With every new generation of the MINI the car seems to loose more and more of the sporty feel in the shifter. Well that is one of the first things I've fixed first each time I got a new MINI.
We use the Cravenspeed Short shifter as it is the best short shifter system you can get. Why? Well the biggest reason is because it's adjustable. I don't like to have that super short shifter that takes a whole lot of effort that wears you out in traffic. But I set mine just short enough to make the shifter feel nice and crisp but not be too hard. If you're not like me and want it super short the Craven shifter can do that too.
Adjust it to your liking and change it whenever you want.
WMW Carries them for every year and model MINI


R50 R52 R53 Shifter

R55 R56 R57 R58 R59 Shifter

R60 R61 Shifter

F55 F56 Shifter too