Have a 2005 Cooper (under 20,00 miles). Recently I felt something very much like the clutch slipping. Stuttering coming out of 1st gear, a little in 2nd. However, it is not constant. Somedays it happens all day, other days it's very mild and intermittent, and other days it doesn't happen at all. Seems to go in cycles like this - a little bit of stuttering for a day or 2, then a lot for about 2 days, then it goes away for 3-5 days then starts again. The dealer has had it since last Friday bit can't replicate the problem and has no idea of possible causes. Has anyone else had this problem, heard about it, or have any ideas as to possible causes. Appreciate any ideas.

Mike D521

 

I've had simalar problems with my clutch. Try this first; reup to about 4k rpm and do a slow take off, then do another alittle faster and once again but even faster. When doing this notice if the clutch is grabbing better each time. If this works then your problem was the same as mine (glazing on the contact surfaces of the clutch) Mine does it every now and then (usualy more so if I miss an AutoX) a coulple of high rev starts does the trick. Take in mind when you do this your taking a few miles off the life of the clutch (not much life but enough that you don't want to do this every day). If this doesn't work then the only thing I can say is, work on engaging the clutch differently until it performs the way you like and keep with that. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

 

Thanks. Actually, I kind of stumbled on that myself by accident. I would rev it up to 3-4k rpm and then disengage the clutch, not only slower than usual but also higher than I normally do. And it did seem to clear up the stutter for a few days, but then it would gradually return. Thanks for the advise.

 

If you don't glaze the clutch at least once a week...your not driving it hard enough...

 

I've got the same problem. I've noticed it only happens when the transmission is hot and is being used in stop and go traffic.

One of edmunds test car had this issue and the dealer replaced the transmission which still did not fix it. They took it back and got the clutch replaced which took care of the problem.

 

Could it be possible that there is fluid or something dripping on the plate? I have destroyed a few clutches and done things with my car that perhaps should never be done...and never a single slip.

 

When my clutch was "studdering" (as I call it) I took her into MNS under waranty and they felt the same vibration as I did but also noticed a rattle. They replaced the clutch and had the time and a new tranny so they replaced that as well. Then the rattle came back and I took her back in and they wanted to replace the clutch with a new 2nd gen R53 clutch. The clutch was not avail at that time as it was still in R&D but was due out for production in about 3 months. It came in about that time and what a difference it made, no noise, light pedal, smooth, solid feel, and good hi rev grab. I still get the crud on the clutch face but I just rip it off. I also notice if I down shift to stop it happens more frequently.

 

So are you still getting some studdering with the new tranny?

 

Yes but it's not the tranny causing the studdering it's the clutch. My clutch does it like once or twice a week only because I sometimes take it too easy on the clutch

 

I know you got it done under warranty but do you know the cost (parts + labor) for the new tranny and clutch?