[ChuyLite]

Had this problem with my 2017 F55 Auto . Disconnected the battery (b/c in my experience, MINIs are somewhat sensitive to voltage changes and static). Followed the instructions for removal of the center console from the Cravenspeed website (i.e., to install a short shifter). Only difference was that I had to remove my armrest. No big deal. Pretty self-explanatory. To detach the shifter from the cable, line up the circular plug with the opening on the top, turn over the shifter, and push the plug out. Then had to check if the spring inside the shifter was in fact broken. Removed the 9? screws and looked inside. It was easy to see that it was, but getting to the spring was more of an issue. The pictures provided did not explain how to get to the spring. I am happy to report that once you slide the solenoid out (be careful with the wiring), the "rail" comes out, and you can lift out the rod which holds the lever containing the spring. I went ahead and removed the printed circuit board to avoid any issues. I too had to unravel one turn of the spring to get it to work. Checked it worked (i.e., moved as required), and was done with the part. Reassembly was the reverse of the above. Reconnected the battery and went to go check if I still had the horrible sound and message about the vehicle not being in Park. There was a bong! Quickly went to go see what the error message was. It said "Hood Open." Phew. Problem resolved. Had it not been for this thread, I would have resorted to getting MINI to replace the entire shifter. Thanks!

 

[ChuyLite]

Hi! I just got my gear shift selector replaced but the message still pops up. So I’m guessing spring is the problem for me as well. How do I get to the spring? My mechanic does not know anything about mini and this is really frustrating

As the spring is inside the gear selector assembly, if you had your entire gear shift selector replaced, then the spring should not be the problem. I disassembled mine so as to avoid having to buy a new one. In my case, it was the spring. I wrote about it in a previous post.