32k mi, 3 mo left on warranty.

Recently, usually when the engine is cold, I get a rattle when at idle in neutral when the clutch is engaged. It stops when the clutch pedal is depressed. Is this a warranty issue?

 

I have an 05 with 61k on it ans I too hear the same noise. The noise goes away when I depress the clutch pedal. I thought it might be the throw out bearing may be wearing out?

 

That rattle is probably the springs wearing out on the dual mass flywheel. When the throw out bearing goes it usually screams when the clutch is depressed.

 

yeah the DMF's are generally crap products anyway, and not just on MINIs. Porsche, Audi, VW forums etc all report DMF issues of some kind. Mine glazed over on my 05 S and had to be replaced (along with the clutch) at 24K. If my car wasnt under warranty I wouldve replaced it with 1) something more heavy duty and 2) something that can be turned, like a conventional flywheel. So that is more than likely yr problem, not the clutch.

 

Are all manual mini's equipped with DMF's?

I assume it's not adjustable? Is this damaging the cluch in it's current state?

 

Re the first question: While I know all S models do, Ive seen conflicting reports as to whether the MINI Cooper has a DMF. From what I gathered, early cars with the Midlands 5-speed had single mass conventional FW, and the later cars with the Gertrag 5 speeds have DMFs. Still Im not 100% sure of this. I'll ask my SA when I pick my S up today.

Anyway for those who care here's a good DMF 101:

http://www.murmini.com/articles/2007/04/01/dmf

second ?: DMF's are tuned flywheels and are designed to not be adjusted nor turned. that's why folks who race/track swap them out for something lighter and more conventional like a single mass flywheel--rougher, but will hold up better under extreme heat.

Third ?: my glazed DMF issue was not one of drivability, it was one of annoyance. Other than glazing the PP, I dont think it really harms the clutch. also R56 owners with the same problem have been given instructions by MINI on how to remove this glazing on their own, by getting the car up to 50 mph in 4th gear, then engaging and disengaging the clutch 10 times minimum. I guess that's the advantage of having more torque.

Oh and BTW MINI does NOT rec this for R53 owners. Not enough torque I guess??

 

I've recently had clutch problems on my 2005 mini (19,600 miles). An intermittent stuttering problem coming out of 1st gear. Another poster suggested the problem was glazing on the contact surfaces of the clutch. The car's been at Tate all week; they've been unable to replicate the clutch slippage, but I passed on the glazing theory and they're supposed to check that out as well. I've never heard of so many problems with a modern clutch. Is it the DMF technology or just cheap parts?

 

considering all the problems ive heard with other auto companies with OEM DMFs, it might be a combination of the two. After all, advanced technology can't make a crappy part any less crappier...

still, it's too bad, and with the MINI extended warranty (GE) I'm considering thru my dealer excludes yup you guessed it clutches and flywheels, which like wiper blades and brake pads are considered a "wear" component

 

If they think it's glazed all they have to do is start the motor, make sure the E brake is set, put it first gear, give it a little gas, and slowly let the clutch out. If it's glazing it'll sound like a Kenworth with a full load and locked overheated brakes trying to stop, or Chewbacca in a badass mood That's how they diagnosed mine.

 

Wow..alot of info to take in. Where can I get information on my mini.
How can I determine what transmission type I have and other pertinent information.

Is the rattling sound a sign of failure to come?

 

Call yr local MINI dealer or MINI-USA (the number is on the website) and give them yr VIN# and they should be able to tell you. I think 2005 Coopers have the Midlands 5-speed transmission, but I'm not dead sure of this. I know 2006 Coopers have the Gertrag.

 

Originally posted by sequence
it's too bad, and with the MINI extended warranty (GE) I'm considering thru my dealer excludes yup you guessed it clutches and flywheels, which like wiper blades and brake pads are considered a "wear" component

I think 2005 Coopers have the Midlands 5-speed transmission, but I'm not dead sure of this. I know 2006 Coopers have the Gertrag

My dealer implied because it was under the 4/50,000 drivetrain warranty that it would be covered. Didn't explicitly say it though, so maybe I should worry!? Although it sounds more and more like a glazing problem and nothing more serious. I should have come online here first before taking it in. Would have saved a lot of headaches. BTW, not being a car techie, what is glazing and what causes it. I've been driving manuals for 40 years and have never heard of it.

My 2005 has the Getrag 5 speed; it was the first year for the Getrag in the Mini. The 2005 S has the Getrag 6 speed.

 

If yr under the 4/50 OEM warranty you should be fine, but if yr dealer has it together they will replace both FW and clutch at the same time.

I think the Gertrag 5 speed MCs have the DM flywheel setup, but again Im not sure and will ask my SA**.

When I took my car in I asked my SA about the glazing and his only "theory" was "excessive careful stop and go driving" whatever that means. I've also read on other car forums that dm flywheel glazing is the result of riding the clutch. This might explain why some cars get it with such low mileage (>5K), but I dont ride my clutch (my Toyota PU is only on its second clutch with just under 300K) so who knows?

**Update: 02-06 R50 MC's with the MG or Gertrag manual do NOT have DM flywheels. Only the R53 S.

 

Took the car to the dealer today to have the rattle examined.

"FOUND RATTLE RELATED TO FLYWHEEL CHATTER WARR ADVISED CUST. THAT VEHICLE NEEDS UPDATE 210105, CUST TO RESCHEDULE."

Anyone familiar with update 210105?