2005 5-speed shifter very stiff going into 3rd gear
 

Hello everyone,

I'm new to this forum. My wife's 2005 Cooper has an issue with the shifter (standard 5-speed manual transmission). Lateral movement of the shifter is very sticky and it is very difficult to find 3rd gear as a result. I disconnected the shifter cables at the transmission end and the shifter moves fine. The problem appears to be either in the shift linkage wher it enters the transmission or (hopefully not !) in the transmission itself. I have lubricated the cables and linkage as best I can, but I cannot seem to get any lubrication to the linkage post that goes through the transmission casing, as it is shrouded with a metal sleeve. If the problem is external to the transmission, that post appears to be the culprit, as the lateral movement of the shifter raises and lowers that post into the gearbox and that is where the difficulty is occuring.
Has anyone had this problem and if so, what was the fix ? Any input would be greatly appreciated.