Just got a new MCS-03, well- dealer had 8000 mi on it but the wife loves it.Except one thing.I'm in Minnesota and its gotten pretty cold lately-even in the garage.Well the six speed tranny locks up tighter than a drum.Its like anti-theft or something.Its happened about five times now.Appears to happen when its extremely cold(20 or below).I found out if I heat the garage in will finally unlock and we can drive it.Started leaving it in gear which seemed to help but now it got below zero outside and it won't move.The closest dealer is 120 mi and we haven't had a chance to take it in yet.The service people didn't seem to have a clue over the phone.It seems like its electronic but they say no electronics in the manual Trans.My wife is not happy.Just found this web site and thought I'd ask around.Anyone have this problem yet.

 

I have a 02/02 build MINI Cooper 5-speed here in Minnesota,
and I haven't had a problem.

Bummer. I hope the dealer can fix it.

 

Are you sure it's the transmission itself locking up...or the shifter? I'm not sure how you'd check to see which, but there are many reports of the shift mechanism's cable getting frozen. When it warms up, the shift works, but not before. This seems like it's more likely to be your problem than something internal to the transmission.

 

I just got off another site and there was a lot of discussion about this problem.Seems its the shifter cables.They freeze up so you can't shift.Most say they simply warm up the car for a while-the cables run above the exhaust-thawout and your good to go.Seems a cable replacement does the trick.Thats what I'm going to require when I get it to service.Apparently this is a fairly common problem.

 

It isn't the tranny or shifter, it is the cable linking the two.
Mine freezes up alot lately here in Indianapolis , as well. After my car runs for a few minutes it can be limber enough to drive.

 

If you do a search on NAM for cold and shift you will find quite a few have discussed it here as well. I have some "new design" cables on order with my dealership

 

I’m with MINI USA. I’m sorry to read about this problem with your transmission. If you want our assistance, please phone us at (866) ASK MINI and mention Reference # 200402307247 so that we can help you more efficiently.

 

philhans, i have an 04 mcs, was having same problem as you. dealer replaced shifter cables last week. shifter works perfect,no longer freezes.
best regards, jeff