I took my 02 MC in for it's 60k service and this is what they found broken. I have no idea what it is but the car drove fine before I took it in so I'm not sure what's going on. I didn't have time to ask too many questions so I don't have any more detials other then it's all covered under my warranty and I am do for a rental car (covered as well) until it gets fixed.

Any idea what this could be or what it does?

 

seems like you nailed it in your title. if your shift linkage were broken before you brought it in you wouldn't have been able to drive it there. i'm guessing you have a manual trans?

 

Yes, manual trans, 5-speed. I'll get more details today from the dealer.

 

The early build 02 Coopers had problems with the linkage failing. Your's just lasted 60k, others lasted for the first drive home.....

 

Wow, wonder if anything about these MINIs was made to last? Something tells me no.