I just bought a 2016 Cooper S 6 speed. I can't for the life of me get a smooth shift into 2nd gear (or 3rd most of the time). I can get a smooth shift into 2nd while creeping through my parking garage, but can't on the street at any RPM or any speed. Any tips or tricks? Thanks!

 

How long have you been driving manual?

I don't have any problems shifting smoothly during spirited driving or on a nice cruise. It'll probably take some time for you to get use to the clutch. Be patient and stay positive.

 

Thanks!! I haven't driven a manual in close to a decade. I had an old Mercedes C class manual a decade ago but honestly have no recollection of that clutch.

I do however find that giving the S some gas while clutching out into 2nd smooths things out. Am I doing any damage to my clutch?

 

Welcome to NAM, and please post some pictures when you have the chance. You might also consider a Sprint Booster for the inherent throttle lag in MINIs, which can cause the car to bog down when you go to accelerate.

http://new.minimania.com/part/SPR209...l-Transmisions

It comes with a 30-day money back guarantee, and there are pages and pages of testimonials from our customers on the website. Doesn't hurt it's on sale.

Please let us know if you have any questions:

Drive Hard. Drive Safe. Keep Grinning.

 

Rough as in... the shifter grinds / catches? I find that I have to be a little more gentle with it while it's cold. Once it warms up, it pops into gear nicely. I wonder if there's a trans oil that would be more smooth than OEM? Something that I experimented with in my Honda days, and did find improvements to be had.

Or rough as in the car lurches / bogs? Yeah, this isn't the smoothest car between gears. I have a Remus Responder (same idea as Spring Booster), and I think it does help. The pedal is otherwise totally dead and unresponsive at the light and subtle pressure you need to keep it smooth between gears. I think that basically, if you're accelerating modestly, you need to shift slower too. If you get on it pretty good, you can shift faster, and it won't bog because you're keeping the power up.

Hope some of that made sense.

 

Yes, the car is lurching/bogging. I might try the responder/booster. Also when on the power it's fine. Mostly happens at low speeds. At low speeds I've realized that sport mode is actually more comfortable. Probably more responsive throttle in sport mode. The one problem being in sports mode around town is that I seem to fly through 1st and 2nd which equals a lot of shifting.