I dealt with this question in another string. Now that I have a better idea of what is going on, I thought I'd approach it a different way.

I tried the following quite by accident:
Stop your car, put it in third, rev the engine, and pop the clutch while continuing to hit the gas. What happens?

For me, the car starts to move slowly, the revs stay up, and the car finally seems to engage. Is this a sign the clutch is going?

In first gear, with the ASC off, I can spin the tires just fine in first gear, and I can even get a little chirp with the ASC on before it takes over. The car feels fine.

Is my clutch going or not? I've been told it is not a warranty item, even though I have 45,000 miles. Replacement is about $1400. Is this something I need to do?

Thanks.

 

It sounds like your clutch is going.

A better test to see if your clutch is indeed slipping - in 4th or 5th gear, going at about 3000rpm, stomp on the throttle. If the revs rise before the car starts to accelerate, your clutch is gone.

Yes you want to replace it before your car needs to be towed.

 

I will try that. I think I will pass, but will see. My "test" was a mistake, not a real test.

 

I was gonna say!....why the hell would you do that..... If you can dump it in 1st and spin em and catch 2nd with a chrip ur clutch seems fine to me.

 

I passed the 4th gear test. Not sure I can get a chirp in second, but then again I have never tried to do that.

Today I found a wide open entrance ramp, and let's just say I shifted at more than one redline without incident. I am beginning to think I may be OK. The heat is affecting performance, but that is nothing new...

 

Heat as in your IC?

 

No, heat as in normal DC weather betwixt April and October. These cars just run better when the weather is better.

My temp gauge is pretty much where it has always been.

 

Hi

I have seen several different price quotes for a new clutch from a mini dealer. Is it up to the dealer as to what to charge, or does mini HQ set the price?
also, does anyone have an absolute number for the cost?

i'm just curious. It is my first clutch, and while it could last 100k miles, i have no idea if it will or not, and i am wondering what it will cost if it doesn't.

thanks!

 

It is not set by MINI HQ. I would not be surprised to get three different answers from three different people at the same dealership.