When I shift gears, I hear a squeaking noise. At times, it can be harder than others to shift gears, requiring a good bit of work. The dealer says it is normal and the fluid is lifetime. What can I do to make it shift better and squeak less? 02 MCS w/ 36k.

 

Is the squeaking when you move the shift lever, or the clutch pedal? Or something else? If it's the shifter, it may be that the cables need lubrication.
Or is it coming from the clutch/transmission. Need some details, Wini.

 

It is just the shifter, shifting in and out of any gear makes a squeaking noise. the clutch feels like it has a few more years left and works fine.

 

Take a look at the picture here:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...85&hg=25&fg=05
the cables (5 & 6) may need lubing, or the socket where the shift lever goes into the box.

 

Mine thumps going from first to second but i figured that was normal

 

I get a little of the thumping effect too - really it all depends on the speed I move the shift lever into the next gear. If I take it really easy, it's a smooth transition. If I go more rapidly, I can feel the shift. I have, in haste, ground the gears a few times over the life of this '05 MINI and it's always mortally embarrassing for me but from what I understand, not too bad on the tranny. I sure hope not.