1st Gen R52 Cooper Convertible R52 with tight gear shifts (6spd)

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by docraja, Jan 22, 2015.

  1. docraja

    docraja New Member

    Jan 22, 2015
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    06 Cooper S convertible, car runs great for the most part, considering it's approaching 90K.
    BUT I have a few questions and concerns :
    The gear box feels kinda tight when shifting in and out of gears. The dealer said there's no problem. Any suggestions why this is the case or what to watch for ?

    Also, looking for Mini experts in the Chicagoland area.
     
  2. minintrigue

    minintrigue Active Member

    Sep 30, 2009
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    Mine is the same way, at least when everything is cold. Or rather not up to operating temperature. I changed my transmission fluid to redline (I think) in my 06, and the difference between the two was significant. Has your fluid ever been changed? Does it get better when warmed up?
     
  3. CHKMINI

    CHKMINI Club Coordinator
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    Check your shift cables, they may need replaced.
     
  4. mrntd

    mrntd Well-Known Member
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    Also the socket are for the shifter could be dirty and gummed up.
     
  5. Eric@Helix

    Eric@Helix New Member
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    If it's resistant when cold, check your trans fluid level, it may be low. If you can peek under your car, follow the axles back to the differential and see if there's moisture at the diff right where the axles go in. If yes, that could be your problem.
     
  6. docraja

    docraja New Member

    Jan 22, 2015
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    #6 docraja, Jan 22, 2015
    Last edited: Jan 22, 2015
    Thanks ALL for responding.

    Not much different even after it warms up.
    The trans fluid was changed little over 2 year ago, about 8K miles ago.
    I didn't see any leaks underneath.

    Thinking about going the fluid change route again. Is redline the best choice?
     
  7. docraja

    docraja New Member

    Jan 22, 2015
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    Any Mini experts around the Chicagoland area?
    Repair shop recommendations?
     
  8. Ernesto

    Ernesto Club Coordinator

    May 16, 2009
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    Welcome to M/A docraja!!

    for most of my regular work I go to Dan at Import Service Center in Glenview..
    Import Service Center 847.724.4336

    He is a former MINI owner and Chicago MINI Motoring Club member, and does good work at a decent price. If you go.. tell him Steve from the Chicago MINI Club sent you.
     
  9. narvarr

    narvarr Active Member

    Nov 8, 2014
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    How's your clutch pedal feel? A weak slave cylinder will give you a stiff shifting feel as well.
     

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