Seem to have a difficult time shifting into reverse. Have 04 Cooper 5speed, 28k. It occasionally pops out of reverse and is difficult engaging reverse. If I pop into neutral and wait a bit it willl slip in but do have to be careful so it won't grind.

 

Never put it in reverse without first putting it in first, or in other words, slide it in first before you put it in reverse. This uses the synchros in first to get the gears turning a little, and it won't crunch when you put it in reverse. No synchros in reverse on a Cooper 5sp.

I think. Works for me.

 

i have a 9/02 mcs, sometimes i cannot shift into reverse at all, even after shifting into first. luckily my driveway is slightly sloped...

 

My 05 Cooper did this and it drove me crazy. I used to double clutch before putting it in reverse. For what its worth, my 05 S doesn't have this "problem", so it must be native to the Midlands gearbox.

 

Sorry guys, but because there is no synchro in reverse, you don't want any gears or car movement going on when going into reverse. Putting the transmission in first or just touching first gear a little actually stops any gears from spinning. If nothing is spining you should be able to drop right into reverse.

If your clutch is not fully released of is dragging a bit, which will cause the input shaft to turn, will cause a grinding going into reverse.

YD

 

My solution (2006 MC) has been to put it in reverse when I park the car. For some reason I have much less problem getting into reverse when I am finished driving than when first starting up the car. That way, when I start it the stick is already fully back into the reverse position. Takes a while to get used to doing that ahead of time, but works for me...

 

Yep, I do the third-gear-before-reverse thing, myself.

 

i also have an '04 MC with reverse problems. my mileage is similar as well 27,400. i took it in today and they are replacing the transmission. i was a little suprised by this but hey, it's under warranty, so fine with me! i'm guessing it is not an isolated problem if they were so quick to offer a replacement. my care was built sept. '03. i remember hearing that MINI switched to a different transmission not too long after. hmmm. it might be worth a call to your dealer.

 

How about changing the fluid to a synthetic (maybe already is for all I know)? Hasn't been changed that I know of )bought it with 22k on).