I finally sat in a stick shift 07 r56 today. Only 9000 miles on it and it had the stick creaky feeling of my 05 r53. My question is, did MINI use the same LuK clutch for the r56 as the r53 that has that defect that everyone keeps telling me is wrong with my clutch?

 

The clutches for both cars are sourced from LuK. I am not sure on specific differences between both clutch kits and dual mass flywheels. The transmissions are sourced from Getrag as well. The R56 6 spd has a different model number than the one found in the R53 but they should be fairly similar.

I take the creaky feeling you are talking about is the clutch pedal feel, not the shifter?

 

yup, they are one and the same, identical LuK components, identical LuK problems. and BTW, people dont say "good LuK" w/o tongue firmly planted in cheek...

 

ya the pedal

 

Sounds like unever wear of the pressure plate springs. A defect that requires replacing the entire clutch kit and flywheel.

 

Exactly what the mechanic said. You think theres any chance the flywheel could be saved?

 

If they are putting up with the hassle of replacing the entire clutch kit, might as well put a new flywheel in there too (In fact it is recommended).

 

Ugh i just dont have an extra $400. Any suggestions on what new flywheel to get?

 

Jut can get OEM with the part number ending in 804 (Look it up in www.realoem.com) or get a clutchmasters flywheel. Better yet, why not get a Clutchmasters Fx200 or FX300 clutch and flywheel and call it a day?

 

If you are under 50k miles, it shouldnt cost you anything. I would be under warranty. Funny though, being that the clutchs are the same, the feel 100% different. My R53 ( which just had the clutch replaced ) feels totally different then our R56 and R55. The wife to be and I both notice this.

 

OP you have yr warranty in place, so there should be no hassle getting both replaced (like ClubmanS said) because dual-mass flywheels, unlike conventional, cannot be turned or resurfaced.

 

I believe the OP is already out of warranty.

 

I have never quite been satisfied with the feeling/behavior of the clutch on the 2005 MCS I purchased last summer. I thought it was just me, and have never been able to my thumb on exactly what I feel is wrong with it other than it is "unpredictable" and does not behave the same when I go from a dead stop, and sometimes between gears each and every time. I thought it might have had something to do with the RPM of the shift point that might be contributing to the issue. I also thought it might be the "drive by wire" gas peddle not reacting the same each time during the application of throttle.

As I have read numerous threads on this topic, they seem to mention "chewbaca" type noises, creaking and groans. I never hear anything in the form of noises.

It does seem to make sense that uneven clutch springs and uneven pressure plate application would make things feel unpreditcable from day to day?

If this is the case, is this what was covered under warranty for other people and called out in "technical bulletins" that have been mentioned in other threads?

Sometimes I feel like this behavior is all in my head, but after reading things like this I begin to wonder if I have a flakey clutch??

 

Yep Jim, sounds like you have a crappy clutch. My 2005 now drives smooth as silk and extremely well since the clutch was replaced 2 months ago. It is a different car power delivery, gear changing, RPM matching is all a dream come true.

 

ClubmanS,

Was yours replaced under warranty? If so, how did you approach Mini about the problem? I figured if I brought it in, they would take it for a 5 minute test drive and say there was nothing wrong. You need to drive this daily to really understand the issue.

 

My original clutch was replaced, the first time, at 25K miles, no questions asked. The pedal was making a horrid "Farting noise" or rubber to rubber noise when depressing the pedal. Gear engagement was sometimes harsh. The shop foreman agreed with me and ordered the repair under warranty. We even showed me another MINI (I remember it was a Yellow Cooper S convertible) with the same exact problem in one of the service bays. The problem was found to be uneven wear of the springs in the clutch pressure plate. This diagnosis requires full clutch replacement.

Fast forward to 51K miles (December '08) and the farting clutch pedal noise returns full force. Took it back and again the shop foreman agreed that the clutch was exhibiting the same defect as the original clutch replaced back in June '07. In addition to the farting pedal I had the "Chewbacca" noise coming from the glazed flywheel. They kept the car 2 days and provided me with a new 2009 R56 Cooper S auto loaner. I did enjoy that car.

Car was returned to me with a brand new clutch kit and new flywheel as per TSB # SI M41 04 08 dated September 2008 that issues directive to the dealer to replace clutch and flywheel on a "Customer complaint basis".

Its been 2K miles since the clutch/flywheel replacement and the car is driving like a dream. Soon after that I replaced the front control arm bushings, lower engine control arm bushing and transmission to gearbox bushing with Powerflex Polyurethane bushings and the car is better than new. Clutch pedal feel/feedback is excellent and the car puts down power to the wheels quickly and smooth as silk.

very happy camper.

My recommendation is to be extremely polite but firm. Have the SA get the Shop Foreman and Service Manager involved. If you are at say a few thousand miles over 50K miles (Or the warranty expiration date, whichever comes first), MINIUSA may do the clutch repair as "Goodwill".

Mine was covered under the MINI Extended Service contract I purchased back in August '07. Best $1,400 ever spent on this car.

Good luck.