Hi Everyone.

I have had my used MINI since October and over the last couple days the temps have dipped into the teens for the first time. This morning when I got in the car and later on in the morning when I went to drive the manual gearbox was very stiff coming out of first gear and shifting. After only a mile or so down the road it was pretty much back to normal. Can anyone offer personal experience and tell me if this is normal or the beginning indications of a specific problem? It sounds to me that maybe the transmission oil is a bit thick do to cold and after the gears spinning for a bit the oil is warmed up and the transmission shifts normally. Any and all comments are welcome and appreciated.

Thanks

 

I experience this as well. I can best describe my specific symptoms as the shift gate going into first is a bit tight...

From what I've read around here, we've got nothing to worry about. I'm sure someone will chime in if I'm wrong.

 

Thanks for the confirmation.

 

I've noticed this too- our first particularly cold morning, I managed to bounce it out of first and back out of gear :( I'd just assumed it was cold transmission oil as well.

 

It is normal for MINIs. I've had my car through almost 5 winters, it has always done this.

 

The hard-shifting-when-cold syndrome is caused by the freezing of moisture that has seeped into the shifter "cassette" (the assembly that transmits shift lever movement to the shifter cables). The cassette sits above the exhaust, so after a few minutes exhaust heat thaws things out and all is well. However, the symptoms when frozen can be quite disconcerting, if not dangerous. On my 2003 MCS two winters ago, I experienced the following on different mornings: (1) inability to shift into any gear for 5 minutes, resulting in a 5-minute idle; (2) inability to shift out of first, resulting in low-speed cruising of my neigborhood for 4-5 minutes. I discovered that there is a TSB on this, which states that, on customer complaint, replace shifter cassette, etc. with an updated part (supposedly with improved moisture protection). My dealer was reluctant at first ("could not reproduce"), but finally agreed to do it (under warranty, during the warranty period). Shifting has been fine ever since. I don't have the TSB number handy right now, but I can find it if you wish. I think you can also find it by doing a search here on NAM. Good luck!

 

I think that if you change your transmission fluid to Redline MTL you will see a significant improvement. It takes about a half hour to do. here are a couple of pointers. Be sure to loosen the fill plug before you loosen the drain plug just to be sure there won't be a problem there. I float the MTL is hot water while I am removing the plugs which, I think, are 17mm. A socket or key works as they are easy to get to. And fill from above. Put a length of clear tubing on a funnel and run it down from the engine bay. Works like a charm.

Again, you'll see a big difference and the MTL is fine for your Mini.

I do suppose that they may be some problems with cassettes but this will help a lot, is good to do anyway and won't hurt in any case.

Rich

 

While this may help a bit, the problem the OP is describing is one of cold weather affecting the linkage.

You want to be very careful about changing the tranny fluid on the LSD equipped MINI. I have seen no confirmation about whether or not the LSD needs any particular type of additive to maintain proper function. And the OEM fluid is of a very high quality.

 

If you find this TSB information, please post here.

Thanks

 

The TSB number is M 25-200-04

 

Thanks for the info, this is exactly the type of response I was looking for. Now, the question is, will they charge for the repair if the car is out of warranty?

 

Rich,

Thanks for the info. While I may switch the fluid at some point in the future I will observe the condition for a bit to see how it behaves and if it gets any worse or better depending on the temperature.

Another way that you can easily fill the gearbox is to use a small pump that screws right onto most bottles and pump it right in. Sold at most auto parts stores. I found mine at my local NAPA. Have used it to fill the gearbox of my TR6 several times.

 

Shouldn't..........TSB's are usually taken care no matter the time frame. If the SA gives you any hassles just push the matter to the manager.

 

ditto ; my truck too . manuals need to warm up .

 

How old is the TSB? So no model years shipped with the updated gadgetry?

 

Judging from the TSB, updated parts began to appear near the end of the '03 model year ("up to 08/03"). However, my '03 S was built in August '03 and had the freezing problem, so I think "thru" 08/03 may be more accurate.

 

Just found this thread, thanks for the tip on the TSB, my '03 MCS (build date 02/03) has this specific problem, and even tho I'm well out of warranty on time, I've called my dealer to see if they'll handle this for me. I'll post what happens......

 

I have notice this a little bit to, usually happens after a day sitting in my schools parking lot if the weather is less than 15-20 degrees, this on an 05 no less.

 

I believe this happened to my wife's '02 MCS last night. It was 4 F ambient temp. She couldn't get the car into reverse and the shifter would only move between 1st and 2nd. Someone pushed her out of her parking spot and after a bit of a warm up she was able to drive home.

The car is way beyond warranty in terms of years, but not miles. Too bad that doesn't matter.

 

Ditto the problem on my '03. This is the first winter it showed up. Stiff is an understatement. I have to pull back on the stick with my whole body to move it out of gear. If I work the sift through the gates several times it loosens up without starting the engine .
Thanks for the tip on the TSB. Question: I am planning to put in a Craven short shifter. Is it still necessary to replace the OEM cassette or does the aftermarket part solve the issue?

 

Short shift will not fix this. This has to do with the cables freezing up by the tranny.

 

Thanks for the answer. IMHO, all who will ask for a repair under warranty or out of warranty under the TSB be aware that the SA usually requires that the symptom be reproduced by the tech. Better bring your car in for evaluation-approval when the air temp is freezing and leave it at the shop for several hours until the exhaust cools.

 

thanks for this post, am having the same difficulties, living in Maine does it I guess. This is the third winter I have had the Mini through a Maine winter, and the first instance of the inability to put it in reverse. This happened with another manual trans. car I owned. Please update anyone who knows if they will honor the TSBs out of warranty. I have an 10/02 build MCS and it looks like I would be affected by this and I never did get my fuses separated (power steering and engine cooling fan F5 fuse) and that TSB would be nice to be able to get done as well. Dealership is several hours away, don't want to waste a trip! Thank you for the info!

 

Did you ever get this problem fixed?
I just took mine in to have the cables replaced and they want to charge me
$800. I am imploring the Service Manager to call Mini and try to get it fixed out of Warranty. My extend just expired in Sept.
If he can't do it, I am going to keep trying to send Mini the bill. It seems like they are using parts with a faulty seal if they are so susceptible to cold weather.