My shifter is no longer returning to the 3-4 neutral position when I release the stick when in neutral. I also have to guide the shift lever from 2nd to 3rd gear while shifting in order to keep from shift from 2nd to 1st by accident.

I looked up the parts on REALOEM and the mechanism appears to be a complete unit just below the shift lever that the shift cables from the transmission hook into.

I called my MSA and they want to look at it. Has anyone else had this problem?

 

I always thought there were springs holding the position to neutral. Perhaps one came loose.

You are right that realoem shows an entire unit.

 

could be your selector cable that's gone.

shifter cable is the one that guides the stick up and down.
selector cable is the one that guides it side to side.

 

I finally got the MINI to the dealer today after completing some extensive travel for work. The MSA informed me that the shift box mechanism needs to be replace. I should have it back tomorrow. I think I will treat my MINI to the JCW shift **** since I neglected it so long due to my job.

 

So I got my MINI back and the shifter feels brand new again. It felt so new that I went ahead and added the CF JCW shift **** to it!

I love my MINI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!