Hello,

I have a 2006 Mini Cooper S JCW. I never noticed this before but my shifter when in gear has about 1 inch or slightly more of play to the right when in any gear. There is little to no play in the up/down/left movement.

I assume this is not normal. what would be the cause of that much play to the right?

The car shifts perfectly fine, and I have no problem getting in any gear. The gear lever doesn't move around when in gear unless i push it to the right with very little force.

 

I measured and its actually 1cm of play not 2.5cm.

Its much better but still I think this is not right?

 

I've got about 3/8" - 1/2" side to side play in my shift lever while in any gear in my 04 R53.
You might want to pull up your shift boot and inspect the white plastic collar/bushing that the lower ball rides around in.
That bushing can eventually wear and or even crack with age.
You will need to look closely while you move your shifter into gear and around as well as side to side to spot any cracks. The white lithium grease may also obscure any small cracks or broken areas.
It may very well be tour issue.

If so...
Luckily Cravenspeed does make a improved replacement kit for that bushing....



I purchased my Cravenspeed shift lever bushing from Way (WMW).
I have yet to install it since my shifting issues were related to something else and my shifter bushing was in perfect (unbroken) condition.

 

How many miles on your 2006 R53? If on the high side, it could be wear (or perhaps a broken member) on the white nylon bushing that centers the shift lever ball with that bushing. Although replacing that bushing requires a bit of labor to access and remove the shifter housing bottom plate (better done with that removed),the topside of that bushing can be visually inspected with the shifter boot ring popped-up. Do that first while shifting with engine off and clutch in before proceeding with any R&R. If you see movement in the 1-piece molded bushing, likely indicates that's the root cause.If so, the fix is mentioned R&R with the fatigued white bushing replaced by one of these:
Cravenspeed MINI Shift Lever Bushing from Way Motor Works

Check that bushing and report back on your findings. If needing replacement, more info and a video link (not mine) to follow. Pic from my marketplace ad show what you'll be able to be see from above (noting bushing not damaged) but not what you can't on bottom side (more pics in ad).

Edit: Oops - was still typing while H2G posted his comment above...

 

Yeah - ^^^What he said^^^