The top of my shift **** exploded overnight.
Drove the car last night, and it was fine. Went to move it this morning and discovered that the clear rubber on top of the shift **** was cracked open down the middle and split all around the edge. Looks like someone went to town on it with a boxcutter. I know this has happened to other Mini owners. Any problems getting the part replaced under warranty?
Thanks
eve
:???:

 

I think this is the third or fourth person I have heard of this from.

 

I'm on my third ****. Mine split the first time and the second the clear plastic just got loose. Every time you touched the **** it crackeled. Mini of Universal replaced it without too much hassel. I just had to find the right guy to talk to.

 

I am defnietly getting an aftermarket **** now.

 

Chalk up one more blown shifter ****. Came out of work on the first sunny afternoon and there it was, curled up all the way around. I haven't had my MCS for a week. Looks like someone needs to take a trip back to the drawing board...

 

What a bizarre problem! Any theories on what is causing this, since it doesn't seem to be a temperature issue (one happened overnight, one happened on a sunny afternoon)?

 

My theory is that the plastic window is reacting to another material, such as the metallized plastic indicator below, or the adhesive that holds it all together. If you try and press the plastic down you will notice that it has shrunk considerably, and the stress caused to to crack. It could also be stressed when assembled.

At first I thought it might have been some sort of cleaner used by the dealer when they prepped the car (the NAV screen was a smeary mess that took me a while to clean up after I got the car). Certain cleaners play hell with some plastics. My best luck so far has been with Endust For Electronics, it does not attack plastics and does not leave a film.

 

Get a Whalen! They are the best out there!

 

Yep, Just happend to me a few weeks ago. It started at the top and curled all the way around. Took it in and the replaced it no problem. If it happens again, I'm going aftermarket.

 

I've been wanting to put an aftermarket **** like a MOMO one on my mini for a while but I heard you have to file down the lever and stuff and I dont want to have to do that. Anyone know if the MOMO or Sparco ***** fit the cooper? thanks

 

Get a Whalen. You will not regret it.

 

I almost wish that would happen to mine. It would be a good reason buy a Whalen shift ****.

 

>>Get a Whalen. You will not regret it.
I'm ordering mine today. I haven't had any probs with the stock shift ****, but the Whalen looks so cool, and having something heavy and low appeals to me (read into that what you'd like...)

 

>>Get a Whalen. You will not regret it.

$150 with shift pattern?! Nuts! If it'd come to spending this much, i'd rather get a short-shifter from Alta with any aftermarket **** for like ~$230.

 

Might want to consider a UUC Motorwerks Aftermarket know. They are listed under the mini section and interior accessories. This is the route I am going shortly. No drilling required. Fits right of the stock stalk and locks down with a hex screw (does no damage to the stalk in case you would want to put the stock **** back on (why you would I don't know).
UUC **** still currently going for $99. Available in both 5 and 6 speed patters.

Just my $0.02.

 

While the subject of this thread would normally fill me with fear and trepidation, I feel better knowing there are options out there should the worst happen. Yes...yes...very cool options! (drools) :smile:

 

I agree with CooperSpeed and Morales. I got a Whalen shift **** too, the only aftermarket thing I've bought for my Mini, and it's a work of art! It's beautiful, solid, industrial-looking, fits the interior perfectly, and is the focal point of the interior. Doug Whalen is a great guy to deal with. I highly recommend it!

 

I just ordered a Whalen shift **** from Doug too...

You can get anything you want engraved on it, including the standard shift layout patterns.

And I have to Second that Doug is great to deal with! I sent an email asking for a couple of sample pics of the engraved shift patterns and he replied with them right away.

Can't wait to get it! Thanks Doug!