I just bought a 2005 mini cooper and had a question about fourth gear. It seems like once I put it in 4th gear it revs at much higher rate than 3rd or 5th, and it feels like I should shift to 5th almost immedately, even around 50 mph. Is this a common experience or should I be concerned? I haven't driven a manual in several years so that could also be a factor is what seems normal. Any help would be very much apprecited! Thanks.

 

Well, I would start by seeing what the problem actually is, if there even is one. Try driving at a constant speed in 3rd gear (say 50 mph), then shift to 4th, then 5th while watching your tach at each stage. You should see your rpms incrementally drop each time (duh). I highly doubt that your 5th gear is a lower gear ratio than 4th .

What kind of odd noise/awkward feeling do you experience while in 4th gear? Does it occur only under hard acceleration? Is there more vibration? Could you be a little more specific?

By the way, welcome to North American Motoring! Tell us a little about your MC.

 

I tried the gear 3, 4, 5 at 50mph, yes, the rpm went down about 2 - 3 hundred per gear shift. It just feels different, almost like the a whine.