Mini Cooper (1997) First gear problems...

Blackhawk47 · 13 Jan 2009 at 14:06

Hi guys,

This really is on the behalf of myself as well as my dad as i am 17 and at weekends practicing my driving in a 1997 Mini Cooper with the Sports Pack.

Now i dont know if this is something that happens with all mini's or just a isolated incident. Basically its not really a big problem and a way to get around it is by simply having your clutch down a bit while going in first gear.

The thing is first is really jumpy...its hard to describe, example: accelerate in first gear and take your foot off accelerator going round a corner or anything and it sort of jumps.

Anyone with an classic mini shed any light on this but like i said its not really a big deal just annoying

a1ex2001 · 13 Jan 2009 at 15:22

Learn pedal control, give it a few months and you'll have gotten to the bottom of theses things.

peterattheboro · 13 Jan 2009 at 15:24

a1ex2001 said:
Learn pedal control, give it a few months and you'll have gotten to the bottom of theses things.

Hxc · 13 Jan 2009 at 16:46

Does it sound like the engine is literally moving inside the car? Serious judders etc?

This is a common Mini problem caused by engine stabilizer bushes wearing away.

It would happen in all gears so it's probably not.

mjt · 13 Jan 2009 at 17:51

try not to accelerate round corners in 1st

commited · 13 Jan 2009 at 21:11

Blackhawk47 said:
Hi guys,

This really is on the behalf of myself as well as my dad as i am 17 and at weekends practicing my driving in a 1997 Mini Cooper with the Sports Pack.

Now i dont know if this is something that happens with all mini's or just a isolated incident. Basically its not really a big problem and a way to get around it is by simply having your clutch down a bit while going in first gear.

The thing is first is really jumpy...its hard to describe, example: accelerate in first gear and take your foot off accelerator going round a corner or anything and it sort of jumps.

Anyone with an classic mini shed any light on this but like i said its not really a big deal just annoying

You need to replace the engine stabiliser bushes. Not a huge job.

An "ultimate engine steady" will help too.

Also, 1st gear is only really for taking off, 2nd should be sufficient for everything over 10mph.

Demon · 13 Jan 2009 at 21:25

The two things that instantly transform any mini are the engine mount bushes/stabiliser bushes, and depending on setup, any gear linkage bushes..

In my 1977 Mini clubman (First car) the engine stabiliser had ripped itself of the bulkhead (Previous owner).. I had to learn smooth throttle control pretty quickly until I could afford to get it welded.