Just curious, and please forgive my ignorance, but all these issues involving the bad clutch in this posting involve the Mini Cooper Countryman.
Are the clutch's on the Countryman different that the clutches used in same year model standard shift Mini Coopers of other models?

 

When the clutch problem started showing up on my '11 by stalling and not engaging cleanly, leading to compensating by gingerly applying load to prevent the stalling and getting slipping, I documented each occurrence by email to my SA, starting a collection of specific complaints. They tried to reproduce the problem without luck. Ultimately they went to bat on my behalf with BMW/MINI and got a free replacement clutch for my CM - instant improvement. The history of specific complaints helped get the replacement, along with a supportive dealership.

 

I don't know the answer, but if I recall correctly someone addressed this a while back in a different "clutch problem" thread...there have been a number of different threads on the subject. I can tell you that the vast majority of CM clutch complaints have come from All4 owners.

 

Yes, there have been numerous threads related to clutch failures and I strongly suspect the clutch assemblies used in the Countryman are the same as used in the other models.
However it seems that the Clubman has a somewhat higher rate of clutch failure and I thought that a little strange.

 

Trex, so the Clubman also seems to have a higher failure rate? (I assume you realize that this is a Countryman thread?) Assuming all the clutches are the same (I don't know that, and I think another member at some point in the past looked to see if the part numbers were the same, can't recall what he/she said) perhaps the extra weight of the Clubman versus hardtop causes the problems? That might also explain why the Countryman All4, being the heaviest of all the models, seems to have the most clutch issues of all?

 

My understanding is that the 2011-2012 models had the same clutch as the hard top. Quite simply, that just was not enough clutch to get the heavier, ALL4 CMS moving. So in 2013, they redesigned the clutch. (and IMHO, is still not enough clutch to get the CMS ALL4 moving as it should). The CMS just needs more clutch, and more throttle response from the factory!! Hopefully the new motor, which has more torque, will help out the newer CMS'!

 

My bad, I had just finished reading another thread about failed clutches https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...man-s-r55.html
and inadvertently typed Clubman instead of Countryman. It appears the Clubman has had it's share of clutch problems also.
I've corrected my error, thanks for pointing it out.

 

MacMitch, Shark715 is giving you good advice.
I am surprised the clutch complaint was not marked on the previous service receipts. While my clutch was not replaced before I ditched it, my concerns were noted by two or three dealers (lost count or forgot details). The interesting piece of information in your case seems to be that it would be covered if within the 3/36 maintenance window, but you're left in a lurch between 3/36 and expiration of 4/48 warranty.
Sorry you are going through this, given my experience as well as others' on this forum, MINI is really being inconsistent in covering the repair. it's great if you have a service advisor fighting for you, not so much if you don't.
I wouldn't be surprised if there were a class action suit down the line. Happened with R53 windshields and power steering pumps. The car is gone, but I kept the service records showing clutch complaints.

 

Fred, what's the issue with the R53 windshields? We had an R53 and it took us something like 5 years to get reimbursed for the power steering pump repair. We had to have the windshield on the same car replaced twice. I never heard about any kind of a settlement on the windshields. Thanks.

 

Just an update for any worried about the clutch issues... My 2013 was produced in 11/2012 after they updated and improved the clutch parts in manufacturing. I'm at a 18 months with the car and at 19,000 miles with no troubles from the clutch at all. No stinky clutch smells whatsoever...

 

We got a class action letter for windshield replacement several years back. The only money was with dealer replacement with MINI windshield, going through insurance and Safelite or equivalent was not even worth responding.


I am sure most R53's no longer have original windshield. The short bonnet, height and angle of the thing makes it vulnerable. We've replaced it twice now I think.

 

I am trying to make the point that there is a catch22 here. I realize that one can "ask" their dealer to place specific reference to a specific problem on a service report, but we can not legally cause that information to appear on the service report. In my case the service adviser decided that the problem I specifically related to the clutch/transmission could be related to some other form of engine problem so he related symptoms not what I said. I was told that the odors I smelled related to the Turbo. My Mini Dealer is Global Imports in Atlanta, who until this issue I was quite pleased with.

I also think it is fair to assume that service advisors are schooled not to write up service reports in ways that might make the company legally responsible under lemon laws. Try to get a service advisor in the state of Georgia to document that a particular service being performed is the third attempt by the service department to repair a specific problem.

A case in point. First let me say this particular experience was not with a Mini Cooper. Still the case illustrates my point about attempting to influence a specific repair or the documentation surrounding a specific repair. I had a very specific problem with the braking system on a vehicle. This particular problem was well documented on a site such as this. On that site I was referred to a second service advisory issued by the car company itself detailing specific information to their own service departments on how to repair the problem. I printed out the newer service information for my dealer, ordered the newer parts required to make the repairs at my dealers parts department. When the required parts came in, I took the new service advisory print out and gave it to the service advisor, explaining that the parts were in stock in his own parts department. I alerted the service manager to exactly what I was doing and why.

When I went to pick up the vehicle this other company had done the old repair a second time rather than the more expensive repair their own parent company suggested in the service advisory. The service advisor claimed there was no copy of the new service advisory in the repair folder. The service advisor also claimed that as far as he knew his mechanic made the correct repair. The service manager claimed the mechanic did not find a later service advisory. The parent company replied that they did not tell their own service departments what repairs to make in specific situations and refused to help.

Warranties, as I think we are all aware, are increasingly written to provide the issuing company more and more room to make their own determination what they want to do in these situations. Increasingly we are at the mercy of the car manufacturer.

 

MacMitch, just curious, what ended up happening with your current situation?

 

Just found this forum - I have a 2012 All4 (bought in SJ, CA) and the clutch went out at 6200 miles after about 8 months of driving (flywheel coating was completely stripped off), . They claimed it was operator error and I had to shell out about $5K - talk about them taking advantage of a clueless woman! I had no idea at the time there were so many people with the same problem. All I knew is that I had to get it fixed - it froze on me on the way to the dealer - taking it in because I felt the clutch was slipping. Wondering if anyone has gone back to fight and see if they can get compensated? My friend got a dealer model 2013 All4 (early model) and her clutch went after she drove it 2K miles (it already had ~1000 previous miles on it). Her husband fought it hard because the dealer also tried to blame it on operator error. That was funny since she is a Brit who learned on a mini! That's what clued me into there being a problem.....

 

So sorry about your experience. Which dealer? Stevens Creek? Mountainview?
Not sure what your recourse might be nice you've already paid. It will be an uphill battle and likely an unpleasant one. I would start with dealer and escalate with MINI if necessary. If you are willing to fight this, you might need an attorney. Clutch issues were even brought up by auto magazine testers when the CM was new. The Automobile long termer had a new clutch put in.
Cases like yours are why I think there will be a class action lawsuit against MIINI based on the clutch problem.

 

My clutch on my 2012 went out about a month ago, but I just took it to the dealer and they fixed it free of charge. There wasn't any question as to me not having to pay for it. Yours should have been repaired under the warrantee. Seems as if you got the run around.

 

I made my case to Mini USA. I have been waiting over a week to get USA's answer on what they will do. One problem I am still concerned with is what I will do if Mini USA says they will have my car fixed. From other posters on this thread, I understand that the parts for Mini Countryman clutches changed in 2013. Some people posted that they have had the same problems with the "newer" parts. Do I let my Mini dealer put "new" parts in my car that might still be inferior or subject to failure?

A mechanic I know who works on Mini's & BMW's informs me that there are heavier duty parts that can be used to make the repairs. At least one poster in this thread apparently decided to have all his parts replaced with "heavier duty" parts because he constantly drives in mountainous, snowy conditions. He did not feel safe driving the car with the stock parts. My main concern is for my and my families personal safety. My car was turning off at times that could cause accidents: getting on the expressway, accelerating into traffic...MY clutch got less & less responsive and more prone to issues. I drive my wife's 2011 Mini S, 22,000 miles, one month older than my Countryman with 12-13,000 miles, regularly. I have never had a problems with her car's clutch. As the issue with my clutch has gotten worse, I have noted a big difference in the response and reliability of the clutch/transmissions in the two cars.

 

Is this clutch issue only an All4 problem? Or do the Countryman S FWD also have this?

 

Reading more of this thread will reveal that although All4 min Countryman seem most prone to this problem there are many "other" Countryman with the problem as well. My Countryman is not All4. Some are insinuating that maybe the clutches in question are not handling the heavier or larger Mini models. The All4 Countryman is, I believe, the heaviest of all Minis.

 

HI FredoinSF - it was the Stevens Creek Mini. I know, I have been keeping an eye out for a class action regarding the clutch issue. I am going to be doing a strong "plea" to corporate for either a full or partial reimbursement. It's my first mini and truly, not sure I would go for another. I have since doubled the miles from when the clutch was replaced and just kind of holding my breath, wondering if it will happen again.....especially since my son is now driving it on occasion.

 

Did Mini ever respond? Was your car repaired?

 

I think Stevens Creek is the same dealer GHamma went to and he was one of the first to get the updated clutch. If that's the case they can't claim ignorance on this problem.

 

California small claims court, 10K dollar limit. Document the issue, the payment, the lack of warranty coverage and watch how fast they cut you a check for the rip off repair bills.

I've won in small claims and against a real company collection is pretty easy, against a deadbeat it is a time waster.

 

UGHHH...another issue? I am guessing what I thought was a fuel like smell must have been the clutch. Makes sense as I have a steep driveway!

 

My Mini is now at Harrison Motors being repaired, new clutch, flywheel, spring....The guy that owns Harrison's informed me that he could not find any after market/other clutch for a Countryman although they are available for other Mini's. He said the new part that Mini came out with in 2013 was the only option.

Apparently the clutch on a Countryman is a little different than the standard Mini Clutch. Harrison's has the new 2013 clutch and tells me it is larger and heavier, more surface area than the old one. I pulled part numbers from a poster above who replaced his clutch and gave them to Harrison's, apparently they are the new 2013 parts.

I waited a couple or three weeks to finally get an answer from Mini USA. All the customer service person would say was they would not replace my clutch as clutches are normal wear and tear items not covered under the Warranty. I checked the Warranty and there is a sentence or two that mentions brake pads, clutches, wiper blades....as being normal wear items that are not covered under the over all warranty. The Warranty, however, says that all manufacturing defects are covered under the warranty. I took the position that there is considerable evidence that the original parts do not function reliably making them defective. The customer service rep. refused to admit that the replacement of the old part with a different "sturdier" part meant there was anything wrong with the original parts.