Greeeeeetings...

Last week my car started popping out of 1st gear upon 50% throttle or more. It shoots the stick back into neutral position. In the mean time I've been going light on 1st and short shifting into 2nd. Any idea what the problem could be?

Also...as we all know the stock clutch sucks on the JCW. I've driven stick my whole life, including racing, and never had a clutch problem. So far on this car of 43k miles, they have already replaced it once. Now that I'm out of maintenance I've felt upon sustained very hard driving that the clutch is starting to slip again.

So my question is when they drop the tranny to fix whatever is wrong with 1st gear under warranty, can I pay for another clutch and have them throw it in? This way I will avoid the insane labor charge for the clutch change. Also, does anyone have any suggestions for a good aftermarket clutch that will stand the power and also the test of time? Something that uses material other than cardboard and marshmallow like the stock clutch.

Thank you!
-Gene

 

Sounds like the synchros

Yes that should be no issue for a good shop.

 

Ok cool. As the car is still under standard warranty I was hoping to get it done at a dealer and avoid labor costs.

 

Jeebus. That's really weird the fork is snapping back into the neutral position from 1st. What happens if you hold the stick in place at 1st gear?

 

They might charge you a little but since it is already out they should not rape you on the labor. Keep us posted.

 

If I hold it into place it maintains the gear just fine. If I gently place my hand on it, it starts to get a good shake in it seconds before it puts itself back into neutral. Weird.

 

IMO I still feel the synchros are going. Let us know when you hear from the dealer.

 

Will do! Thank you!

-Gene

 

Mini of Fairfield county gave me a fair deal. They replaced the transmission for the 1st gear thing under warranty and the replaced the clutch while it was down. A total of $475 parts/labor/tax. Happy man.

Thanks for all the help!

-Gene