Like others have said, you just slap it and the gate opens.
I've found after you get used to it, it's no big deal. Also, I'm of the opinion it gets easier over time. I've had my car almost a year now and I think the gate opens with less force now.

Compared to other cars that use the same method of locking out reverse gear, the MINI's is actually quite easy. One of my other cars requires a bit more than a slap. More like a hard yank. So just get used to not having to baby every aspect of your MINI. It'll handle it.

 

The reverse detent/gate in mine seems to be a little below the natural resting position of the shifter - if I make a slight move down toward second, then over to the left, it usually takes less force. YMMV.

 

It makes the car go backwards.

 

. . . but we have a left-hand drive MCS. Reverse is all the way to the left, hard. Then you push forward (in the direction of travel).

 

I had this problem with my MC, had to sometimes do the roll thing or first put it in first. My MCS is totally different. It will go in gear everytime but I have to either use all of my strength or two hands. Different reverse problem than the MC. It has a shortshifter, doesnt help either. I don't mind that much though, I like having to use my muscles better than having to roll it or put it in first. Seems like it would be harder to steal too. Probably not, but I like to think it would be.

 

Right, the fact that it's hard to get past the "gate" between 1st and reverse was the issue. I don't think anyone was having trouble getting into first, just reverse.

 

I have the same problem on occasion too.... sigh. they tell me it will get easier...

 

I prefer to think of it as a 'bounce'. I bounce it off the gate the first time and pop it in the second time. It's become a second nature motion. That's the easiest way i've found to do it.

 

I've had a problem with this, too. I find that if I lean forward a bit (ahead of my normal driving position) I can do it. I think it has something to do with upper body position and a little bit of muscle/strength in takes to get past that gate.

 

I put a Momo shift **** on my short shifter a few days ago and the tiny bit of added height really made a difference in leverage, now its pretty easy to get in reverse. Huh, I guess physics really work. So perhaps others who do not feel like mustering up the strength for every reverse shift might try a taller shift **** as well.