As the title says, my 2010 Clubman S is approaching the end of its 36,000 mile warranty. There are three problems I'm hoping to get fixed under the warranty before I lose the coverage. Just wondering in anyone here has any advice or experience on how to approach the dealer, to maximize my chances of actually getting them to do the work, as opposed to trying to blow me off.

Problem 1: My clutch is making a whining sound as I let it out. Clutch works fine, doesn't slip at all, just makes the noise. It seems to me like it must be something like the "wookie" problem I've read about in the forum and elsewhere on the web. Thing is though, everything I've read about the wookie problem says it's something that happens when the car is cold. My problem happens when the car is warm. If I'm in any kind of stop and go traffic, using the clutch a lot, it seems the clutch heats up a bit and the noise starts. Is this a version of the wookie problem? Has there been a service bulletin on this, and should it be covered under the warranty?

Problem 2: I've recently noticed a noise when I depress the clutch, kind of a ticking, like a chain turning a gear or sprocket. Doesn't seem related to the wookie noise, but is this a potential problem I should also have them look at?

Problem 3: The car idles a bit rough in general, and often during acceleration I can feel it miss a beat. Last time I had it serviced, the SA said they "don't do tune-ups". But isn't that something that should be fixed under warranty, though, if the car needs it?

And one more question: what's the consensus regarding buying an extended warranty from Mini? Is it worth it, or a rip-off? Is it better just to take my care to a good independent shop? (There are two in my area.)

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

I wish I could help you, but I don't know too much about the clutch issues. I have a '10 MCS and ran out of warrant. Went in for the 36K service, mind you I went in at 36,060, and they said "Mini is really strict on their warranties and we can't give you your oil change and inspection for free since you went over your 36K warranty". Pretty pissed off that they'd pull that **** on me.

Either way, I think you're best going to an independent shop. My friend has a shop, LTBMW, if you need anything, absolutely anything, you should look him up.

 

The maintenance plan is 36k miles but the bumper to bumper warranty is still 4yr 50k miles.

 

Thanks for the responses. So I better make sure I'm in for my last maintenance visit before the speedo ticks over past 36k. No problem.

I'm so freakin' relieved that I misunderstood the warranty, and that it's only the maintenance part that is ending. It's great to know I'm still protected against major problems for another 14,000 miles!

I still need to have the clutch fixed, but now it's not such time-sensitive priority. Does anyone have any comments on just what is wrong with my "wookie" clutch?

 

Someone please correct me if I am wrong.
It's my understanding that the clutch is considered a wear item, like brakes, and it is covered under the maintenance warranty. If the clutch is defective, then it would fall under the regular warranty. Proving the clutch defective could be difficult. I would suggest getting it in before you hit 36K while you still are under the maintenance warranty.

My MINI is at 35K miles and we have decided to get both extended warranties. I want to keep the car for a long time and am not inclined to work on it myself. So, for me, it's a matter of peace of mind, even if I don't get my $$$ worth in the end. It's just a personal decision.

 

The clutch is a wear item and may or may not be covered at any mileage. It is going to depend on the actual condition of the clutch when inspected and whether or not there is a mechanical reason for its failure.

 

Prob 1 and 2: Pretty common issue, I had the same thing on my '10 MCS at about 8k. They replaced the clutch and flywheel, under warranty for unpleasant noises no problem. Should fix the sprocket noise too.

Prob 3: I'm sure you've heard it a million times, but 90% of the time is fuel quality issues, which can make it run rough in general and eventually crack your spark plugs or clog your valves and set your SES light. Could also be your high pressure fuel pump, another common issue, (if the car takes more then once to fire when starting it could be that going out).

coming from a BMW Warranty coder and former tech

 

I went in for a scheduled oil change in March and the SA tried to sell me an extended warranty as he said my warranty would be ending soon. Then a month ago I got a card from MINIUSA telling me that my warranty has expired, but I could by an extended warranty. No mention of the maintence plan. Are they just ripping me off one year of coverage? I have less than 25K miles.

 

Someone please fill in the blanks in my understanding of the warranties...

If they agree to replace the clutch while my 36k maintenance plan is still in effect, I pay nothing? But if I wait until after it expires, and they replace it under the bumper-to-bumper warranty, I might have to pay something (labor)?

Thanks again all, for the info!

 

Maintenance plans are for maintenance. Replacing stuff that gets replaced on a schedule, or at least when the on-board computer tells you it should be replaced. Includes stuff like oil and filters, does not cover things like a motor that blows up.

Warranty is for stuff that breaks that should not have broken--for defective parts, or parts that were put together wrong at the factory. Like the motor explodes as you drive it off the dealer's lot, or the car refuses to start because the fuel pump is borked.

Clutches, and a number of other components, are in a gray area somewhere between the two--or may not be covered under either one! If the clutch does not fail because of a defect, the warranty probably will not apply. If they consider the clutch not to be a maintenance item, the maintenance agreement won't cover it.

So you may be SOL with the clutch... But if it really is a defect in the clutch, the warranty should cover it.

 

I am grappling with the difference in warranties as well.
Part of the problem is terminology.
Again, someone please correct me if I have this wrong.

Like Slave to Felines said, the maintenance plan covers maintenance items like oil changes, fluids, and even windshield wipers. It also covers brakes.
If it wasn't called a "warranty" it might not be so confusing.
As I understand it -
A worn out clutch is a grey area, some dealers might honor replacing it under the maintenance warranty if they consider it normal wear and tear. Others might refuse to replace a clutch, even if the car is under the maintenance warranty or plan, saying it failed due to owner misuse.

Under the regular, bumper to bumper warranty, 4 years/50K miles, the clutch could be replaced if it was determined to be defective and the defect caused the clutch to fail. That is a pretty high burden of proof for a clutch.

Thanks for bearing with me as I am trying to understand this issue myself.
This is only my opinion as I understand it now.

It seems to me that the dealer is key and that MINI USA will consider "good will" claims if the dealer goes to bat for the owner.
There seems to be a vast difference in dealers and the service that they offer.
I don't know if the OP and ra2fanatic use the same dealer, but both have reported a disappointing, in my opinion, experience. Sometimes just going to a different dealer can make a huge difference in the service you receive.
My dealer is excellent, but I have to travel 160 miles to get there.

This thread may be the most valuable on the forum:
Gen 2 Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) Database

I don't know if there is anything there that may help you.

This and others forums are very helpful to me in learning about all aspects of owning a MINI. Good luck with the clutch and thanks for bearing with me as I try to get a handle on these issues as well.
I have a 2009 (N14 S engine) Clubman, 6 Speed, with 35K miles.

 

Thanks everyone for your replies. I'm going to start another thread about the "wookie" clutch, see if I can get some more info. And I'm going to look through the TSB database for info, too.

 

I confirm that a clutch is considered a wear item. Mini will not replace under warranty. I know from personal experience.

 

As explained, if they cover the clutch it will be covered under the 36k maintenance warranty. Bumper to bumper items will still be covered to 50k. Most folks have had mixed results with clutches under the maintenance plan covering premature clutch wear. I know my dealership will do it if they can get it covered, it is a wearable item.