Hey guys,

When I put my car into first and leave the clutch 100% depressed I feel spinning or some sort of motion through the clutch pedal. Is this normal? This is my first manual car and I know how to shift and drive so it's not like I'm abusing it and dropping the clutch and what not. I also shifted into fourth today and depressed the clutch for the shift and felt another odd sensation in my foot, no sounds or anything just a funky sensation like, I'm afraid to even say, part of the something broke off inside the transmission. I COULD BE TOTALLY OVER REACTING. I just fear the worse from having seen people completely shatter their clutch plates and destroy their cars. Again this is daily casual driving in normal mode, not full accelerations or even breaking 4k rpm- still in break in period.

Last thing: is it just me or is shifting into reverse difficult? I feel like I have to use an unusual amount of force to pull it to the left. Again, is this normal?

Thanks for the help!

 

The only time I find shifting into reverse is difficult is when I want to shift into reverse. I have made a habit of shifting into second then into first to avoid how easily it shifts into reverse when I don't want it. Other than this, shifting gears in this car is right up there with the 2004 Acura TL I once owned.

 

I don't feel anything in my clutch, I don't think that's normal. In regards to reverse, as long as I'm not moving, reverse is easy. If I'm even slightly rolling forward it seems much harder.

 

I get none of this. No unusual pedal feel and slipping into reverse is quite smooth. In fact it's startling when I get in my Tacoma or 911 (all MT6 speeds) how soft the clutch in the Mini is. It has good feel but nearly zero in the effort department. I don't wish bumper to bumper traffic on myself, but the Mini would be the go to vehicle if my daily drive encounter stop & go with any regularity.

 

Assuming this is a new car, and you are unfamiliar with manual trannies, and you seem overly concerned, would it be so hard for you to take it back to the dealer and just ask them to have someone else drive it for their reaction? Even have a friend who is manual-friendly drive it for a reaction.
Reverse gear always requires a bit more effort to engage it. This is good, as you know you cannot accidently put it into reverse without feeling that resistance. It should not require a lot of effort, and that depends on your definition of "a lot".

 

I will have to do this and I'll get back to you guys. It could just be me, but overall this is a fantastic car. I was just at the dealer today for some service and they didn't say anything but I didn't think to ask but I'll definitely go for a second opinion.

 

As above, reverse is a little obscure for a reason.
When you depress the clutch pedal it disengages the clutch from the flywheel.
There is a difference between engaged and disengaged.
You may feel that difference in the pedal.
If something broke in the manual, you would know it!
If you are very concerned after a few more days, have a Mini Techie drive it.
My lady is getting used to her new manual and found 5 days of
playing was all it took to become comfortable with shifting.
NOW she wants to get really smooth.
Play it like an instrument, it is a very easy and forgiving gearbox.

 

Several times now when cruising at 40-50 mph, when I pressed the clutch in the pedal felt a little "dead" or like I was wearing a really soft spongy shoe (which i wasn't). Also, the pedal felt really soft at first coming from my R56 but now it seams to be getting firmer and when I drive barefoot, I feel a little bit of roughness when pressing the pedal. Will take it in to the dealer someday.

 

I know what sensation you're talking about. It's like a slight vibration when you push the clutch in. I didn't feel this in my R56 but I don't think this should be an issue. Just in case though I would bring this up with the dealer so it's on record.

The thing that's bothering me with my manual is that every once in a while the shifter refuses to fully engage a gear and will pop out of gear suddenly... I've never had this problem with any other manuals... I think I read about someone else having this issue.

 

"The thing that's bothering me with my manual is that every once in a while the shifter refuses to fully engage a gear and will pop out of gear suddenly..." above

This is the second comment about gear popping out.
We'll need to keep an eye on this, especially since there are so few manuals
shifting around.

 

The OP didn't say anything about "gear popping out" or "refuses to fully engage a gear". I think you got a problem. I doubt he does.

 

The OP didn't, but RiBi mentioned it...

 

This is the exact feeling! I messed with it later today and it's such a minute feeling that I don't fear that it is serious and reverse is just all because I'm not use to a manual yet. I haven't experienced any gears popping out (knock on wood) but I'll keep you guys up to date.

Side note about the "so few manuals":

I pulled into a valet and stepped out and the valet's eyes lit up and his exact words were "wow! Finally, a real Mini Cooper: manual" not slashing the auto guys; we do all share the pleasure of a fantastic car but I do love the third pedal.

 

My clutch is squeaking every time i select a gear, its been back to the dealer and they think its the selector fork and the gear box will have to come out to fix it not good on a car thats only 10 weeks old

 

I've noticed this in Hondas I've owned. Never spent enough time in other cars to notice it. But I think it's the throwout bearing coming into contact with the fingers of the pressure plate. If you're just resting your foot there, yeah it's gonna feel rough and buzz as it barely makes contact and the bearing goes from 0 to 2k rpm. Once it puts pressure on the fingers, it joins their spin and doesn't have any play. Now, this is all coming from old images of Honda clutches in my head, but I'm pretty sure the parts are universal.

So I agree- nothing to worry about, but keep an eye on it. And I will too when my own car arrives.

=)

Jeff