Posted this on the R52 forum although the transmission is the same as the R53 cooper S (I think). In any event, mine has started "scraping" when I change from 5th to 6th gear. All the other gears are perfectly fine and aside from 5th to 6th changes, the Getrag box is smooth yet positive.

I have surfed and surfed but have not found a single mention of this problem with the Getrag 6 speed. Am I just the unlucky one? The gears shift into 6th (just a scraping/grating sound)..should I do anything or just wait....

 

Make sure your clutch is disengaging fully and completely.

 

Thanks for replying martinb. How do I know if the clutch is not disengaging properly. Wouldn't there then be a problem with all the gears? and not just the 5th to 6th gear change. I would appreciate your advice as all I am told is to get a new transmission. As I mentioned, I have not seen one issue like this arise on a getrag 6-speed.

 

I would inspect, clean and lube the linkages....one might be dry or sticking a bit...or perhaps the ball joint they connect to is failing. Pretty simple to check....lubing IMO should be part of normal mx...that and check the fluid level in the tranny.

 

I think I'd just park the car on a level spot, put it in first gear, and with the clutch fully depressed, rev the engine some and see if the car creeps forward. Or try it in reverse which would be more sensitive. It's a long shot and likely your clutch is OK, but it's worth checking.