I just got an 04 Cooper S and I was wondering if the clutch is normally quite so heavy. I did some searching but most clutch problems seem to relate to the clutch not working and mine works fine. There's a couple of reasons I ask, the first is that the Cooper clutch feels heavier than the clutch on my F150 truck (but a shorter throw), the second is that when I was test driving cars I drove an '05 Cooper S and then sat in a 2010 Cooper S and the '10 clutch was much lighter. Driving my '04 isn't a problem but my questions are:

1) Are the later clutches lighter or is there a common issue with clutch pedal/master/slave cylinder?

2) If my clutch is fine and the later ones are lighter is there any parts from the later models I can use on mine to make the clutch lighter?

Thanks

 

I had a 2003 and the clutch pedal was very heavy. My 2012 is a lot lighter. No idea on ways to make it lighter. Different spring mechanism?

 

The weight of the clutch has changed quite a bit over the years we've had MINIs. The 05s was the heaviest clutch (and the heavy clutch was mainly what persuaded us to trade him in). The 2010s got noticeably lighter than the 08s, which was already a lot lighter than the 05.

 

Complained about a heavy clutch when my 03MCSwas new (yes I still have it). I have severe arthritis so a heavy clutch is wearing on me. The dealer found a lighter clutch spring thst fit and every thing's been huncky dorey ever since and no I can't remember which one I'm old and have CRS (can't remember sh*t)

 

Have you had any problems with clutch slip?

 

My '06 has a pretty heavy clutch, especially compared to the clutch in my 2000 BMW M Coupe. It doesn't bother me much, as I think it enhances the feel. I drove a fellow forum member's '13 GP2 and the first time I put the clutch it I almost punched a hole in the firewall with my left foot. Took some getting used to.

 

Clutch has more slip than I was used to in 03 but I'm used to it now especially with the really tall 1st gear. You can exceed red line in an instant in 1st if you don't pay attention. Just got used to using more slipping clutch to get going in 1st the rice rocket sushi pilots seem amazed but then there is also a short shift kit on the old girl and over 200hp at this point. As I slip the surly bonds of clutch in 1st the banchee comes out to play and just screams as I roll through the gears. It's enough to turn a rice rocket sushi pilot's spine to butter.

 

Bet you might have a replacement clutch...some are quite heavy, especially some performance versions....

 

Mine is quite heavy it's an 05, but doesn't bother me at all.

 

No, the clutch is the original oem - have not had a problem except getting used to it.

 

I was also wondering why my 06 clutch is heavy and has a very slim gap between in gear and clutched out...but also my shifter has side to side play while in any gear except reverse...

 

maybe im just used to heavy clutches, i used to have an act 2600 HD in my DSM project car which is said to be one of the heaviest, but my 05 cooper s clutch feels like its not even there, i can press and release it without any real effort at all.