As I write this post, my 2011 Countryman All4 is about to turn 4 years old with 60k miles. For its birthday, I need to give it a clutch.

Online, I've read a lot about how wimpy the factory clutches are. I couldn't agree more. The spring is weak. Even at 20k miles, it wouldn't grab nicely when bolting from a stop. The clutch has since degraded to the point that the engine revs when punching the gas while passing on the highway.

Normally, I would leave this type of repair for the dealership. They have the expertise and factory parts to get the job done quickly and correctly.

In this case, I would like to upgrade the clutch to one with more pedal feel and one that would last a reasonable amount of time. Please reply with what you've installed and how you like your upgrade. I'm not looking for racing gear. Just a good, solid clutch.

I'm also curious what you recommend for getting the upgrade installed. I probably lack the skills to do it myself.

[Hoping to avoid the "how hard are you on a clutch" discussion. I have never owned an automatic transmission and have just short of half a million miles under my clutch foot. Two of my previous cars, VWs, a Passat and a Rabbit, had 180k and 225k miles on their factory clutches with no hint of slippage when I sold them.]

 

Sorry to reply to my own post...

Just spoke with a service advisor at the Mini dealership.

WFIW, They said that the clutches have been updated since 2011. Still the same part number, but definitely updated.

Cost estimate to replace the clutch only $2500. If the flywheel needs to be replaced as well, add another $1000.

OUCH.

Very interested in hearing about alternatives.

 

$3500 for a OEM clutch and flywheel with labor? LOL.

You can get an upgraded clutch kit and flywheel for less than $1000, and then take it to a reliable performance shop and they'll charge you around $500-750 for labor.

 

They say it's been updated, and maybe it has, but the stock clutch for Countryman/Paceman S All4 is still horribly inadequate. I finally had enough of mine ('12 Paceman All4) at about 18K miles, brought it to the dealer and politely asked them to take it for a test drive, being sure to stop on a hill and try to start again. First trip they didn't listen and just took it for a regular test drive and said it was fine. I insisted that they do it again, and be sure to STOP on a moderate incline and START again. They finally came around and realized it was not well, and they replaced it under warranty with a JCW clutch (as my MA informed me that's what they're doing when they get complaints about the stock clutch). It's great now, and it was done just in time for a miserable near reacord-snowfall winter here that surely would have beaten the old clutch to an early death.

 

Sometime in 2012 builds I believe, MINI started using the JCW clutch in ALL4 S as well. I've been to two separate dealers and they told me 100% exact same clutch for ALL4 S and JCW. I even called the parts department separately and got the same answer. I even specifically asked to speak to a MINI tech at one and he confirmed, same clutch. Also the part numbers, exact same.

My 2015 ALL4 S was so bad on steep hills I told two dealers and both said they would take the car back. One would think they would have brought up a simple JCW clutch swap if it existed.

Installing a $12 clutch stop solves the hill start issue 110%. Its not the clutch as much as its the vague engagement point. The clutch stop eliminates that and it grabs predictably in the correct spot, including on hills.

 

Jason, yeah, I gagged when they quoted the price. Insane.

Have people been having good experiences with the JCW clutch in their All4s? Is there a specific after-market clutch that any of you would recommend -- part number and all?

 

http://www.jmturbocoopers.com/6-Spee...13-Cooper.html

This is the only aftermarket clutch I could find online.

I have a 2014 and have replaced my clutch at 3K miles. I am still not satisfied with the new clutch. I still have issues on hills and get the burnt smell occasionally.

I am going to try the clutch stop..