I have a pretty regular noise that sounds like an overly loud valve tap at idle
that dissappears when i push the clutch peadal to the floor
Is this the dreaded replace flywheel issue ive been hearing about?

 

It is a good bet that the flywheel is the problem. When it's the throwout bearing, you will 'feel' and maybe hear some noise when you actuate the clutch pedal. I had my TO bearing go about a year ago, at 32,000miles.

At my local high end mechanic, the labor charge for a clutch/flywheel job is $980. That is a better price than the dealers. I would recomend using your warrenty, if your service agent can't tell about your mods or does not care.

However, if it is your flywheel and if you are so inclined, now is an excellent opportunity to upgrade.

 

im out of warrenty.... thats why im worried

 

I'm having the same issue with my flywheel, but I'm still under warranty and she's getting looked at on Monday by the Dealer. From what I've read, it's nothing to worry about mechanically. It's not going to hurt you MINI so if you can live with the noise, don't worry about it.