Am concerned about my gearbox. When in fifth gear, and only when the gearbox is underload, not when coasting / clutch in. There is sometimes a faint whining noise.
Also a few weeks ago on the way back from Cornwall with the car fully loaded up (rear tyres rubbing at times, and exhaust catching every now and again). It popped out of fifth gear whilst accelerating. I had been driving 80mph for over 150 miles non stop on the motorway. Stopped at the next services (used 4th gear at a slower speed to get there), had some dinner, and then everything was fine. Hasn't done it since.
No play in the gear stick once in gear, first can be hard to select at times especailly when coming up to a give way at say around about and you just need to stop to wait for one car.
Will check the oil level this weekend. But how do you drain the oil? if it looks to be in need of replacing.
Car is a 5 speed Mk4 xr3i.