Hi everybody,

Just got my MCS this week and after a few days of motoring i have to say, it truly is an amazing ride. I love how it hugs the road on tight corners and just the sheer pleasure of driving it around.

Well, back to my inteneded topic, which is the reverse shifting. I've noticed how difficult it is for me to find it at first but after a while i'm getting the hang of it. However, i still have to violently wiggle it left to right in order to actually lock it in reverse. And while i've tried to lock it in in a more subtle manner, i still have difficulty in finding it.

Is there an alternative method to to shifting in reverse as i'm worried about the wiggling from time to time.

Kudos :smile:

P.S I'm from Sydney Australia and i must say after my original concern with our models having the the speedo centrally mounted on the steering column (as opposed to the taco) i am now comfortable with the changes.

 

I just give it a good smack to the left. You won't hurt the tranny.

 

Congrats on your new MCS and welcome to MCO!

As for reverse, many of us have a stiff reverse gate. The best method I have found to overcome it is with some momentum. Rather than push or pull the shift **** toward reverse, you want to tap it into reverse.

I actually hold my hand like I'm about to shake someone's hand, with my fingers outstretched and my palm facing reverse. With my hand about two inches from the shift ****, I quickly tap the shift **** with a right to left motion. It easily pops into reverse. If I try to slowly pull or push the **** into reverse, it feels like the shift lever will break off before it goes in.

Give it a little slap/tap/bump, and see if that works for you. Spank its bottom.

See ya,
JS

 

I agree. Just smack it over. Mine has loosened up a little in 1 year and 25,000 miles.

 

Welcome!!! 29k and mine slips into "R" easily. Yours will too. (A heavier shift **** will help too, but don't get one just to get into reverse.) Enjoy the motoring!

God speed.

 

As a habit from driving older manual trans vehicles (Datsun Roadster among them) I will pull the shifter into 2nd before going into reverse. I know it's not necessary but it seems to put me in a better position to find the gate and slip it in. You will find your method with a little experience! Congrats and welcome to the MCS club...

 

I've been using the smack to the left and up manuever. I now have tendonitis in my right wrist. Use this technique carefully!

 

I have found that putting the shifter into second gear and then reverse makes it a lot easier. Often, the shifter refuses to go straight into reverse from Neutral.

I agree its a bit akward but like everything else you'll get used to it.

 

Hey wonderboy!

My MCS certainly has the stiffest reverse gate lock I have had on any car, but apparently that is normal. I somteimes use both hands to preempt tendinitis.
Maybe in a few years we will coin a new term: 'MINI ellbow'

So in aussieland you folks have the speedo on the steering column and a giant center dash tach? How interesting. Why did they do that, regulations?

Cheers and Darwin Speed.....

M.