I have a 2011 MCS, and it shutters most times I go to start from a stop. It is nearly impossible to start from a stop smoothly. I have been driving a manual for 35 years and I know how to use a clutch. I didn't notice the shutter until I purchased a 2013 Mazda 3 with a 6 speed, and it is very smooth compared by my MINI. Is this normal? Could the clutch be glazed? I don't have any problems with slipage, so I don't think the clutch is "wore out".

Any thoughts?

 

I recently learned something about the clutches on our cars. The "engagement" point is about an inch or two from the point you can push the clutch to the floor. There are products out there to fix this, but I didn't realize how smoothly my shifting could be until I realized the engagement point was further up than I expected.

 

do you have the sport mode on? I had similar issues when the sport mode was off.

 

The clutch doesn't engage smoothly no matter what mode it is in. Wonder if it could be a worn motor mount. The car has 53,000 miles on it.

 

I just had my timing chain assembly replaced under warranty. There was a shutter that I was previously told was normal and I compensatated. Stop to start in 1st is now much smoother. I wouldn't assume this is your issue, but I was surprised that it made a difference in my car. Maybe take it to the dealer and have them drive it?

 

Could be the carbon build up issue as well.

 

mini clutches aren't sprung, the clutch disk is solid, there can be shudder and harsh engagements due to this, the dual mass flywheel bmw uses helps reduce this, lightweight flywheels make it damn rough. it's the nature of the tranny and clutch material, you really need to feather it to actually get a smooth ride in these things

 

Has anyone had trouble with carbon build up with the N18 engine? My understanding is that the addressed this issue on 2011 models. Ian, how many miles on your car when they replaced the timing chain?

 

Could be a worn clutch. They seem to start shuddering well before they're fully worn out. Have you had the car since new? Have you installed a lower motor mount bushing/insert? It's a common mod and can add vibrations when taking off from start.

 

73k

 

Yes. My 2011 was having troubles with cold starts and power loss. A walnut blasting has cured all of that. It was pretty bad.

 

I purchased the car with 29K miles on it. It is certified, and even has the maintenance plan extended for the same term, up to 100K miles. I guess I need to take the car in and let them drive it, and hope I don't get the "that is normal" response. The car currently has 53K miles on it.