Hi all, first post, though I've crept on the forums for a while now. About a year ago, I helped a friend choose and buy a Mini, a 2008 Clubman S. It had about 97k miles on it, and it's got 110 or so now, but the clutch has gone out. I understand that 100k is about when the OEM clutch goes, but... let's just say I'm sure the friend's driving didn't help. I hear that the OEM clutch is the best replacement for long life, but my brother drives a bit like a maniac in his Miata, which has an Exedy clutch, and it's still going strong. But I also hear good things about Sachs, Valeo, and Luk and I'm just very confuseable and bad at making decisions, lol. I'm also a little worried about the price, I'm finding Luk and Valeo for about half of OEM, and Exedy for a little more than those, but still less than OEM.
So, for a guy who isn't that great at making his clutches last, is OEM still best, or would something aftermarket, that is supposed to handle a bit more horsepower (and potentially abuse?) end up lasting longer, or at least longer-enough that it's worth the price difference, understanding that labor is really the big bucks?
(sorry for the rambly-ness)

 

for smoothness and reliability go with the original MINI clutch. They do last the longest and will handle 250hp all day long.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/oem-cl...-cooper-s.html

I don't know where you heard the stock clutch only last 100k as there is no defined time of how long they last as it is 100% up to how it is driven. I have customers with 200k on the original clutch and I have customers that replace them every 15k. It's all in how they drive it and how much they slip it.

 

Hi iTrader,

I just picked up a used 14 R61. The miles aren't too bad, 68k, but the clutch slips when the RPMS get up there. I am an amateur wrencher who is willing to get into things that can be done on jack stands. (I.E. not on a lift or needing a motor lift, etc.) Is the clutch replacement heavy lifting that should be left to a professional or might I give it a try? Also, is there a step by step instructional, either video or written, for something like that?

Thanks for your advice,
Timmer77.