1st Gen R52 Cooper Convertible Most liked posts in thread: R52 with tight gear shifts (6spd)

  1. CHKMINI

    CHKMINI Club Coordinator
    Lifetime Supporter

    Sep 1, 2009
    9,244
    3,802
    113
    Ratings:
    +3,863 / 0 / -1
    Check your shift cables, they may need replaced.
     
  2. Eric@Helix

    Eric@Helix New Member
    Motoring Alliance Founding Sponsor

    May 4, 2009
    1,154
    1,257
    0
    Shepherd
    Philadelphia
    Ratings:
    +1,257 / 0 / -0
    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.
     
  3. Ernesto

    Ernesto Club Coordinator

    May 16, 2009
    642
    652
    93
    Oracle DBA
    Skokie Ill
    Ratings:
    +837 / 0 / -0
    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.
     
  4. minintrigue

    minintrigue Active Member

    Sep 30, 2009
    233
    57
    28
    Banker
    Cincinnati, OH
    Ratings:
    +57 / 0 / -0
    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?
     
  5. mrntd

    mrntd Well-Known Member
    Supporting Member

    Sep 30, 2011
    5,083
    1,762
    113
    Male
    Sales and Marketing manager
    Hilliard, Ohio
    Ratings:
    +1,763 / 0 / -0
    Also the socket are for the shifter could be dirty and gummed up.
     
  6. docraja

    docraja New Member

    Jan 22, 2015
    7
    0
    0
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    #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
    7
    0
    0
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Any Mini experts around the Chicagoland area?
    Repair shop recommendations?
     
  8. narvarr

    narvarr Active Member

    Nov 8, 2014
    183
    116
    43
    Maintenance Tech
    Rowlett, Tx (Dallas Metro)
    Ratings:
    +116 / 0 / -0
    How's your clutch pedal feel? A weak slave cylinder will give you a stiff shifting feel as well.