Is the clutch / flywheel different on the GP vs a regular JCW? The feel between my '10 and my GP is dramatically different, with the '10 being heavier and more linear vs the GP, which is light and kind of grabby. I have been driving manuals since before I had a license, and it is legitimately challenging to shift smoothly between 1st and 2nd (and 2nd-3rd to a lesser degree). Have never had an issue with the '10. I know there are complaints about the clutch on some of these cars, I'm just wondering if one is an anomaly or if they changed the clutch on the N18 cars, or god forbid I have a bad clutch already at 23k...

 

I experienced a similar difference between my 2010 Cooper and my 2014 S. However, at 10k I've adapted to the bulky 1-2 shift or it has broken in.

 

I felt the same way about it for a while. I've had the car for about 20 months now but have only done about 4000km in it. I've found that pulling away in the car with the traction control on is just really awkward - presumably because it's cutting power to the wheels to stop from wheels-spin? I just feel like that process kicks in far too easily. By turning off the traction control I've found my gear changes from 1-2 go much more smoothly.

 

My two cents:

The GP seems to "expect" a gear change from first to second around 3000 rpm. When I drive conservatively, and shift just over 2000ish it is not nearly as smooth. The change from second to third is smoother at higher rev, but beyond that it's very smooth. Just my observation. I assumed it was by design.

 

weird - I've never noticed anything odd about the 1-2 shift. but it already had 16k on it when I got it.

that said, of course, if you're standing on the loud pedal, 1-2 will chirp and the -very- smooth traction control kicks in. (vs pre and post LCI r53s anyway)

 

how would I know if my clutch needs repair or replacement? shifts are rough and clutch pedal is getting very heavy