So I went threw the car wash the other day to get some road salt off the mini and the next morning I could not get the car out of first gear to let it idle and warm up. Now every time I have to let it warm up before it shifts right. After it does warm up it shifts normally, easy shifting with a lot of slop!!

 

Let me venture an opinion: The clutch slave cylinder is your problem. Moisture travels to the lowest point in the system. When sub-freezing temps occur, the slave cylinder locks up and will not function normally, hence you can't shift because the clutch isn't operational.

 

I would say it's not the slave. Change the fluid to Redline MTL and you'll be golden. You're probably due for a fluid change anyway.

///Rich

 

Sorry guys more info, normally with the engine off I can shift through the gears. Now when it is cold and I park it in first gear i can not get it out, with clutch pushed in or not. If I park it in neutral then I cant shift into any gear with or without the clutch. I did check the fluid level and it is low. The clutch pedal always feels the same no matter what.

 

Like Rich said, change to Redline MTL. It made a difference in mine. So when you get things figured out, use Redline MTL.

 

I plan to flush the system with redline with my next oil change. Meanwhile the car is starting to shift when it is cold though with a lot of resistance, makes me Leary to wash it again. Lol
Is there a diy on how to flush the system, I found one but it will not load for me.

 

I think he means to drain the old trans oil out of the gearbox and put the new redline MTL in the trans. I guess you could then run it for a while and do it over to make sure all old trans fluid is out, but I don't think it is necessary. Just run the car around the block and then get trans fluid hot and then drain. Make sure you get the right weight trans fluid to put in trans.

 

I don't think a "flush" is necessary. Just drain and refill. The MTL is compatible with the OEM oil. Don't make yourself crazy with this but the MTL will give you as good or better protection and won't be so stiff in the cold.

But getting the fluid in there will require a pump bottle if you do it from the bottom or a funnel on top with a long hose. And if you float the MTL in a hot water bath before the pour, you get get the job done in a half hour on your back in the driveway.

///Rich

 

If you are going to change the fluid we have a tech article that can help. In it we use a hand-operated fluid pump to fill the transmission with the new fluid. There isn't a lot of space to fit a bottle up there so the hand pump is a great alternative. The article covers all of this. Fluid HERE and if you click on MINI and then "tech info" tab at the top and scroll down to Transmission & Axles it's the last one under that category.

 

Acquired 2006 R52 at 16K miles and noticed 4th took extra effort resulting in missed shift if not careful. After changing to Amsoil Synchromesh tranny oil, all shifts are comparatively light and smooth. And that was after I tried a racing tranny oil recommended by a Mini mod shop which was no better than stock oil.

So, I have Amsoil for all fluids including steering. All is well and smooth operating. Engine oil is Amsoil European Blend 0-40 Full SAPS. Never have had to add between changes.

 

And what would i use in the clutch reservior?

 

I don't know for sure. Maybe brake fluid shared with brake system? I use Amsoil 600 racing fluid which is compatible with regular DOT 3 or 4.

 

https://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-product/other-products/brake-fluid/series-600-dot-4-racing-brake-fluid/?page=%2Fstorefront%2Fbf4.aspx

And yes clutch shares brake system fluid. be careful with bleeding the system of air bubbles.

 

Fluids are shared I used Ate 200 in both MINI for the clutch/ brake fluid. No issues. Bleed those brakes and the clutch good. Fluid has to meet Dot 4 or higher. all these do.

https://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2005-Cooper-R53-S-Coupe-L4_1.6L_W11B16A/Braking/Fluid/

 

It is combined with the brake system....

 

an extra thought....under the air-box (or where it should be if removed for a CAI) there is the linkage....the joints on it can get dry..and crusty fro salt, and grime...I would lube them up...the other half of the linkages is basically under the shift lever...hidden from below by the exhaust....

Using the wrong oil in the tranny can make shifting HARD when cold....but I would clean and lube the joints on the linkages, especially since you mentioned it got stiff after a car wash....

 

What would you suggest to use on the joints?