Hi MiniHeads
I have a 2006 Mini S 6 speed manual with an issue with the clutch I have no answer for. My wife sat on a hill and toasted the clutch one day. No doubt glazed the friction plate. Now when starting from a dead stop it lets out a "chirp" once in a while. Doesn't slip, no chatter, and other than the noise it seems to be ok. I called a supposedly honest BMW service place and they told me it can't be fixed without a replacement ($1630). Yea that's what I said. So my question is - is there any fix to get rid of the goofy noise, and if not what should a clutch replacement from a reputable shop cost?
I appreciate your help.

 

I think you and I have the same problem sir. Hoping there is an easier fix for this than new clutch!

 

glazing should eventually go away after some use... there are a few threads about it on here i believe.

 

You might be hearing the "Chewbacca" noise, if so that's the dual mass flywheel. It doesn't seem to hurt anything, and you usually only hear it the first couple of times you take off in 1st gear, after that it seems to go away - it also seems to be more eveident under cooler temps, both car and ambient.

The only cure is full clutch replacement with a new flywheel - you can't fix or resurface a dual mass....

The quote you got was about mid range of what I've seen people pay here on NAM.

 

If you do pursue a clutch replacement you should post your whereabouts to see if someone local can assist you. For example, if you were in the N.E. Florida area I would help you change it, thereby avoiding the MINI labor fees.

 

"Chewbacca", oh my gawd, that's the noise! Mine started about a month ago, at roughly 12,000 miles. It seems to only happen right after I wash the car. I wash her generally every weekend and on Monday mornings after her weekend bath, I hear the noise. It's when I first back out of the garage and then accelerate going forward. It will last a few accelerations, from a dead stop. I was wondering if moisture was getting to the clutch plate.

It sounds like the consensus is that it does not hurt anything but I should have it fixed before it goes out of warranty. If I stopped washing her, I will not hear it either, ha ha. What about when it rains? Will I hear it then too? I will let you know the first rain storm.

 

Why would you even consider fixing a clutch that is still driveable? Clutches are like timing belts on non-interference engines: replacement should occur only at total failure.

 

+1 ^

If my MINI sits for several days it will make the chewie sound on the first engagement of the clutch. Been doing that for a long time & the clutch works fine so I have no plans to spend a lot on a repair that isn't warranted.

 

If you got a quote for only 1630, it's not too bad. To replace your clutch involves removing your front panels and grill/bumper assembly, removing your complete steering assembly, and removing several motor mounts. It's a 15-20 hour job yourself. I know after doing it myself. No fun.