I'd ask to see the old parts, so you can see what happened to it, then ask them what went wrong..........

 

Angry clubman S owner here. First clutch went at 4,000 and they replaced now just under 8,000 a second clutch is burning up. Mini says they won't cover. Both spouse and I have had manual transmissions all our driving lives. Have been reading about the LuK subcontractor on other threads, any other ideas so we can go in armed with the customer service rep?

 

This is an interesting thread. I highly recommend reading it through to all owners of MINI's with Manual Transmissions. In my opinion if this happens, I a would hold both the dealer and mini corporate responsible. A broken Clutch at 14k is ludicrous and obviously points to a mechanical problem unless of course it was abused, but I highly doubt someone paying this kind of money for this kind of car abuses their investment.

 

..

 

Just read about another clutch that went out at 4000k., the post is missing now which is wierd. I have ask did we all buy a bunch of lemons????

 

I would just be as firm as possible, without being rude or causing a scene. That's what we had to do and it worked, although I'll never go to that dealership again after they told me it's perfectly reasonable for a clutch to only last 5,000 - 10,000 miles due to normal use.

After this experience, and from reading about how often it happens, we've completely lost faith in this car. My fiance tries to avoid driving it unless absolutley necessary because she's afraid it will leave her stranded again. Only really keeping it now because I can't stomach the depreciation hit we would take selling it after only 1.5 years.

 

I had to get in on this thread. My car is sitting at the dealership now, torn down needing a clutch and flywheel assembly and I was told that it is not covered under the warranty due to excessive wear??? I purchased the Mini Cooper S in May, 2009 and the car has 10,500 miles on it. I am very upset that the dealer is refusing to fix this problem under warranty-- $3200 to fix. My warranty is in my car so can't access it and I have been on the Internet trying to find one to read. Does anyone know what the factory warranty specifically says about clutches under the warranty? Please help! Have to deal with the dealership tomorrow!

 

Repeat......

 

I feel for you. I'm don't remember exactly what the warranty states regarding the clutch unfortunately. Try to dig your heels in with the dealership. What dealer is it out of curiousity?

I wish Mini would step up and do something about all these clutches prematurely failing.

 

In my case, the dealer refused to provide the old parts or a detailed explanation of what was wrong with the clutch. The repair oder says "burned out." I looked up the part numbers replaced and it looks like they replaced the pressure plate, throwout bearing, disc etc.. basically everything in there.

 

You need to put your foot down, I got them to replace a clutch at 55,000 miles on the girlfriends 2005 mini cooper s under warranty becuse the master slave cylinder went about 6 months while under warranty before the clutch did out of warranty. the reason I told them and probably not far from the truth was because fluid was leaking out of the master cylinder, it would cause the clutch to slip and basicaly ruined it over time. You really need to get the dealership to find out what is causeing the clutch to go so much. Could be what happend to me.

 

What have I gotten myself into??? I bought a manual in large part because I didn't want a "sealed" automatic with lifetime fluid. Now we find out the clutch on a 118hp car is designed to last 14k miles??

I hope I am driving my new car correctly!

 

Well, that's fine if they're paying for it I guess, but if the money's coming out of my checkbook - I'm seeing parts and getting a good explanation or they aren't getting a dime from me.....

 

I don't know about where you live but where i live any repair place is REQUIRED to either show you or give yo the parts back.

I would DEMAND that I get to see the parts. Of course it is now probably to late this thread is old.

For future repairs tell them that they MUST show you the parts. In fact write in on the repair order when you go to sign it authorizing the repair.

juju,

You need to either stop reading these forums or remember the most important thing - These complaints amount to less than 0.001% or less than 1/1000 of 1 percent of the cars made.

Also remember it could have to do with the way the person goes in to the dealership and acts as well. Go in with a bad attitude and they probably are not going to do anything for you. Go in with a very good attitude and you will most likely get the good service you deserve.

This is not the only thread where you have made such comments.

BTW my clutch has 40K+ on it and not has no problems at all. It has been to the Drag Racing Track 3 times (total of 14 - 1/4 mile runs), auto-crossed once, driven hard on the dragon twice and also driven to the top of Mt Washington twice with another trip up Mt Washington coming up next month.

Just relax until you really do have a problem.

 

I know, I know, stepping back from the edge now. Thanks. I admit, I do need to learn that my cars are "just cars" - I am too freakish about things like that. You are right. Can't promise I won't speak my mind in the future.

 

Schatzy62
When the clutch goes bad do we worry about the next one. My clutch went at 6000 miles. Car in shop now. My wife now worries the car will quit working while driving on the highway.

 

Ottos Mini in West Chester Pa

 

Posted a thread on 09 Mini clutch but update here. Bought 09 cabrio S dealer mini with 4000 miles in August. Garaged over winter and now 6100 miles. Always had burning smell. Clutch point all of sudden very high and then would not engage when driving to dealer. Been at dealer since Monday. They took transmission apart as well and only found bad clutch. Fixed defective clutch and called today to pick up. Wonder if this clutch is any better and will it last longer than original. They said it was under warranty. No questions or problems. Truely professional and first rate. Proud to have bought the mini from Mini of St. Louis.

 

Yikes! Everyone I've dealt with at Otto's has been exceptional. Went out of their way to help out.

 

Picked up the mini. Service rep said one side of clutch completely worn, other half looked 20 years old. Drives like a different mini. Clutch point low near the floor now. Much more responsive. Still a little burning smell which we will watch for now. Funny now can not open the bonnet. Have to have that checked out. Mini of St. Louis was great with the clutch problem.

 

Agreed, Otto's has always been first class for me.

 

New clutch. Still with old clutch smell after I drive. How long for the smell to dissipate completely. Thanks

 

I would not expect any old clutch smell. I'm not sure what was done regarding the flywheel, but the clutch and pressure plate would have been replaced. I would not expect any "old" clutch smell.

I have never had to have a clutch replaced and have been driving manual transmissions for over thirty years. I have app. 18k on my mini, and so far, no problems.

I feel I have to ask, How much experience do you have driving a manual transmission? I'm concerned what you're describing is the clutch overheating due to slipping.

 

I too wonder if I am driving my MINI "correctly." On all my other clutch cars since 1989 I simply used the clutch in two ways: Its either pressed down fully by my left foot with a second or two "coming up" when I start off in first so it doesn't "jerk." Or not touched at all - meaning no foot on the clutch between shifting. I figure thats the least amount of wear. 500 miles - MINI still going strong!

 

gregsmini
Have driven clutches for over 34 years. Cars and trucks. I do not use the pedal to rest the foot and rarely downshift. Had a Honda Accord with a stick with over 100,000 miles. I have never had to replace a clutch before. This board and my experience makes me worry if the new clutch is good is there something else that makes the clutches wear improperly. I understand why you asked.