Hi guys. I'm not sure if I need a new clutch or not. I bought my 05 Cooper S with JCW. It was my first manual transmission car, and I learned to drive a stick on it. It is no longer under warranty.

The clutch is starting to 'feel' like it is slipping, but I'm not sure since it is the only manual trans car I've ever had.

I've got about 48K miles on it. And from what I'm reading that does seem to be the average on when the clutch goes(I know that it can happen much sooner or much much later, but around 50k is average).

If I wait to long, do I have to worry about this 'minor' maintenance turning into something very expensive? Is this something that only a mechanic can answer after looking at it?

What parts would I need replaced if the clutch feels like it is starting to slip. I don't really need a performance part or anything, just something that gets the job done. Any links to the parts would be greatly appreciated as I want to start getting an idea as to how much this would cost me.

 

Start the engine in a open area, nothing in front of you.

Set the hand brake hard.

Put tranny in 4th gear.

Rev engine to 2500rpm

Dump the clutch fast.

If engine stalls quickly, your clutch is still strong.

If engine keeps running, (an only let the engine run on for a couple of seconds), you need a clutch.

YD

 

How do you figure 50k is average. I have to believe that any slipping clutch issues before really high mileage is just too much performance driving / abuse or missuse. Knocking on wood but at 62k miles there no hint of slipping here. Hopefully your clutch is just fine.

 

Well, I had tried to state that some get more miles out of it, and some get less. Of course it will depend on how people drive. But like I said, it's a rough average.

And I'm pretty sure that most of the wear on the clutch was during the early miles when I still getting used to driving a stick.

 

Clutches should not go out anywhere near 50K. If you're losing a new clutch after 50K you aren't treating it correctly. Make sure you slip it as little as possible starting in first, and not at all in other forward gears, and never ride the clutch. When your car is in gear keep your left foot on the dead peddle and off the clutch. An non-abused clutch can easily last 150K miles or more.

 

I will not open another thread because it is also a clutch problem. Apologies to simpat1zq if this is not the same problem (I'm not sure).

It's about a 2004 MC stock.

I'm getting some sort of tremor, tremble when in 1st gear and the clutch half way and also the same tremor in 2nd gear also with clutch half way; this is happening in both situations at low RPMs(2k) and after the engine heated (10 minute since start). From 3rd gear -> no symptoms.

I also tried to get the same symptoms: 2nd gear, 1,5-2k RPMs, without pressing the clutch. No tremble, nothing.

I would say it's the clutch, but please tell me if this had happened to you too.

thx

 

We have a 2002 mini and we are having the exact same tremble that you are getting at the same point. I'm wondering if you have received any replies from any any others as to a diagnosis.

 

Hi phyllis,

Unfortunately I don't have any answer on my question. If I get something, I will let you know. Please do the same thing if you have news.

I'm more and more certain that the problem is the clutch. Someone told me it might be something on the induction system, but I don't think so: I only get the tremble in first two gears!!!

Cheers!

 

We also have the problem only in the first two gears. I will let you know if we learn anything...

Good luck!