"Hobbs, D. Hobbs." (hobbsD)
01/15/2014 at 08:53 • Filed to: The Real Hammond
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"Hobbs, D. Hobbs." (hobbsD)
01/15/2014 at 08:53 • Filed to: The Real Hammond | 0
| 16 |
Like myself, my Mini acts like a creaky old man in the cold…
First, thanks for the Oppo privileges. It's been a pleasure reading all your stories and sharing your interests in all things automobile. Also, I've appreciated the humor from our GT6 races online.
Alright, so the goods. I have a 2011 R56 Mini Cooper S with the 6 speed Getrag manual. Above 40 degrees, he runs like a champ, and the shifts are pretty buttery with that nice little clunk into gear that I've come accustomed to.
But the problem is that under 40 degrees, and especially during the bitter cold that we've experienced in Wisconsin this year, the Mini's manual gets creaky and cranky. Even when given plenty of time to warm up, the car would prefer not to shift from first to second, and it takes a double clutch to do so. However, this is only required in first and second; other shifts need some finessing, too, but not to this degree. After 3-5 miles, the transmission feels OK, but not summer good.
So the question is: should I be worried?
I brought this up to my dealership and they said it was "normal."
Nick, Drives a Cobalt LT
> Hobbs, D. Hobbs.
01/15/2014 at 08:57 |
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I have a Getrag in my Cobalt.....Mine just freezes and I'm stuck with third and fourth.
haha
I love and hate my car....
Like yours mine hates the cold, it spits and sputters and fights me til its warmed up fully.
Which is why I now have a winter beater.
McMike
> Hobbs, D. Hobbs.
01/15/2014 at 09:16 |
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No, don't be worried. Most manuals behave like that until they warm up a little.
Dsscats
> Hobbs, D. Hobbs.
01/15/2014 at 09:17 |
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How is reliability? I really want one,
KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs
> Hobbs, D. Hobbs.
01/15/2014 at 09:24 |
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My R55's Getrag doesn't have those symptoms, even after the 3 degree cold soak a few weeks back.
Its likely the oil. I did have a G35 which refused to go into reverse, 1st, 2nd, or 5th until warmed up or double clutched.
A transmission oil change resolved most of those issues.
Levitas
> Hobbs, D. Hobbs.
01/15/2014 at 09:30 |
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I have an 03 R50 and mine does the same thing, but my worst gear is 3rd. The only thing ive found that helps is to replace the tranny fluid, I think I use Redline MTL.
Mini says the tranny fluid is a lifetime fluid, but most forums and Mini mechanics say every 30k miles. Replacing the old fluid with new fluid helps the synchros work better, and if you experience cold all the time Redline might be able to recommend a better fluid with better viscosity.
Stupidru
> Hobbs, D. Hobbs.
01/15/2014 at 09:34 |
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Which part of this fine, freezing state are you in?
Btw, put some different gear oil in there (like Amsoil, a Wisconsin product) and it should loosen up a bit
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Hobbs, D. Hobbs.
> Levitas
01/15/2014 at 09:41 |
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Thanks for this advice. It's nice(?) to hear others are having similar issues. In regard to the transmission oil, I was told I was going to "void my warranty" if I replaced it, which seems like utter junk and terrible advice to me. I've read about the Redline MTL on NAM, so I'll dig a little bit more and try to get it changed in the next week or two to experience the difference in the cold.
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Hobbs, D. Hobbs.
> Stupidru
01/15/2014 at 09:41 |
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I work in Madison. Will do on the transmission fluid. Thanks.
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Hobbs, D. Hobbs.
> Nick, Drives a Cobalt LT
01/15/2014 at 09:42 |
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I've thought hard about the beater, but I'm not sure that would fly in my household...
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Hobbs, D. Hobbs.
> Dsscats
01/15/2014 at 09:45 |
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Well...
It hasn't broken down. But it was a rattle box when I first bought it. Took 6 times for the dealership to finally come up with a fix for the boxes of gravel that were my doors.
But, I do worry since there have been quite a few recalls.
I thoroughly enjoy it in the snow and the sun, and I have grand visions for upgrades when my 36k/3 year warranty is up, but I'm always looking over the fence for something more reliable. The only thing that's holding me up are its fine good looks and great mileage.
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Hobbs, D. Hobbs.
> McMike
01/15/2014 at 09:45 |
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Thanks!
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McMike
> Hobbs, D. Hobbs.
01/15/2014 at 09:53 |
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My Mini's transmission heats up a little faster, since it lives in the crankcase.
Doesn't necessarily mean it shifts faster when it's warm.
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Hobbs, D. Hobbs.
> Levitas
01/15/2014 at 10:01 |
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Just called the dealership. By doing a quick read on part of my VIN, it turns out I have an LSD. I thought that was a pay-for upgrade? There's nothing on my buy sheet about an LSD...
Anyways, MTF-94 was recommended at 1.7 liters. So, now I'm hunting down and confirming the Redline equivalent.
Louros
> Hobbs, D. Hobbs.
01/15/2014 at 12:35 |
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In my 2010, the first 1-2 shift of the day in really low temperature is a bit clunky but it's generally fine after that. I've had other cars that were much worse. I wouldn't worry about it if I were you.
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Levitas
> Hobbs, D. Hobbs.
01/15/2014 at 19:51 |
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I dont remember off the top of my head is Cooper S's came with LSDs or not, but im not too surprised. And I haven't heard of replacing the tranny fluid as voiding the warranty, but I guess I'm not really surprised at that either (MINI/BMW $tealerships :\)
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Nick, Drives a Cobalt LT
> Hobbs, D. Hobbs.
01/15/2014 at 19:53 |
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I didn't tihnk it would fly either, but I spoke to my fiance and explained it and it was accepted.