Automobile Mag's long term All4.
 

Not going well. Issues on every issue, so to speak. They are not speaking well of the MINI or the entire brand as in the May issue Jamie Kitman says, "Quality is off". "God Save the Mini."

One issue it was the Thermostat, Feb issue mentions an entire new Clutch and it is not good when they start speculating to why they think the clutch went!

Wow, what a coincidence, my Thermostat just went.......I hope it is not my clutch next!?:no:

Post your referenced links please! =)

Automobile Magazine
REVIEWS: 2011 MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 - Four Seasons Update - February 2012

http://image.automobilemag.com/f/rev...4-side.JPG.jpg

Months in service: 7
Miles to date: 15,688

Funky clutch engagement has dogged the Countryman since we've had it. We discussed this issue in our December update, but in recent weeks it has arisen again.

At first, some of us speculated that an aggressive hill-holder function somehow might be to blame. Others have postulated that the clutch might not be large enough, or the pressure plate might not be heavy enough, for the 3208-pound Countryman. There were also staffers who thought that things were fine, but more who formulated theories as to how to best achieve a smooth take-off: engage the Sport button, move quickly through the pedal travel, et cetera.

Our new (Jan. 2012 build) ALL4 feels to me like the newer one they described in the article:

"With 2506 miles on his Countryman's odometer, his clutch felt completely different than our car's. Engagement is smooth and refined, but that's really giving it more credit than necessary. It feels normal. From a stop, you barely need the throttle to get the car rolling."

With our car, almost no throttle is required from a stop, and it is very smooth. It seems like there may have been some defective clutches supplied in 2011, and I think the engine programming update now available probably has increased torque at throttle tip-in.

Agree completely.I was a little apprehensive about the clutch issue when i ordered mine.It's been perfect so far.

No issues as far as the clutch goes with mine! :) I can take off on a flat surface without touching the gas with no issues.

Kyle

Wow, I wish I could do that. I have to let the clutch drag a bit too long to get it going. Maybe the software update will fix mine? Seems to have helped others so far. Thank god I live where it's flat!

After 4 days with my CMS4, and I can say I HATE this clutch!! I'm 39, and have owned many manual cars! This is the only car that I stall 4 out of 10 times from a stop. I have already smelled burning clutch a few times! NOT happy with this!!

I also have a tune on my CM... That could have something to do with it... When I let the clutch out the engine seems to rev up and my relative torque gauge jumps as high as 20%

I can't remember if it did that before the tune or not... hmmmm...

Kyle

Just wondering if those have that clutch issues have take the car back to the dealer and how that has worked out?

I bought a used '11 CMS All4 a few months ago and it had taken a little bit for me to learn how to work the gears and clutch. I too have stalled several times before finding the right sweet spot. I have driven manual shift my entire driving life and shifting the MINI was a sure learning curve. It will get better the more you drive it. I have had my car since January and am feeling more comfortable but wonder why its not an easy thing.

I agree. I have driven manuals all my life and even after 4 months I still have not found the "sweet spot". I just have to rev like crazy and let out on clutch. Almost like a on/off switch.

Did you guys notice the same issues when test driving?? The CMS I test drove felt very much like my R56 clutch-wise and felt very smooth to me.

Huh.... so it's not just me. LOL.

I bought mine used so yes, I did test drive it and new the clutch and gas ratio was a bit sensitive? But than again, I was driving a truck which had a harder clutch but was much easier to shift from gear to gear without riding the clutch/gas.

Two options for manual Mini's"
1. Learn to drive a stick/manual from an experienced driver
or
2. If you think you know how to shift manually and you are having problems, take the car in and have it checked out.

Riding/slamming/dropping of the clutch is going to give Mini a reason to invalidate your warranty.

I have a 2010 JCW and a 2012 CM-S all4. The clutch in the JCW is quite a bit heavier in operation than the CM. Power/torque off the idle is considerable in compaison. The CM is very difficult to get going without stalling! It just dies off the line no matter if you rev the f*#k out of it or slip the h*ll out of the clutch.
My JCW is a demon off the line and can easily be started off in second gear from stand still.
I would guess that there is some programming problem in the CM. Sometimes it sorta studders or bogs right as the clutch pedal lets out. Once under way it does ok, but I still feel there is considerable turbo lag not present in my JCW or another standard "S" 2012 R56 I had for a loaner. (during timing chain replacement)
I feel like there is zero boost below 2000 rpm all the time in the CM. No way you could get better than 9+ sec 0-60 in this thing, you lose 3 second just trying to get it going!

Have not been to dealer to have these issues checked out yet but I will very soon.

The R60 I test drove (early Jan. 2012) was excellent, and so was the one I ordered and just received (built in Jan. 2012. I suspect running changes in clutch design, along with software updates, have cured the problems mentioned. Although there are obviously a few outright defective clutches out there.

We did. My husband and I are both experienced stick drivers and originally wanted our countryman in stick - but we really hated the feel of the car. We thought it was so "off" that we went back to the dealer 3 different times to test drive the manual again because we were hoping it was just that first car that was odd. Well two dealerships and 3 different manual countryman's later we decided it just didn't feel right. We surprised ourselves when we opted for automatic - we have other manual cars in our garage so no regrets.

The Countryman really seams to have an issue on a hill with the AC on. Then it really get tricky.

I never noticed this issue with the Clubman I owned or the 02S. Wonder if Automobile is on the right track with the car being to heavy for this clutch?!?

That's my theory.

I mentioned this topic to the service advisor. They stated that MINI has told her to recommend to customers that one should release the clutch fully between 1000-1500 rpm.

That kind of stuff scares me as in they are acknowledging the issue, but skirting it!

Hope this MINI holds together long enough for my next car! Lots of fun to drive around town!

Same problem here. Almost could not get moving.

I think part of the problem is the awd 50/50 split. The clutch has to engage and propel both axels from a standstill. It just might be too much.

Manual vs auto tranny
 

I thought I had decided to get the manual countryman until reading the problems with the clutch. I test drove a mini hardtop with manual tranny, but the countryman I test drove was automatic. What's the latest status with the clutch problems on the countryman? I found a 2011 CM loaded with the options I wanted, but am concerned about possible clutch issues. Found a 2011 CMs automatic, but lack navigation I wanted. Or shoudl I just order at 2012. Are there clutch issues with 2012 Cms. Thanks for any help.

Any issues with the clutch on non All-4s?