MINI2

MsAmy · Apr 11th, 2006, 09:42 AM

I've had my gorgeous new Cooper S for a week and a half, and am finding putting her in reverse rather painful - is there such a thing as Mini arm?

Just wondering if this may ease up as she is run in, or if it needs to be adjusted to be less strenuous. I understand it shouldn't be TOO easy so as to avoid gear change mishaps, but as it is it seems quite OTT in the effort department.

Am I alone in experiencing this?

Many thanks,
MsAmy.
xox

daisygirl · Apr 11th, 2006, 09:44 AM

I believe it does get easier. We have had our MINI for six months and either (a) its getting easier or (b) I am just used to it more but at the start I had to use two arms to push it into reverse.

A friend of ours told us that when he first got his MINI his wife had to run around to the passenger side, pull it into reverse and then run back to the drivers side. I hope you MINI is not as bad as that!!!

fred3 · Apr 11th, 2006, 09:47 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by MsAmy

I've had my gorgeous new Cooper S for a week and a half, and am finding putting her in reverse rather painful - is there such a thing as Mini arm?

Just wondering if this may ease up as she is run in, or if it needs to be adjusted to be less strenuous. I understand it shouldn't be TOO easy so as to avoid gear change mishaps, but as it is it seems quite OTT in the effort department.

Am I alone in experiencing this?

Many thanks,
MsAmy.
xox

I don't think it gets easier as much as you get used to it.

MsAmy · Apr 11th, 2006, 10:25 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by daisygirl

I believe it does get easier. We have had our MINI for six months and either (a) its getting easier or (b) I am just used to it more but at the start I had to use two arms to push it into reverse.

A friend of ours told us that when he first got his MINI his wife had to run around to the passenger side, pull it into reverse and then run back to the drivers side. I hope you MINI is not as bad as that!!!

Well, I haven't quite had to resort to the run around as yet - although the right arm has been utilised to push the thing across - so I guess I should be thankful.

Maybe it's designed as a built-in muscle builder?

(Thanks for your response - much appreciated.)

MsAmy.
xox

ned78 · Apr 11th, 2006, 10:32 AM

The trick is to push the lever very quickly all the way to the left with force, if you gently push it to the left, hit the gate, and then try to push through the gate, it's quite difficult. Going at it full belt just gives you some momentum, and allows you to clear the gate with ease. Same as all BMW gearboxes.

Hope this helps!

MsAmy · Apr 11th, 2006, 12:14 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by ned78

The trick is to push the lever very quickly all the way to the left with force, if you gently push it to the left, hit the gate, and then try to push through the gate, it's quite difficult. Going at it full belt just gives you some momentum, and allows you to clear the gate with ease. Same as all BMW gearboxes.

Hope this helps!

Many cheers Ned, I'll give it a try tomorrow morning. This is my first ever 'posh' car.

MsAmy.
xox

ayde_bury · Apr 11th, 2006, 12:19 PM

It does appear to get easier over time.

I had a One Diesel, which is also six speed, and by the time I'd sold her it would slide across much easier - so much so I nearly had a mishap by selecting reverse instead of 1st

wildchild jules · Apr 11th, 2006, 12:28 PM

Mine has definitely got easier over time. I've had mine since March 2005 and it's now way easier. I struggled to get mine in reverse when I first got it.

PurpleCooper · Apr 15th, 2006, 02:26 AM

I too have this problem - and I thought it was me. At least it will strengthen my left arm!

Paul · Apr 15th, 2006, 03:45 AM

Mine main problem is I drive a Cooper S and One regularly. I find it TOO easy to try and select reverse in the One while trying to find sixth on so many occasions!

Logues42 · Apr 17th, 2006, 10:58 AM

It must get easier over time ... I've had a couple of embarrassing moments at the lights (usually after I've been away for a while and not driven the MCS) when I've started to take off in the wrong direction

Thankfully it has only happened when I've been driving sedately so I haven't floored it into the car behind me.

Jas

Paul · Apr 17th, 2006, 11:04 AM

This may sound like a cheap plug for a sponsor, but the whalen shift machine (www.whalenshiftmachine.com) weighs a tonne and really helps the feel of the shift, the weight added to the throw seems to make it less "clunky" and easier to shift (in my experience anyway).

It does seem to get easier over time, but I don't know if it's more the operator, or the vehicle that changes, probably a bit of give on both sides.

rubyredmz3 · Apr 17th, 2006, 11:39 AM

as many have suggested, start with the knob all the way to the right, and just slam it to the left, and it will go right through. Momentum is your friend here. My wife had problems at first, I showed her this, and now she has no problems whatsoever with it

KrisMcGrath · Apr 17th, 2006, 01:01 PM

My reverse is sticky and if it doesnt go in 1st time then i find if you take your foot of the clutch then push clutch down it goes it quite easily (a little tip from my old driving instructor whos now on his 2nd MINI)

jeffroestobar · Apr 17th, 2006, 07:18 PM

It actually helps if you give it a bit of a slap. Actually take your hand off the knob and get that extra inch or so of slapping momentum and it goes right through. Before you know it you wont even think about it and the slapping is second nature.

Another solution is installing a shift knob that sits higher. I had a knob on for a while that sat a few inches higher and the increased leverage made it way easier. Some like the added height too, closer to the steering wheel and stereo. Its all personal preference but the leverage was nice.

minigolf · Apr 17th, 2006, 11:24 PM

Amy it will get easier, as much as you will get used to doing so. However, I wish it had a lock up collar or something, a couple of times during vigorous downshifting on the track while doing a 3rd-2nd downshift I have shifted too aggressivley and initially placed the shift into the reverse gate, not fully into reverse fortunately.

MiniFr34k · Apr 17th, 2006, 11:33 PM

I remember posting a similar question about a year ago when i first got my mini lol

Like everyone said, it gets easier (or you end up getting used to it / building muscle usng it lol

).

MsAmy · Apr 18th, 2006, 08:48 AM

Cheers everybody!

I think my left arm is becoming more muscular, as it is getting easier (the slap approach is helping too - so where do I tickle?

)

MsAmy.
xox

Richard Crofts · Apr 18th, 2006, 09:33 AM

Its stiff...doesn't get much better. Mine is a 3.5 year old S and its just as hard as on a new S. You get used to it, either that or your muscles build up

Baker · Apr 18th, 2006, 09:33 PM

As Paul said, one of the best things you can do is get a Whalen shift machine, they transform the driving experience as the knob is smaller (more suited to your hand), and heavier which means a much more positive shift - even though the knob is heavier it actually makes it easier to shift.

Apr 11th, 2006, 09:42 AM	#1
MsAmy MINI2 Regular Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Local Time: 07:55 PM Posts: 124 Offline	6 speed manual reverse - OUCH! I've had my gorgeous new Cooper S for a week and a half, and am finding putting her in reverse rather painful - is there such a thing as Mini arm? Just wondering if this may ease up as she is run in, or if it needs to be adjusted to be less strenuous. I understand it shouldn't be TOO easy so as to avoid gear change mishaps, but as it is it seems quite OTT in the effort department. Am I alone in experiencing this? Many thanks, MsAmy. xox

Apr 11th, 2006, 09:47 AM	#3 (permalink)
fred3 Mini in Maine Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Maine Local Time: 04:55 AM Posts: 562 Offline	Easier?... Quote: Originally Posted by MsAmy I've had my gorgeous new Cooper S for a week and a half, and am finding putting her in reverse rather painful - is there such a thing as Mini arm? Just wondering if this may ease up as she is run in, or if it needs to be adjusted to be less strenuous. I understand it shouldn't be TOO easy so as to avoid gear change mishaps, but as it is it seems quite OTT in the effort department. Am I alone in experiencing this? Many thanks, MsAmy. xox I don't think it gets easier as much as you get used to it.

Apr 11th, 2006, 10:32 AM	#5 (permalink)
ned78 MINI2 Regular My Classifieds Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Cork, Ireland Local Time: 09:55 AM Posts: 290 Offline	The trick is to push the lever very quickly all the way to the left with force, if you gently push it to the left, hit the gate, and then try to push through the gate, it's quite difficult. Going at it full belt just gives you some momentum, and allows you to clear the gate with ease. Same as all BMW gearboxes. Hope this helps! MINI Club of Ireland - Modern MINI Magazine's UK and Ireland Club of the Year 2007

Apr 11th, 2006, 12:19 PM	#7 (permalink)
ayde_bury * Lab Rat * Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Suffolk, UK Local Time: 09:55 AM Posts: 405 Offline	It does appear to get easier over time. I had a One Diesel, which is also six speed, and by the time I'd sold her it would slide across much easier - so much so I nearly had a mishap by selecting reverse instead of 1st Click to join us

Apr 17th, 2006, 11:39 AM	#13 (permalink)
rubyredmz3 Mazda3 Visitor Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Cary, NC Local Time: 04:55 AM Posts: 14 Offline	as many have suggested, start with the knob all the way to the right, and just slam it to the left, and it will go right through. Momentum is your friend here. My wife had problems at first, I showed her this, and now she has no problems whatsoever with it Minis rule, but so do Mazda3's, thank goodness I'm running in H-stock now though (only gotta deal with the regular Coopers now). . .

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Apr 11th, 2006, 09:44 AM	#2 (permalink)
daisygirl MINI2 Regular Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Brisbane, Australia Local Time: 06:55 PM Posts: 324 Offline	I believe it does get easier. We have had our MINI for six months and either (a) its getting easier or (b) I am just used to it more but at the start I had to use two arms to push it into reverse. A friend of ours told us that when he first got his MINI his wife had to run around to the passenger side, pull it into reverse and then run back to the drivers side. I hope you MINI is not as bad as that!!!

Apr 11th, 2006, 10:25 AM	#4 (permalink)
MsAmy MINI2 Regular Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Local Time: 07:55 PM Posts: 124 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by daisygirl I believe it does get easier. We have had our MINI for six months and either (a) its getting easier or (b) I am just used to it more but at the start I had to use two arms to push it into reverse. A friend of ours told us that when he first got his MINI his wife had to run around to the passenger side, pull it into reverse and then run back to the drivers side. I hope you MINI is not as bad as that!!! Well, I haven't quite had to resort to the run around as yet - although the right arm has been utilised to push the thing across - so I guess I should be thankful. Maybe it's designed as a built-in muscle builder? (Thanks for your response - much appreciated.) MsAmy. xox

Apr 11th, 2006, 12:14 PM	#6 (permalink)
MsAmy MINI2 Regular Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Local Time: 07:55 PM Posts: 124 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by ned78 The trick is to push the lever very quickly all the way to the left with force, if you gently push it to the left, hit the gate, and then try to push through the gate, it's quite difficult. Going at it full belt just gives you some momentum, and allows you to clear the gate with ease. Same as all BMW gearboxes. Hope this helps! Many cheers Ned, I'll give it a try tomorrow morning. This is my first ever 'posh' car. MsAmy. xox

Apr 11th, 2006, 12:28 PM	#8 (permalink)
wildchild jules Now answering to Lady J! Join Date: Aug 2004 Local Time: 09:55 AM Posts: 10,285 Offline	Mine has definitely got easier over time. I've had mine since March 2005 and it's now way easier. I struggled to get mine in reverse when I first got it.

Apr 15th, 2006, 02:26 AM	#9 (permalink)
PurpleCooper MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Swanscombe, Kent Local Time: 09:55 AM Posts: 33 Offline	I too have this problem - and I thought it was me. At least it will strengthen my left arm!

Apr 15th, 2006, 03:45 AM	#10 (permalink)
Paul Trained Monkey My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 09:55 AM Posts: 40,710 Online	Mine main problem is I drive a Cooper S and One regularly. I find it TOO easy to try and select reverse in the One while trying to find sixth on so many occasions!

Apr 17th, 2006, 10:58 AM	#11 (permalink)
Logues42 MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Canberra, ACT Local Time: 06:55 PM Posts: 64 Offline	It must get easier over time ... I've had a couple of embarrassing moments at the lights (usually after I've been away for a while and not driven the MCS) when I've started to take off in the wrong direction Thankfully it has only happened when I've been driving sedately so I haven't floored it into the car behind me. Jas

Apr 17th, 2006, 11:04 AM	#12 (permalink)
Paul Trained Monkey My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 09:55 AM Posts: 40,710 Online	This may sound like a cheap plug for a sponsor, but the whalen shift machine (www.whalenshiftmachine.com) weighs a tonne and really helps the feel of the shift, the weight added to the throw seems to make it less "clunky" and easier to shift (in my experience anyway). It does seem to get easier over time, but I don't know if it's more the operator, or the vehicle that changes, probably a bit of give on both sides.

Apr 17th, 2006, 01:01 PM	#14 (permalink)
KrisMcGrath MINI2 Regular My Classifieds Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Brighton Local Time: 09:55 AM Posts: 349 Offline	My reverse is sticky and if it doesnt go in 1st time then i find if you take your foot of the clutch then push clutch down it goes it quite easily (a little tip from my old driving instructor whos now on his 2nd MINI)

Apr 17th, 2006, 07:18 PM	#15 (permalink)
jeffroestobar The MINITOR Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Seattle Local Time: 12:55 AM Posts: 80 Offline	It actually helps if you give it a bit of a slap. Actually take your hand off the knob and get that extra inch or so of slapping momentum and it goes right through. Before you know it you wont even think about it and the slapping is second nature. Another solution is installing a shift knob that sits higher. I had a knob on for a while that sat a few inches higher and the increased leverage made it way easier. Some like the added height too, closer to the steering wheel and stereo. Its all personal preference but the leverage was nice. CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL MINITOR PROFILE

Apr 17th, 2006, 11:24 PM	#16 (permalink)
minigolf Blue is the colour! Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Canberra, Australia Local Time: 06:55 PM Posts: 14,056 Offline	Amy it will get easier, as much as you will get used to doing so. However, I wish it had a lock up collar or something, a couple of times during vigorous downshifting on the track while doing a 3rd-2nd downshift I have shifted too aggressivley and initially placed the shift into the reverse gate, not fully into reverse fortunately. Sabine Schmitz: Fear disturbs your concentration.

Apr 17th, 2006, 11:33 PM	#17 (permalink)
MiniFr34k fr34king n00b! My Classifieds Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sydney Local Time: 06:55 PM Posts: 2,200 Offline	I remember posting a similar question about a year ago when i first got my mini lol Like everyone said, it gets easier (or you end up getting used to it / building muscle usng it lol ).

Apr 18th, 2006, 08:48 AM	#18 (permalink)
MsAmy MINI2 Regular Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Local Time: 07:55 PM Posts: 124 Offline	Cheers everybody! I think my left arm is becoming more muscular, as it is getting easier (the slap approach is helping too - so where do I tickle? ) MsAmy. xox

Apr 18th, 2006, 09:33 AM	#19 (permalink)
Richard Crofts THE STICK Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Worcestershire WR15 Local Time: 09:55 AM Posts: 3,060 Online	Its stiff...doesn't get much better. Mine is a 3.5 year old S and its just as hard as on a new S. You get used to it, either that or your muscles build up

Apr 18th, 2006, 09:33 PM	#20 (permalink)
Baker Being normal is not fun! Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Newcastle, Australia Local Time: 06:55 PM Posts: 4,270 Offline	As Paul said, one of the best things you can do is get a Whalen shift machine, they transform the driving experience as the knob is smaller (more suited to your hand), and heavier which means a much more positive shift - even though the knob is heavier it actually makes it easier to shift.

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