Would love to hear how JCW owners clutches are fairing. I'm getting ready to order a 2011 JCW and keep hearing about clutch issues, which makes me really nervous. The story seems the same every time, "I don't race around but my clutch died in 6,000 miles and the dealer says it's my fault".

Any input on JCW clutches good or bad would be very helpful. Also, any other thoughts on purchasing a new JCW will be greatly appreciated.

 

You're only going to hear about the bad ones on the internet. I doubt you're ever going to read an article/thread about a good one, because the majority of them are fine.

I bought mine used, and it now has a little under 16,000 miles on it. No issues at all besides a clicking clutch pedal, which was completely replaced under warranty. Also, the dealer went way further than they had to with the work. They replaced the entire clutch pedal assembly, along with the slave cylinder "just in case."

I wouldn't worry about it. Just go order a JCW

 

Thanks Drew!

I think you're definitely right, that you only hear about the bad ones on the net. So I'm really glad to hear you've had a good experience. That helps put my mind at ease.

That's great the Mini Dealer was so helpful with the clicking issue. My wife has a Cooper S and we've also had good experiences with our dealer.

 

Also, you have to remember that manual transmission cars are a dying breed, as well as people who know how to drive them properly. It's hard to learn correctly if there isn't anyone close who can help you...

 

Mine has died at 24,000 miles, as well as a another local club member's died at 15,000 miles. We both are seasoned drivers (40 and 60 yo), not track drivers. DrewsterMalloy's story just tells me there is a "known" problem.

 

Define "died". For example, excessive slipping, bad throwout bearing, oil on the friction material, excessive wear, etc.

 

X5JR, thanks for feedback and mileage. I was also curious about how the clutch acts when it dies? I've read stories that when a JCW clutch dies the car just stops and it's not functional at all. Which seemed strange to me, that there wouldn't be slippage before then.

Flatlander very true about the decline of people wanting manual transmissions, and driving them correctly. I think my concern is the stories Iv'e read about JCW clutches going bad on the internet, almost everyone says they've driven manual transmissions there whole lives and weren't driving the car hard up till the clutch died.

My last car was a Turbo Bug which I got 166,000 miles out of the factory clutch, without being especially careful with it. While I don't expect to get this kind of longevity from a JCW clutch, I'd be happy with 50,000. The idea of only getting a $4,000 bill every 15,000 miles for a new clutch, is a little scary.

 

I've got 71 miles on mine and it's perfect. :p

 

Just because they've don't race around doesn't mean they drive it right...

That said, there were a few instances of flywheels that weren't manufactured right, but it wasn't just in the JCW. I would not be surprised if some of these early 2nd gen failures weren't due to the flywheel problem and just weren't diagnosed as such, as the end result when they fail is a burned clutch surface - which looks like driver abuse.

Bottom line, if you're buying a new car I wouldn't worry about it as those flywheel problems were in earlier cars.

 

I have about 1,100 miles on mine since Nov. 20th..... Still going strong...

Get you're 2011.... they'er fun...

I've been playing with everyone at stop lights..(even some local cops...) they all think.."oh its just a MINI" Most don't know what a JCW is... (oh as far as my little run in with the Police...they got a little um... concerned when I lurched when the light turned green; put my signal on hit 2nd and pulled to the right to stop for them(4 lanes over)... ...It wasn't like I was driving fast the car just spools up quick and I wanted to pull over quickly for them....plus I had an idea the just wanted to check out my JCW... it also helped I was in uniform.. I Volly EMS in their Pct. It wasn't like I wanted to out run them... but for a few short seconds I bet they thought I was.. )

I hope our clutches hold up..in the 28 years of driving I replaced 2 clutches..on 2 pre owned cars... soon after buying then...not an issue after...

 

We have a 2010 JCW Clubman that is 11 months old and has 30,000 miles on it, no clutch problems.

Bill

 

30,000 miles in 11 months!?!?!

 

Good, I did not have any problems before it just quit at 24,000 miles in 30 months of driving in the mountains of NC. I had no prior indications, until it just plain quit. Good Luck.

 

Thanks for all the great responses and details. It sounds like everyone who has a JCW is really enjoying it.

CooperSS that's awesome you're at 30,000 and haven't had any issues. I also live in O.C. so the roads I'll be driving will be similar.

It's good to hear first hand how it goes when the clutch does die. This also confirms what I've read on other post.

 

Well, there's people who can drive them and people who think they can. However, I do find this interesting because I believe the clutch was uprated (going from memory) as part of the factory JCW package. Curious why people would be having problems, whether real or imagined.

I got about 110,000 on an '84 VW Quantum wagon with the Audi 5-cyl drivetrain, when I sold it. This included a few weeks of not being able to actuate the clutch due to a broken pedal. Made for some interesting drives. Also went about 120,000 on a '94 Isuzu Trooper that was the MINIs predecessor. I did have the clutch replaced in the truck. In both cases, it was up and down the gearbox, heeling and toeing.

 

Yes, the JCW is supposed to be a beefier clutch; that is failing in some. Hence, the question, a beefier clutch that is apparently failing. Is it defective?

 

This statement made me feel very sad, although I know its true.
No problems with my clutch at 4300ish miles (knock on wood).

 

35k miles,no problems.
My 15 year old daughter learned to drive in my JCW and yet the clutch survived!

 

Thanks guys these post defintly give me hope that a JCW clutch can last a while.

Especially that it survived a teenager learning to drive manual :-) I remember how bad I drove on my first go round, with a manual transmission.

 

46,000 on mine. No slippage or issues so far.

 

30k miles with some HARD track use...no issues.....

 

over 72000 miles on mine and i drive it like i stole it . plus i have a rmw tune and a few more bits in it.

 

This is awesome to hear that people are putting their JCW's though it's paces and getting good life out of the clutch.

Time for me to go order my JCW!

 

$4,000 for a new clutch job???
Damn, that clutch better have gold on it.

 

If the car is under warranty and the clutch fails, they have to replace it free of charge.