There are SO many posts on this topic!!! (I can't even begin to count). Search "clutch tapping noise", "clutch noise" or similar. There was a thread about this a few weeks ago.

This sound is normal for the Getrag 6-speed. I have had it since day one ('05 MCS). In neutral, release the clutch pedal (engaging the clutch) SLOWLY (don't "pop" it) and the noise is GONE in my MINI.

You can have the flywheel/clutch replaced, but many posts here, and on Mini2 describe the noise coming back. Probably not the best option.

I have had zero problems with my clutch/transmission in almost three years.

Hope this helps. Don't let them tear out your transmission!!!

 

Not really.

 

A rather selective, out-of-context quotation on your part!

 

Dealer called. They located the chewbacca noise right away, but are oblivious to the helicopter noise. They're going to have their quality control person drive it.

Looks like at the very least, I'll be getting a new clutch...

 

Funny, this AM I scheduled an appt with my dealer for my "chewbacca"-ish clutch groan. PLEASE keep me advised on what happens to yr car, because if need a new clutch I have to do it here soon before the warranty expires.

 

Update:

Dealer was able to hear the helicopter sound--diagnosed a faulty flywheel as many of you have suggested. They're going to be replacing it either today or tomorrow. They said they'll take a look at the clutch while they're at it, to see its condition in lieu of the chewbacca noise.

I have a strange feeling that they are going to try to pin it on abuse. (The clutch.)

 

Update:

Flywheel was replaced. They replaced my clutch too although did not specify why. Maybe the service ticket will explain.


I pick up the car tomorrow so I'll see if the noises are truly gone.

 

I'm out of warranty....I don't suppose anyone has had to pay for this fix?

 

for i took it to the dealer and they said the nose was related to the trany
and they change the trany and sometime i still ear the nose on off but the car run fine.

 

I actually had to pay for this fix, but I went through an independent mechanic instead of the dealership. All in all, parts and labor set me back like $1500. Just as an FYI, if your "oooorrrrttt" or "chewbacca" or "insert whatever you want to call it here" starts to occur more often, get your clutch replaced quick! Mine started to make that god awful sound almost all the time, but I waited till I had the money set aside to do a clutch job. Boy did that end up being a huge mistake... turned out my throw-out bearing failed and started to eat into the input shaft for the transmission... and yes... you guessed it... I needed my transmission replaced since BMW, in their infinite wisdom, does not sell internal replacement parts for the tranny.

GotMINI

 

There are issues with some noisey bearings in the 5-speed manual transmissions. Mini's solution is to replace the whole trans, but I have info on how you can get just the bearings replaced. Let me know if you think this might apply.

 

I have an 05 S with the exact same problem you are having and I am taking it in this coming Thursday to have it serviced. Global Imports in Atlanta said that they had a service thread on this problem and that they knew what it was and that it was covered under warranty but I will let you know how it goes after next weekend?!?!

 

I have a similar noise as well, went to the dealer and was told that the flywheel was worn (42K miles!!!) they warrantied it as well as a new clutch but i still have a slight sound. It seems to be common.

 

my dealer (mini of the main line) insists that the 'helicopter' noise from the flywheel is 'normal'. :rolleyes:
i've had the noise since i first got the car, and have asked them to check it out every time it has been in for service. my car doesn't have the 'chewbacca' sound, but one of the loaners my dealer gave me sure did.

 

I noticed a similar sound on my buddies 350 Z as well
maybe its a modern design issue.
it dosent seem to hurt anything though. Im warrantied to 70K so im not worried!

 

Ok guys, update:

I got my car back on Thursday.

Flywheel: The dealership said that the problem was caused by a defective flywheel. It was replaced under warranty with a NEW part. The service tech seemed to be pretty familiar with it.

Clutch: They replaced the clutch as well. Service notes say: "I will inspect the clutch when I replace the flywheel. In line B I replaced the clutch per sim 210105."

Not sure what that means, but I got a re manufactured clutch installed. Good news is that the clutch action is much easier/smoother now and the engagement point is almost at the floor, making driving much more enjoyable.

 

Dr, are you still happy with the repair? My 05 MCS has the same rattle sound most everyone is decribing, and since I am coming up on 3 years would sure like to have any issues addressed before then. It does seem that many say the noise just comes back though and I don't know that tearing apart the car is better than the noise?

 

When my flywheel and clutch were replaced (20,000 miles) there were some notes about something being out of spec, additional play or something like that. Throwout bearing ? I don't know.

I figure since its under warranty, now is the time to get it done, that way if it comes back around 40,000 I can take it back again.

BTW- I've never abused the clutch, hell, never chirped the tires in second, just drive it and have fun.

 

+1. We had Chewy and the helicopter (at 3K miles on an 06). New clutch and flywheel fixed both (for now). I actually like the new clutch better because it seems to engage a lot sooner. Greg

 

I had mine replaced a few weeks ago too. The tech stated the dual mass flywheel was defective and when that is replaced, then, naturally they replace the clutch as well. It did make a huge difference. My MINI only had 34,000 on it when the clutch/flywheel were replaced...I didn't have to worry about the clutch on my MG until I had 65,000 miles on it. I hope this isn't going to be an ongoing issue.

 

That is procedure when replacing the dual mass flywheel. The clutch will lose some spring pressure when removed and in order to ensure the clutch doesn't cause damage to the new flywheel it is replaced as part of the process.

I think I will look into going to a solid/lightened flywheel next time around and a dual stage clutch.