When to replace clutch
 

I have a 2003 Mini Cooper S with 200K miles and the original clutch (almost all highway miles). Our mechanic recently told us that we need to replace the clutch and fly wheel. However, the car runs fine with noticible clutch noise and no difficulty getting into any gears including 1st and reverse. The clutch play also feels normal.

How do you know when to replace a clutch? Do people replace clutches at 200,000 miles just because they might fail soon?

I'm no expert, but I wouldn't undertake such an expensive job before it started slipping or making noise.

If it ain't broke, etc.

Did you mean to say "without"?

If it's making noise, that might change my answer.

If it isn't making noise and it feels and works fine, your mechanic is just trying to make a couple grand, I think.

200k?? im at 150k and still going strong on the original.. GOOD WORK and im jealous. If it's operating normal then I wouldn't do anything.. the car will tell you when it starts to go out - slipping (in a 3rd if you are at full throttle the rpms climb faster than speed normally does) or gears start taking more effort to get in.

im always paranoid about mine starting to go.. ive done everything - city, highway, roadtrips, track work.. fingers crossed for another 50k! I just put in a re-furbished Supercharger.. the seals on the bearing finally let go and waterpump gear ate itself.

phil.

I'm with him on this. Many people have had some noise go for tens of thousands of miles without any issues. MINI's are known for this. So unless you are grinding gears or slipping I would not invest the money just yet. Just curious to what your mechanics estimate was to replace it.

Did your mechanic also mention how much he wanted a new boat?

If it is not broken, don't fix it.
When it's time for a clutch job you will feel the clutch slipping and definitely notice it (gear engaged, RPMs go up, but car is not accelerating).

a

As others said, if it ain't broke....

I went 209,000mi on my Audi Quattro before it needed a new clutch and I am convinced my 16yr old son caused that as he was learning to drive a stick. But, I knew that when I gave him the keys and expected him to shorten the life a bit. In fairness, I doubt I would have gotten much past 220,000 on my own. 2 mechanics told me it needed to be replaced, but I held off until I had to nurse it to the garage.

hearing some are getting that kind of mileage on a Mini is encouraging. I have a FWD Countryman on order and I'd love to get north of 150Kmi on it.

I have about 120,000 miles on my car on its original clutch. I just noticed this weekend that climbing a fairly steep hill in 4th gear, that my clutch did slip so it is time on my car. Your mileage may vary.

I have 131K on my original, it does have some chatter, but no slippiing as of yet. I think however I am going to just replace it, I dont feel like getting stuck on the road, plus I like the peace of mind. 131K, the clutch has exceeded what I expected, I did the same with the Supercharger, did that last July, and the clutch will get done next Month. Just my opinion.

If your mini is your only way to work then get it replaced at your convenience when you wont need your car for a day or two otherwise wait until early signs of failure.