Hello all,

I've been perusing these boards silently for some time now. I just recently took ownership of a 2005 MCS with 49,000 miles on it. My previous vehicle was a Honda Civic, and the clutch/transmission was much more 'smooth'. I've noticed that the clutch/transmission on the MCS is 'notchy' and I feel like I have to rev match all the time. Part of this may be me just getting used to the car. Has anyone else experienced this as a new Mini owner? Make me feel better.

 

Hi,
First things' first, congratulations on your new buy. I too recently (about a month ago) bought an 05 MCS with 26750 miles and already put 1000 miles on it. I too felt similar to what you are feeling when I first got hold of mini. I used to drive 93 Infiniti G20(still have it) and the clutch and gear change felt much more buttery but vague on this car. On Mini clutch is tad tight and gear changes need more muscle and you hear clunky sound with gear change especially 1 to 2 to 3, but the gear change is precise. you always know where you are pushing. I haven't driven a new Mini but from what I read in reviews its the way this car is set up. I may be wrong.
And yeah, rev matching is a big thing with this car, I still am getting used to it.

 

This makes me feel a little better as I experience the same thing in 1st through 3rd gear. I shall keep motoring on and enjoying my more 'precise' gearing. Anyone else with a similar experience?

 

I think what you're experiencing is normal. Personally I love the "snick-snick" sound and feel of the shifter action and its not nearly as smooth and uneventful as a Honda or infinity tranny. And the clutch is much stiffer also.

 

Hello, I am a little concerned about the way my 2006 Mini Cooper S transmission feels when I drive it. I feel like I am pulling the shift **** through sand and is not very smooth. I have brought up the concern with the dealership and what they did was lube the shifter cables (which I felt was just a temporary fix). It made my shifting experience feel like I am shifting through butter but has slowly gone back to the 'sandy' feeling. The only other time that it does not feel like sand is if the car has been sitting outside in 90+ degrees F weather for 8 hours while I am at work and the tranny is super hot before hand. Is this normal or do I need to get something checked?
Thanks!

 

e3zkiel,
First thing you may want to do is a fluid change. It is easy and inexpensive.
I recommend Redline MTL but there are other good fluids that meet spec.
This may help resolve your problem.
Good luck.