Well I've had my 2005 MCS for 6 weeks now, and decided to go to the local dealer (Braman MINI) to have the fluids changed. I was pleasantly pleased when the service advisor (Ralph) told me that all fluids were drained @ 24,000 miles...I just turned over 28,000 miles. He was also able to tell me that the brakes/rotors/ wiper blades, and tires were replaced at the same time. So I couldn't leave without buying something, and left with a license plate frame (MINI cooper s), touch up paint, rear side and rear window shades made of the same mesh as the sunroof shade, a ball cap, and a lightweight jacket that has a MINI logo on the front. While waiting, sat in a Clubman s, and decided that it would make a fine birthday gift come next January. What I forgot to do was ask the service advisor (Ralph) if the factory Harmon Kardon is equiped to recieve XM (or Serious) radio, which I'd like to have. I've looked on the audio forum, but can't seem to find the right answer (I usually have a gin and tonic in front of me when reading the posts)..any of you MINI brainiacs know the answer? Should I be posting this non-sense on the other forum? Also I addressed with Ralph the moaning noise that the clutch makes when the car starts out in the morning(goes away after a couple of shifts), and his response was that Braman MINI charges $750. to remove the clutch...then they determine whether the noise is due to abuse, or a factory flaw. Abuse runs about $2000. and if it's a factory flaw..no charge. My factory warrantee expires 12/08. Should I authorize clutch surgury now, or wait until the warrantee is about toasted? Sorry about the long post!

ps Great Forum!!


All the Best,
Mark ( the happiest MINI owner in Florida!!)

 

Shouldn't be, I got a SIRIUS kit for Christmas and I'd hope the Best Buy tech that installed it would've told me if I didn't need the kit.

 

the circuit city guys are better...... for audio.
Honestly if you have the cash. i would have it checked out.
but on the same side of the coin.
I would probably have it replaced with a ligher weight flywheel and better clutch.
considering the stock one is a rediculous like 20 plus pounds.

 

and you can add XM or Serius to anything by inputting it in via the aux input.

Matt

 

Well, thank you guys for the good advice. I'm off to Circut City today to check out the installation situation. And this week I'm going to go ahead and have the clutch surgically removed and repaired. I feel fairly confident that a generous cash tip to the service advisor and head mechanic will get the job done under the factory warrantee. I'll keep you new found folks posted as to my results. Many thanks again, and I can't begin to tell you all how much I love my MINI!!!



Best,
Mark.

 

I just finished reading this thread, I have the same noise, is this what you are talking about when you say "clutch noise"

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=122876

 

Oh, and I should have inquired..will the dealer install a better quality clutch/flywheel if the repair is covered under the factory warantee? If so would the aftermarket clutch/flywheel be guaranteed? And does anyone have a particular clutch/flywheel that would be easy for me to obtain, that is superior to the factory set up? I figure if i'm gonna do this, I want it done correctly..especially if I have to pick up the tab. I'm not so concerned about anything lightweight I don't think..just better quality.

Thanks again!

 

Yes..That is the noise! But mine goes away after a couple of shifts.

 

I am in your exact same situation! I am fairly confident that the clutch/flywheel will be warrantied on my car, but on the off chance it isnt I am basically screwed. Not only am I stuck with OEM parts, but I will also be forced to pick up a huge tab. Quite frankly if it isnt going to be covered under warranty, and the only way to keep my tranny warranty is going OEM, I would rather get good parts that I know will last much longer for much less then be stuck with the shoddy BMW stuff.

 

You can add an XM Direct sat unit into the boot right where the factory 6 disk changer goes. Then you can run it right from the steering wheel controls. Works very well. Do a quick search on XM direct in the audio section and you'll see quite a few threads.

 

XM is lame get Sirius

 

XM is not even in the same league as Sirius.

 

and will NOT warranty them. If you've got a warrantee clutch coming, I'd let them put it in and drive it till it's shot. Then upgrade. You don't really need an upgraded clutch till you really upgrade the torque of the car a lot.

If you're going out of pockit, I'd get aftermarket for sure. ESPECIALLY if you have to swap flywheels. The stock one is very expensive, and it's more than an aftermarket unit.

Matt

 

Thank you to the good Doctor for those words of mechanical wisdom! I shall attact the situation as you advised, and will post the results after the situation is resolved. Thank you again for the good advice!


Regards,

Mark.

 

Check the size of the base of your radio antenna, if it's bigger than 2"x3" then you should just have to subscribe to sirrius, better yet, call sirius and give them your vin they should be able to tell if they can activate service or not.