Clutch sometimes makes a faint (but very noticeable) grinding/howling noise when starting in first and releasing the clutch pedal at about 1,000 - 1,200 rpms. This occurs more often when on an incline such as our driveway and also seems to occur more when we've been driving for a while. Having the AC on tends to produce this phenomenon more often - perhaps it puts more strain on the engine thus affecting the way the clutch engages. It's very intermittent so I suspect will be difficult for the MINI mechanic to reproduce (or shall I say easy for the MINI mechanic to dismiss?)

I'm prepared to hear "user error" from the MSA. It's definitely not user error. I will have to read my owners manual to see if the R56's require a special shifting technique that's unique to MINI's. This 2013 MCS only has 9K miles on it and we have a 2005 MCS with 180,000 miles on it, original clutch. We've driven manuals for 20 years and got at least 120 K on each clutch. I don't think it's user error.

I'm just nervous that if I wait any longer to address this issue, my chances of getting taken care of decrease.

Anyone else dealt with this issue?

 

I had my clutch replaced at 1K miles on my 12 MC. But the issue was a sort of vibration when it engaged the flywheel. Replaced under warranty. The shop advisor said driver style, but the tech who was consulted immediately said something was wrong.
Now I have a 13 MCS and no problems after 1.5K.
Sounds like its a bad clutch. Good luck!

 

It was the throwout bearing and the MINI shop repaired it under warranty. I was really impressed with the way my MINI service manager dealt with the issue. He took my word for it rather than assuming right away that it was user error. I cannot believe what I've read in other posts where MINI garages warned owners they may have to fork out $2K if they found the cause to be user error.

An update...although the shop put in a new throwout bearing under warranty, we noticed the noise again within 100 miles. It it more prevalent after driving the car for several miles. Also it seems to happen when driving up a slight incline in slow speed situations like a drive-thru or in a parking lot.