There is sometimes a little resistance N->1 but you should press through it to fully engage 1. Maybe you are not pressing the clutch in far enough and getting too much resistance in the stick? That's where a clutch stop should help so you can always press the clutch to the stop instead of guessing on the engagement point in the long travel.
https://burgertuning.com/products/bm...06-mini-cooper
I ordered one but haven't installed it yet. Also ordered the BMS Billet BMW Clutch Valve and may try that and report back the difference.