Hi all.

Wonder if anyone with a CVT has experienced something like this:
(May 2003 build MINI CVT)

Engaging (moving) the shifter out of "P"ark seems to have become more and more difficult -- well, not difficult, but it's "sticking" in Park and I have to give it a lot more elbow grease to get it to move out of Park. Once it's out, it moves smoothly and freely between all gears. SIDE NOTE: Before I put the car in Park, I press down the brake pedal, pull up on the e-brake to engage it, put the shifter into "P"ark and finally, release the brake pedal. I heard this was the right way to do it to avoid unecessary stress on the transmission. I can't see how this can have anything to do with the sticky-shifter.

At one point, I thought the shifter was very fluid and even too easy to move. I realize it's not an actual mechanical shifter, correct? In other words, the shifter isn't connected to anything, like a rod, that actually moves something in the transmission, as is the case with a manual tranny. I think with the CVT tranny, the computer is just reading what position the shifter is in -- there's no mechanical linkage. Am I wrong here?

Anyway, I am worried that one morning or afternoon after work, I'll get in the car and won't be able to budge the shifter out of "P"ark.

Yes, I am pressing the brake pedal all the way in and also pressing the shifter button before trying to move the shifter into Drive...I realize the brake pedal/shifter has some sort of "interlock" connection. Also, the car is operating perfect in all other respects.

But I digress... anyone know what's going on, or if this is a documented problem?

Thanks,

-Boognish