Recently I had to change the clutch out on our 2012 Mini Countryman S. The car only had 42K miles on it when the slipping started. I ordered my clutch from Rock Auto and set up some time in our DIY Auto Shop. Getting to the clutch is not a fun job, but I've done a few FWD drive cars so I knew what I was getting into. After a day, we removed the transmission through the bottom and began to clean things up. I started to install the plate when I noticed it was small, too small. The clutch that Rock Auto sent was about 1.5" smaller in diameter than the clutch plate that I removed. I emailed Rock Auto, but they said that the manufacturer says that it is right. I set up the return and ordered another brand for an immediate delivery. Two days later the other clutch came. Again, it was too small. At this point I am double and triple checking all the numbers and the model info for my car. I ordered the correct clutch, but it was still 1.5" too small. I ran all over town to find a clutch and came across two. Both clutches were small. When I went online to other vendors to look up the clutch, they returned the same part number that I had ordered from Rock Auto. As I looked around more, Napa, Autozone, and O'Reilys all had the same part numbers listed as the incorrect clutch I received from Rock Auto. After a day of no luck, I finally went to the Mini Dealership and spent the money on an OEM clutch, about four times what I had originally spent. The clutch was installed and everything was great, but still more of a pain to get a clutch than to install. Luckily, the dealer gave me a military discount. So that was nice.

I just wanted to let all the DIYers know to make sure you get the right clutch before tearing into anything. The clutch I ordered might be for the non turbo, but I don't believe that they have different transmissions. Besides, the part number lines up to the S version of the car. I've never had an issue with ordering parts until this. These are the clutches I ordered and the part numbers. Again, I own a 2012 Mini Countryman S.

LUK 03075
VALEO 52001203

 

This exact same thing has just happened to me. Ordered from Rock Auto and once I got my transmission out and sized it up, the replacement was way too small. Considering moving to solid flywheel now. Oh what to do!

 

This is one of the reasons we request your VIN when you order a clutch from us. We also don't use aftermarket clutches as they have never been reliable like the originals are.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/oem-cl...ntryman-s.html

 

That's what happens when you try and cheap out by using less expensive aftermarket replacement parts.

 

Not sure why the shaming for buying less expensive parts. This post was about a mismanaged part number, not bad aftermarket parts.

 

Shaming isn't the point. The point is a general comment with great historical significance and a warning to anyone else who might follow this thread. This forum is rife with incidents wherein aftermarket products were acquired from myriad suppliers resulting is much less than satisfactory results.