I have a 02' Cooper 111,000 mi. with the manual Midlands 5spd. Just the other day under normal driving I put it into 2nd and it jumped out of gear. I then tried again and made sure it was fully engaged. It jumped again, I have to semi-forcefully hold it to use 2nd gear. Is there some type of gear lock or retaining clip, maybe the pressure plates of the clutch are going bad? It only does it in 2nd gear. Ive read horror stories about the Midlands but everything seems fine except for 2nd. Any ideas of tips would be great.

 

Sorry, but I think this is the start of something bad.
I had a transmission on a honda which started going bad by jumping out of gear. I don't know a bunch about transmissions so I am not any help but with the honda it was the syncros going out. It just kept getting worse until I had a used replacement put in. It may be something different but you should probably get to a shop to have it checked ASAP.

 

Yup.

 

Alright thanks, im taking it to the dealer today, despite them not wanting to answer a single question I had. And I did some research and it does sound like a syncro gear. There made of brass and not steel like the rest of the gears and they wear out. Thanks for the help.

 

Does sound like a worn out 2nd gear synchro ring.
Click and Clack (the Car Talk guys) would suggest something involving a bungee cord to keep it in gear while driving.

 

Either a bad syncro or shifter detent... both of which are inside the transmission

 

thats what the MINI Tech said at the dealer after a quick drive. The dealer quoted me $2,700 for a rebuilt gearbox plus $800 for labor. Or just the synchros, a few guide sleves, and a new second shift gear. Those suggested parts cost about $1,000 with $1,600 for labor. So I'm going to take it to a transmission shop I called that has worked on Minis. Regardless the route i take, no Mini for a while.