Just a heads up, my '08 MCS is at the dealership right now; getting a new clutch assy. It's a service info bulletin that states if a honking or howling noise is heard when downshifting from 3-2 or 2-1 gears they must replace the clutch assy. Cause is an unfavorable tolerance between the clutch and the dual mass flywheel??? I've been hearing it off and on for about two months, my car has 15K on it now.

 

err one shouldnt be downshifting from 2 to 1... unless in 2 rolling to a crawl/stop < 5mph... shudnt be a 10mph 2 to 1 shift to gain acceleration pwr... imo

 

I just had mine replaced too with just over 15K on the odometer. Mine did a short howl when feathering the clutch away from hard starts or hills. It was a sound similar to a worn out clutch when it starts squealing at the engagement point. No chatter to speak of, just the howl. They mentioned the TSB about the downshift issue and said mine fit the description even though it never did it downshifting. I suppose it would have, but I'm pretty conscious about rev-matching my shifts.

 

WOW!! I think a lot of us had heard this. I find that if I do not ride the clutch and bump up the RPM as I am down-shifting I do not have that problem. I will look into this though. Actually sounds like a "SCREAMING BANSHEE" to me!

 

They used to say it was a glazed clutch plate and should be driven harder , mine did it from day one but hasnt done it for months .

 

I double clutch mine in at 15-20mph all the time (habit after driving a Subaru for 6 years where the car WOULD NOT let you go into first at any speed without old-school double clutching), with no ill effect. It can be done, just do it right

 

Must have worn it into tolerance!

 

I double clutch out of old habit too!!

 

Is this what many others have referred to as "the Chewbacca noise?"

 

I'm happy to say that my Mini was returned today with a new throw out bearing and clutch plate installed. It's BETTER than new, smoother and faster between gears now.

 

i have an 07 and hear it when i downshift to 2nd. Is this a warranty covered issue? ive heard it since my 15000 kms, i now have 30 000. But ya is it a warrany covered issue? Or will it cost me to fix this problem.

 

Try bumping up the engine about 1000 RPM before you let out the clutch on the downshift. That should fix your problem. If it does not, then you should check with the dealer.

 

that noise was a howl when letting out the clutch in first gear, usually under load, (like being pointed uphill) and was traced and diagnosed as excessive flywheel glazing. This was a big problem with R53s, including mine (twice).

I went with the auto for my 09 and couldnt be happier. at least Im not wondering "what next?" all the time.

 

Everything old is new again, eh, korby?


https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ear-shift.html

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-and-heat.html

 

I had the same issue with mine when downshifting from 3rd to 2nd. Took it to the dealer and got they replaced the clutch - all under warranty. The car had just over 22,000 miles. Now it's very smooth and I have not had the prob. again.

 

TSB # SI M21 04 08 dated September 2008 is your ticket!

 

My R56S has 12000 miles on it and have same problem. Today I went to dealership for first annual service and I told them to check the clutch. I was told from them my mini getting a new clutch kits. I hope everything will be fine.

 

My MINI was returned yesterday. They reinstalled transmission and it's better, smoother and faster now.

 

Same here...they replaced my clutch assembly under warrantee for the noise and my stiff shifter. Just around 22k on mine.

 

Is there a way to get a copy of this? Or I just need to tell my SA to read that?
My car is @ the dealer, mine was making the "Chewbacca" noise before smoke started to come out, SA called and looks like the clutch is completely worn out, but they were trying to push for me to pay $2200 + if there were any signs of abuse (I have never abuse this car @ all).

They still need to have someone take a look at the clutch today before they can make a decision if warranty covers it

PS: My MINI has 11K and it's less than a year old, 95% of the miles are "freeway @ night miles".

 

Fight the power. Dont let them play Jedi mind-tricks to convince U to think it's yr. fault. If they do so, do an end around to MINI-USA and loudly (but professionally) complain. Some guy had issues with Crevier MINI N of you, and he took it all the way to corporate, to where Crevier honored the warranty--as they should.

Clutches are covered under yr. b-t-b 4/50 warranty. But also remember these clutches arent the best in the world, and are prone to excessive wear even by letting it slip just a little; what may have been normal in another manual vehicle is considered excessive here. Good luck!

 

not quite.

first the 4/50k warranty isn't bumper to bumper as there are exceptions (I hate that term as it's almost never true with any make of car)

the other thing - the clutch is covered under the 3/36k maintenance plan as are most of the other wear and tear parts.
So when you include the maintenance plan it's almost like the mini has true 3/36k bumper to bumper coverage.