Help.
At about 8k into driving a new 2012 MCS, the clutch would intermittently make a grinding noise on the uptake.
I’ve about 10.5k on the car now, and it needs a new clutch.

What?

Dealership quoted me a $3,000 fix. $2k labor, $1k parts.

There’s so much wrong here I don’t know where to begin.
So I’m here.

Ask/flame away.

 

I agree there is something very wrong.
i guess you can kill a clutch is 10 K but you would almost have to have that as your goal.
Ask the dealer how the clutch went in 10k. More likely it had a problem from the factory.

 

You might want to move this to the 2nd Gen mini forum. You'll probably get better responses for your 2012. That being said, 10K is ridiculous miles to get from a clutch. I would definitely be looking into a warranty replacement. Maybe call MINI USA if the dealership won't work with you.

 

Thanks for your feedback, y'all. Reposting in 2nd gen forum.

 

Yep, try to work with the dealer and if they don't want to then hit up MINIUSA. I wouldn't settle for anything less than a warranty repair.

 

Search these forums for clutch issues, you'll find you are absolutely not alone and early failure of the clutches on these cars is ubiquitous. It happened to me at low mileage as well.

At your mileage, accept nothing less than repair under warranty. Offer to show them your driving technique if you have to.

This thread may be of interest:
http://www.mini2.com/forum/second-ge...h-mileage.html

 

My clutch went out at 47K on my 2008. I think you may have the record for most short-lived clutch.

 

First gear, for me, is engaging waaaaay softer than stock. The whole shifting affair feels markedly crummier than when I got it new.

I'm at 23,400ish. Do I win?

Edit: didn't read all of OP's post. I lose.

Edit: I am OP. I'm rackin up the losses here.
... that just happened.

 

Wait...wut?

 

You should not be paying for the clutch unless the dealership can prove your at fault and honesty its nearly impossible to determine with a clutch cause its usually a rats nest when it comes in. Clutches are covered under the maintenance plan. In some instances i've seen where customers will have to pay for the flywheel. But the clutch, labor and usually the flywheel if needed and it usually is will be covered. Call Mini USA

 

OP, are you still on the original clutch or has the replacement gone out again? If this is second clutch, I'd have to think you are causing early failure.

 

Original clutch still. Heh.

 

Yeah they wont keep paying for clutches but the first one should be covered unless negligence can be proven.

 

They would replace it, I'm sure, if they believed there was anything wrong.
Nope. All "spec" here.

 

Haha they quoted a new clutch was needed so I took that as they diagnosed it already. Which brings me too why clutches are tricky. There is no inspection possible on a mini outside of removing the transmission. Therefore isn't it already being said its the customers fault even though the trans hasn't been removed to actually diagnose the issue. True it could be on the customer but it could also be a dozen other things. Seems to me the best way to address the issue is sit down with the customer and explain that the trans will need to be removed to diag the issue. If we find that it cant be covered under warranty due to "xxxxx" then it will cost "XXXX" for the removal and "XXXX" for the new clutch kit. But until the trans comes out any diagnosis is a guess.

 

Sounds all too familiar. Dealer claiming driver abuse. Is very likely defective, but will be hard to argue otherwise solely based on the evidence itself. So the dealer sticks you with the bill hoping you'll bite.

Whatever happened to good will? In any case, no freakin' way. I hope you fight this, all the way to the GM of the dealership and MINI USA as well.

 

Alright, I have to ask: Did you put the clutch in before you hit the cows?

 

It's not so much that they say it's my fault. They say there is nothing wrong. At all.

See my other thread, here.

 

Something just does not seem to add up here....dead clutch at 8k miles? I don't think there is a car company in the world that would not cover that under warranty unless there is obvious obvious abuse or excessive track time.

C'mon now... a dealer saying the customer has to cover a clutch....at 8k miles..???

Replacement clutches are covered under the 3/36k service contract with the car AND the extended service contract to 6/100k-it's stated right on the Mini web site, unless abuse can be proven....

 

That's just it with clutches its equally hard to prove its abuse. And there's is no need for good will. Its a covered part.

 

Dude. This car can't handle hitting cows anything like my old 4Runner.

... That being said, it does fit my drum set.

 

OK, I see what you did there. That clutch sound doesn't sound normal. Keep documenting with the dealer, I guess. Crummy, though.

 

Will do. Thanks.
Have you heard it? Sounds like this: http://goo.gl/MQmWZ

(first half is original clip; second half is the same clip with edited audio to highlight the sound)

 

^^Yeah, I heard it both times. After hearing it a third time it does sound like the "chewbacca" sound people complain about (that's the search term). While you don't hear of any clutch failures as a result of the noise its good to document anyway.

 

Totally. Thanks man!