Hello!

I have a question regarding the stock clutch “feel” of the r53 mcs. For background story I’ve had 3 minis so far an ‘02,‘06, and an 03 R50. This question is regarding the ‘02 mcs. The ‘02 I recently bought as it had almost all the mods I’ve wanted to do to an R53 already done to it. Mods being coilovers, exhaust, adjustable rear control arms/swaybars, wheels etc. It has 100k miles, stock powertrain and in pretty good shape. But… I noticed that the clutch feels different than my stock ‘06 and the R50. The best way I can describe it is that it’s normal stiffness, but it engages really low to the floor. Low enough it’ll start biting right as you release pressure kinda low.

So question being, Is that feeling normal? If not, could it be an indication of needing the clutch to be replaced/hydraulics gone through?

For other reference:
1. As far as I know it’s the original clutch, but possible it was replaced with something else considering the other modifications done.
2. My ‘06 has 145k and I recently replaced the clutch in it because the throw out bearing grenaded itself and punched a hole in the bell housing, but incidental finding was the clutch material was almost completely worn, but the clutch feel gave no indication of being that worn.

Thank you!

 

My 03 R53 has always had a very low grab point on the clutch, I consider it normal.

 

Same, same.

 

Fair enough, thanks for the input!

 

One more -
I had to have my original clutch replaced on my 04 R53 @78k. I had an independent BMW/MINI garage perform the work. After their (half-***) clutch replacement, I noticed the clutch release/engaged travel was only 1/2" from the floor. That's far from what the original/factory clutch travel/feel was based on my. recollection. I drove the car like that for 4 years until the transmission failed and had to have it replaced. Having learned my lesson (the $hard way$), I brought my Mini to @WayMotorWorks (Atlanta)who performed the trans replacement and new clutch. Outstanding workmanship and results - my clutch pedal resistance, travel, engagement/disengement is about 50/50 = 2.5" from the floor - Exactly what I felt/recalled when I bought the car new.

IMO: if there might be a mechanical failure in question;
My guess would be a (possible) weakening pressure plate.