 2008, 11:45 PM	#16 (permalink)
PAULWILL MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Staffordshire Local Time: 07:54 PM Posts: 44 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by GP Thunder (original) PaulWill, I have the same sound occassionally and noticed it after the first couple of weeks owning the car and brought it to my salesman's attention. He owns and races a mini and thought that the sound was from the car not warmed up enough and it being a little cranky in the morning or if its been sitting a little while. I live in the northeast US and we get a bit of dampness, so the cars take a little time to get good and ready.....so my GP is a little cranky in the mornings, kind of like me! Do you notice it more after starting the car cold or does it happen only during those moment that you talked about? Hi GP Thunder, you may have a point there about the car making this whining sound more when its cold. Thanks, will keep an eye on this to ensure it doesn't become a problem (will report back if it does).

Aug 14th, 2008, 05:15 PM	#17 (permalink)
PAULWILL MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Staffordshire Local Time: 07:54 PM Posts: 44 Offline	Oh no ... http://www.mini2.com/forum/john-coop...ranty-fix.html

Sep 9th, 2008, 08:19 AM	#18 (permalink)
howsoonisnow1985 MINI2 Newbie My Classifieds Join Date: Aug 2008 Local Time: 11:54 AM Posts: 26 Offline	wow, guess I got to take mine to service, as 1st gear feels notchy, also occasionally down shifts to second feel notchy as well.

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