I've test driven two R50s now. The first was a 2006, the second was a 2005. Similar miles: 115k and 128k respectively. The 2005 was a much better car in terms of overall condition, but one thing that stuck out at me was the shift mechanism. I don't recall having any particular issues finding gears in the 2006, but the 2005 shifter felt "vague" somehow. It's tough to describe, but I had trouble finding the third gear gate when shifting from 2nd to 3rd and from 4th to 3rd on multiple occasions. I also was never completely positive I had it in 1st. I tried starting off in 3rd once or twice by mistake. I refused to even try downshifting 3rd to 2nd because I had no confidence in it. Gears just seemed plain difficult to locate. I'm used to rwd cars with shift levers rather than cables. If this were a Getrag in a BMW I'd suspect that the detents needed servicing. Is this a sign that the cable shift parts need to be replaced or might it be something more ominous? The rest of the car seemed fine, quite nice really. Original clutch, but it didn't shudder and grabbed just fine. I'm having trouble convincing the current owner to bring it someplace for a PPI (no place real close to her, she's been using a regular mechanic), but if I can get an answer on the transmission I'll feel a lot better about moving forward with this car. Thanks.
Welcome to M/A! I'm guessing your R50s are stick shifts, so I cannot help you there. If they are CVTs, they do not begin to be true automatics until 2007, I think. The CVT is a real slushy transmission. I should know, as I have an R50 with one. However, I also have 2 2006 R53 automatics...one a bone stock automatic and the other modded for track and twisty driving. Both of the R53 automatics shift well. It might help if you could tell us where you are located, as there may be a member who can give you some mechanical advice.
The $40 short shifter extension can help. Also the bushings in the shifter linkage could be warn or just sloppy. I made some from self lubrication brass and it improved the feel. If someone has a lathe they could make some up. I'll look for my specs if any one is interested.
There is a ball fitting that the shifter cable end attaches to at the transmission that is staked in place.... They have been known to loosen up which could cause vague gear shifts which sounds like might be what you are experiencing... Go here for more details on a fix...http://www.motoringalliance.com/forums/cooper-s-engine-drivetrain/16313-recalcitrant-shifting-when-cold-2.html
Yeah, sounds like something is off there. I'm still driving my '02 MC w/ manual and I've never experienced anything like that. Just the opposite, it's even hard to skip a gear (up or down) because it always wants to go smoothly to the next and I have to work on any non-sequential transition. Wait, my '02 has a Midlands box. That '05 has a Getrag, right? If so, my experience means little. Still sounds screwy, though, listen these other guys.
Thanks, guys. Seller refused to allow a PPI by anyone other than her own mechanic, so I passed. Going to look at another one today.
Yes Steve your MC is the Midlands. Mini went German after July 04. Most likely the gear shift base is loose or slop at either end of the cables. Look for a July 04 onwards for the Ford type gearbox. Good luck hunting.