Hello i currently own a 2003 Mini Cooper S. All my gears were working fine, but i noticed that reverse was getting a bit harder to actually stick in. i really had to crank it or just keep trying and trying. well now all of a sudden, i cant put it in reverse at all. when i try to crank it over it just makes a springy noise and never goes into reverse. it just goes right to first gear and since it wont go over to reverse, the clutch is real loose moving to all the gears. i was able to drive it as all the gears were easy to shift into, just reverse i cant. when i play with it in neutral and move it all the way to the left, theres a springy noise like somethins not staying. please help me out so i can figure out possible problems and get it in ASAP. Thanks.!

 

I hope my reply will bump this so others can respond.

From what you describe, sounds to me more like a linkage problem than a clutch problem

Only thing I know about linkage, is that it's cable driven, and it runs under the air filter box.

Direct some research towards the shift
linkage, and you'll likely find a more specific answer. Good luck

 

Thank you.! i was able to look into it more and call a local mini shop and thats exactly whats wrong with my car. i appreciate your response it def helped out

 

+1 on the cables. They can pop off from the front above the transmission.

Make sure you get the right cables there is Condition A and Condition B shifter lugs. Up to 1/2004 production. You can see in the diagram condition A and B shifter base.




Check the shifter base also, something might be disconnected there or damaged.

Gear shift lug condition A - Manual


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/25117518850/ES47188/



Shifting Cable Selector Shaft condition A -1/2004


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/25117531707/ES47285/



Shifting cable selector shaft A and B. -1/2004


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/25117531708/ES47286/




------------------------------------------------------------------

Gear Shift Lug Condition B


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/25117542693/ES47324/




Shifting Cable Selector Shaft - Condition B -1/2004


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/25117547371/ES47343/



You will need the shared A & B part again.


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/25117531708/ES47286/


You can match them up to the old ones and have the correct part. You can determine the condition A or B dependent on the comparison of the shifter base lug.


Thanks and hope that helps.

 

Hopefully it's just something in the shift linkage that has broken. If not then you're probably starting to look at something like a broken shift fork or something which involves cracking the trans open to fix