2005 5 speed problem
 

It is a little difficult to shift my manual transmission into reverse. I took it to a local shop and they felt that this was an early sign that the transmission is going bad. They drained the trans fluid and said there were some metal shavings. They feel that it is best to replace the tranny. They say that the manuals on the 05 minis are notoriously bad and have replaced several

The transmission otherwise shifts just fine. There is 29 k miles on the car and has not been abused.

I'm thinking things aren't so bad. Anyone with any insight?

reverse sounds more like linkage/shifter adjustment ... The tranny's are not that bad ... Any tranny has some shavings in it , I'd take it to another shop or a dealer