I've got my 05 R50 with the Getrag transmission disassembled and I am ready to order all the parts for a new clutch. Going with the OEM clutch kit, throw out bearing (failed), guide tube, new rear main crank seal (it was obviously leaking), transmission input shaft seal, and rear motor mount. Doing the a arm bushings as well while I've got it apart with the Powerflex ones (OEMs shot.). Clutch job on these are significantly more time consuming than a number of other front drives I've done before (VW/Audi.) So I dont want to go back in anytime soon, trying to keep it as stock and reliable as possible. I've got too many other vehicles that take lots of maintenance.

I've looked at a number of Mini part vendors online and it seems like the flywheel options are OEM for over $500 or $100 for a Luk brand. Its the single mass solid flywheel. Not really interested in a lightened one.

I know Luk brand is an OEM supplier for many clutches. Anyone use their flywheels with good results? Its obviously a large price savings..... and cheap enough where I wouldnt consider resurfacing the stock one I pulled off.

Any other options? Is resurfacing this one with 65,000 miles really a bad idea? Again, want to do it right and not be back into this clutch anytime soon.

Thanks in advance for any feedback, knowledge, and experience you can share. Not new to wrenching, but new to Mini's.

CJ

 

I'll be doing the clutch on mine very soon and everything I've read has pointed to ditching the dual mass flywheel.

A regular flywheel is cheaper and the dual mass flywheel cannot be resurfaced.

 

 

Is the original flywheel not able to be machined?

 

Yes, I think it could. Unfortunately I live in rural NorCal and there isnt anyshop local that can resurface it with out a significant drive. I've also been reading online that resurfacing has been hit or miss, even though it is the single mass and not the double mass flywheel.

 

Resurface a flywheel with a brake lathe.

I have personally had luck with a method like this.. I had free access to the brake lathe and couldn't really afford to be without a car for a couple of days.

EDIT: Forgot to mention that I have not tried this on a MINI.