Cooper S gearbox issues

[Col 666]

I have a 2004 Cooper S with very low miles, had it 3 months now and done about 3.5k miles.
Just wondering if all mini gearboxes are notchy? Not a nice box at all especially when giving it a bit of welly in second you have to be very careful changing into 3rd, had it refuse to go in a couple of times.
Overall i am immpressed with the car apart from the tramlining and complete lack of traction in the wet!

Col.