Hey everyone

To make a long story short - I owned 04 "S" ( see sig ) a few years back. Since then I have wandered several makes and models, but I am looking at a 2011 Clubman right now ( new cooper non-s - 6 speed manual).
SO.... what , if any, are the areas of concern on the new clubmans with a manual trans?? just wondering?? and as far mods go are they the same ( drive train wise ) as the normal Cooper? ( I assume so , but??? ) I know the body is longer but under the bonnet should be the same?? right ?? wrong?? Just wondering - any input welcome

Just FYI - I am not looking to do a ton of mods, just some basic stuff. I don't even know what is avail for the cooper / clubman yet.

THANKS ALL!!!

 

Well, the main problem areas with the turbocharged "S" with the manual transmission are:

• Carbon build-up: not a lot that can be done here except clean it out (walnut blasting, Seafoam, etc.); this is a function of the engine design (direct injection), which will be something new for you, coming from the earlier MINI's.
• Clutch failures: no one has been able to really correlate the cause, but some just seem to be giving out prematurely.
• High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP): these have been a real weak spot; MINI went so far as to extend the warranty on the part to 10 years/120,000 miles, but I think that applies to 2007-2009 models only.
• Timing chain tensioner/timing chain rattle: keeping the oil level at the proper level (some of these turbo "S" engines eat oil) is very important, and will help to avoid this problem -- short of a bad tensioner.
• Water pump: these have been a weak component as well; like with the clutch, I don't think there's really been any correlation.

Some of these things (like carbon build-up; the jury is still out there...) may have been addressed with the 2011 and later vehicles, in which the engine plumbing has been altered slightly.

The Hardtop and Clubman are identical from the 'B' pillars forward, so any engine mods you want to do should apply for either model.

 

The OP said he was looking at a non-s. Only problem I've had with my 2011 in 17,000 miles is a noisy AC compressor which they fixed under a TSB. My 2008 justacooper is still going strong at 66k with very few problems.

 

Hmm. Well, so he was. Obviously missed that...

Well, disregard the parts about carbon build-up and the HPFP then. Not altogether certain whether the timing chain tensioner/rattle issues still apply.

Generally speaking, the "Justas" have fewer mechanical issues.

 

Thanks for the info!!! - I did buy the 2011 Just-a-Cooper Clubman in Hot Chocolate with the 6 speed manual trans. It won't be the same as my old MCS with all the mods but we were looking for more of an eco/fun car not a fire breathing beast like my old MINI

Thanks again all !!!!!

 

Cool, well as for Eco I've been getting around 40mpg highway, partly because I have to keep it to about 60 for about 30 miles of construction on my regular 100 mile drive.