Is anyone else getting a clunking noise when you engage to first gear from rest? (and not just the first time when you start the car but every time im at the lights)

and maybe its because the rest of the car is so quiet and the gearbox is so close but i seem to hear whinning from the gearbox in first gear.

Yes. Do a search - you'll find some discussion on this. The trick to avoid the clunk is to let the stick sit in neutral for a couple of seconds before pushing it into first.

yup. search please.