Gearbox crunch when cold - common ?

[ESDavey]

Hi, I have a Mini Conv "Sidewalk" which crunches when going 1>2nd or 2nd>3rd when cold. After a few minutes driving, all is good.

I assume its oil related rather than linkage as heat will make minimal difference to the cables & linkage.

Is this common & known fix ?

[DanGT]

BMW oil for life on the gearbox. I replaced the gearbox oil in my wifes mini and I could notice the diffrance (good oil to the correct spec not BMW oil). It should not cost much and may help. Her car is a 01 mini 1 about 70K on the clock.

[Justin Cyder]

Same here. Changed the gearbox oil on my R53 Cooper S & noted a stinky black goo coming out. For £20 of oil, it's made all the difference.

[ESDavey]

Thanks ... worth a punt !

[Justin Cyder]

Oil on a Mini gearbox is easy - easier on a ramp though & remember it's drain, refill until it drips out, go for a short drive & then top up.

The other thing to remember is undo the filler bolt first - you don't want to drain it, then find you can't undo the filler bolt even though it's unlikely to seize, it's good practice to do it in the right order.