Installed a B&M short shift kit this evening on an '04 MCS. The install went smoothly for the most part and the shifts are short and more precise than stock.

We found a potential problem for MINIs with aftermarket exhaust systems. This particular MINI has the Borla Sport system that has a resonator just aft of the catalytic converter. Since the B&M system lowers the whole "shift box" by 10-15mm, you lose 10-15mm in clearance above the resonator. This proved to be a problem with the Borla system. The resonator sits flush with the heat shielding (right below the "shift box") which causes all kinds of noises and vibrations in the cabin.

We are going to devise a spacer system tomorrow AM to lower the center plate (below resonator) to gain some clearance lost.

Bottom line - contact B&M Racing before ordering this system if you have aftermarket exhaust with a resonator post cat.

Will report in again tomorrow.

 

I believe we found the solution for clearing the Borla Sport exhaust system. The Borla Sport resonator is ~5 1/2" in diameter. The Milltek resonator is ~5 3/4" in diameter. This solution may work for both systems.

Here is what you need:

(6) 8mm x 60mm x 1.25 pitch bolts (13mm head)
(6) 1" x 1/2" OD sleeves
(6) 5/8" OD washers



Lower the center exhaust plate using this new hardware. Replace factory bolts with new bolts. You will gain much needed clearance above the exhaust resonator. With the Borla Sport system we did not experience any binding at the rear of the exhaust. The tip angle is easily adjustable on the Borla Sport, but was not necessary in this case.

Photos of this solution installed to follow.

Pros: Cheap, easy to install solution
Cons: 1" loss in clearance under the MINI. Center plate may act as a "shovel" in the snow. However, the center plate is still not the lowest point under the MINI.

 

Installation photos: