WOW!
I never thought I would be here!
After many years of searching for the perfect MINI, I found one that came pretty darn close and went for it!

I am the new owner of a barely used 2008 MCS with less than 18k on the odo. I am excited and paranoid all at the same time. I have always been a Jeep owner, so huge change there, plus the nearest dealership is almost 3 hours away. Everything little thing that sounds, feels, acts differently than the day before makes me nervous. I do plan to take it to the dealer in the next month or so just to put all my fears to rest, but in the meantime I have been coming here searching my every question, and finding answers. <<THANK YOU

The thing that is bugging me today is shifting the manual transmission. Someone on this forum described rowing through the gears "smooth and like butter." Yes, that is what it has been like before today (I have only had the car 2 weeks.) This morning I first noticed moving the stick into Reverse was harder than normal, then the rest of the gears felt the same way. The smooth, butteryness is gone. Feels like it needs fluid or lubricant (but I don't know a thing about these trannys.) Maybe it is all in my head, they all still work fine, but it just seems different today.

I also learned in this forum that I should be driving it in Sport mode! I haven't tried it yet (again, the paranoia thing...)

Also, where do you recommend I order parts like air and oil filters from on-line?

Thanks for all your help!
Tricia

 

Hi Tricia! Welcome to these NAM forums but more importantly, welcome to MINI ownership! Congratulations!

The tough shifting could be a number of things, I do think your best bet is to either go to the dealership you mention or maybe try to find a local mechanic who is a bit familiar with MINIs and have a pro diagnose it correctly for you. I'm not sure where in Michigan you are but there are a few listings here http://soopercooperinfo.com/lindaminiinfo.html, I invite you to check that out.

Good luck to you! And keep posting questions if you have them, and let us know if you find a solution?

Take care,
Chris

 

Welcome and Congrats

 

What MossMINI said. There is sure to be a foreign car mechanic somewhere close to your home that can give your car a through going over. The car may only have 18,000 miles on it but it is 5 years old and 5 year old cars can have issues that may be minor but can become serious if not addressed.

Good luck!

 

Thanks again everyone! I am in very southern MI, and I am hoping the Ann Arbor dealership will become a reality, as they would be closer than Motor City MINI. But, I am going to go ahead and make an appointment with Motor City to get the car in and checked out. It will be a fine excuse to spend the day with a friend who lives up there!
Tricia