Hey guys first post here, I just had my first experiences driving too friends 2003 Mini Cooper s's, one was an automatic which my friend let me autocross and the other was a manual. Driving the manual I had a very difficult time starting and being smooth because the clutch was engaging at what felt like millimeters off the floor. The owner laughed and said all Minis are like this and my Audi and Miata just have their clutches engage too high. I think something is wrong with it, but do all off the clutches engage low?

Thanks!

 

I've driven several other manual cars, including a Caterham, VW New Beetle, Honda Fit, S2000, Jeep CJ7, and a classic Mini. The MINI does seem to have a little lower engagement than the others.

Those with high engagement were the Fit and Beetle. The classic I drove seemed to have a middle engagement, but I think that point would change as the clutch wears.

The MINI clutch is supposedly self adjusting as it wears, so the pedal should remain constant, but I have heard of different engagement points between MINIs (perhaps due to different clutch and pressure plates installed.)

The Caterham was race prepped and it had a button clutch with engagement right off the floor (fun).

 

Both my old '02 MCS and current '06 MCS engage below the halfway point. I always use a full engagement stroke (i.e. to the floor), which is why I sit all the way on the steering wheel. It can also make for a little frustration when you are trying to breeze through the gears. I occasionally nick a gear doing so.

 

Having just sold a manual A4 (and my wife has one as well) I can tell you that audi has a much higher clutch point then a mini and nothing is wrong with either car. Personally I like having a low clutch point since it is easier to find quickly (less travel before you are in gear).

 

My 2002 is as you describe. Exactly the opposite of my former Subaru which made switching cars frequently difficult.

 

Clutch engages low, as intended. I wouldn't want it any other way.

 

mines pretty much exactly half way

 

interesting... I have an '05 S and the clutch is definitely engaging very high, especially compared to what you all are saying. Does that mean it's time for a new clutch? If so, no more farting around with the OEM, it's time for an OS Giken :/

 

so I'd be very interested if this means I'm looking at a new clutch? Anyone hazard a guess on the cost in the NE USA?

 

For a stock clutch, probably close to $2000 installed. If aftermarket, cost of clutch plus $1500, give or take.

 

Thanks Paul. I don't see any replies on your question, i.e. does a high engagement mean a new clutch is likely? If you get an answer somewhere else, please post it here...I'm 'right interested' in the question myself. DD

 

Incase you need a new clutch and want to DIY or get with a friend: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...801-post9.html.