I've driven all of the available MINI models currently available (except the Paceman) and, from my experience, only the Countryman ALL4 exhibited the problems described here. I've had no problem with manual transmissions in the other models.

 

So all of these horrible stories and experiences shouldn't apply to the regular Countryman? Non S, non All4?

I'm thinking of purchasing one that I found used with 14k miles but I'm a tad bit worried after hearing everyone's experiences =/

 

The only clutch problems that I ever recall being reported are on the All4 and I have been following this for about 18 months now.

 

I had a coworker whose Cooper S had the clutch fail at about 7500 miles.

 

I was shown the service bulletin by my dealer today. It was dated March and it states that they will replace clutch with new clutch parts which includes a new stiffer spring. You have to stay on them and open up a case with Mini USA as well.

I have complained about my clutch since I got the car. I finally got it replaced today on my 2012 s all4 . Totally different feel!

Good luck!! Make them do the right thing!

 

Can you give the bulletin number? Should be on your repair order abbreviated as SIB. Thanks in advance.

 

I'd be interested as well...Mine goes in on the 17th for it's 30,000 mile service...I'm going to ask this week about the service bulletin.
According to ghamma the Part # 21-20-8-606-067 as he had his replaced and voicing a significant difference. Service Bulletin # would help greatly Thanks!

 

I spent some time this morning searching for a clutch related SIB on 2012 MINI's and came up with nothing. Someone I work with may have access to AllData so I will ask him if anything shows up there unless someone else here has it.

 

I will try to get the SB on Monday from my dealer. Be sure to log your case with Mini USA as well. You really have to stay on them and the service mgr. They will have to get mini USA approval.

I can totally tell the difference. It does not grab so high. They also replace a spring and the main nut that holds the clutch plate on.

 

Re-post from another thread:
I really do love my dealership and service department...
Brought up my concerns with my 2011 clutch and the continued need to pay more attention to the clutch that the enjoyment of the mini. After seeing a new driver, my daughter trying to negotiate the 2011 clutch...impossible.
So I wrote/emailed my concerns, had brought them up previously but not on a regular same seriousness basis....Here's my reply from this morning.

Good morning Fred,

Of course I know you by now sir, your loyalty to the brand and dealership, as well as your intentions would never be questioned here. J

Your clutch isn’t a matter of you qualifying for a new one or not, I just need a specific concern to diagnose in order to perform the swap. You had mentioned that you still feel a sputtering and jerkiness from your clutch, I will have our techs look at that as the concern and push for the clutch replacement as the remedy.

The difference with the new clutch is a thicker pad on the clutch disc itself that is also more heat resistant. I have noticed a significant change between your and the 2013 model year.

I will update your appointment.

Have a good day in the meantime!

Brandon

Keep It MINI!

I am Stoked
I'm scheduled for the 17th

 

Were you ever able to get that SIB for the clutch replacement?

 

No I did not get SIB details. I got rid of the CM and kept the R53. Not the way this was supposed to go down.

 

With all the Northeast snow and squirrely driving conditions, the clutch on our 2012 CMS All4 (March '12 build date) has really been slipping and smelling like a broccoli factory. Absolutely unacceptable seeing that the car only has 7,000 miles on the odometer. Having read the many complaints on this and other threads, we will be contacting MINI dealer tomorrow to have it evaluated . . . having personally emailed a few NAM members who have had their clutches replaced under warranty, I have learned that the key words to use with the MA are "slipping clutch." More to follow.
Overall, however, we have totally enjoyed the car with the exception of the faulty clutch.

 

Clutch problem not fixed with the 2013 "upgrade".
I have a 2013 Countryman S and although it has the "improved" clutch over the 2011 model, it's clear Mini still has not figured this out. On steep hills that require stop and go --forget about it! Barely made it to the top and I'm sure the cars around me were preparing to call the fire department there was so much smoke. Totally unacceptable. Took it to dealer where I learned the 2011 v. 2013 history; test drove with great mechanic...bottom line: clutch is fine now; drives well, as long as I'm not on a hill stopping and starting. Anticipate I'll have to get them to swap out for a new clutch before my 3 year warranty is over. This can't be a long term car because of that. Won't buy a mini again.

 

I sold my 2011 for this reason, and no dealer nor mini corporate would acknowledge the problem.

Still got a bitter feeling every time i think about it.

 

When BMW replaced our 2012 because of the electrical problems, we decided to take an automatic even though we never had clutch issues with the first car in the short time we had it. What we read about all the problems others were having was more than a bit concerning. Hearing that this is still going on after all this time is rather amazing...so glad we have the automatic, wow.

 

24k on my 2014 All4 and no problems...knock on wood.

 

Similar story with my 2012 Countryman. I had to plan routes around hills in San Francisco - or drive a different car. Two dealer in the Bay Area as well as selling dealer in Reno said clutch was fine. I bailed out of it after 18 months and 24k miles because it just became a hassle to have a car I could not drive around SF.
Still somewhat bitter because having all wheel drive and a manual in a fun to drive and somewhat unusual vehicle were the main reasons I chose the Countryman. Took a huge hit on trade in, was not getting many bites as a private party sale advertised at $1,500 over trade amount. After negotiating, I probably would have gotten same amount as trade, so I pulled the trigger as soon as I found a replacement car that checked all the boxes. I would have saved $12k if I had just bought that model back in 2012 and skipped the Countryman experience entirely. Oh well, it's only money.

 

I bought a Mini Countryman 2011 used on 11/8/2014 along with an extended service plan. I didn't drive it for nearly 2 weeks cause it was my backup car. Well I noticed after a day or 2 that it was sticking going into 1st gear. I thought maybe it was just me, then a few days later I noticed the smell and attributed that to a new car smell or my mind playing tricks. Well later that week, the car started revving high while changing gears, all the while slow and sluggish. Made an appointment to have service on way to dealership, 12/17/2014, it revved higher and higher wouldn't go past 40 mph and started smoking. Made it to dealership they ran diagnostic and said Clutch bad and fly wheel, repair cost $3700, all of which not covered under warranty. Have not had car 2 months and mileage 29,000. At a lost for what to do now...Wish I had seen this forum prior to buying!

 

Did you buy the car privately or from a dealer? How many miles have you put on it since you bought it?

 

I bought it from a dealer, Ford dealership, and ive put about 1200 miles on it.

 

And whose warranty is it under? the original Mini warranty, or did the Ford dealer give you a warranty?

 

Ford gave me a extended warranty

 

And the warranty they gave you specifically excludes the clutch? It actually says that?

 

Yes, standard transmission clutch components and assemblies