Lately, within the past month, every time I go from a standstill to motion in first gear, I get this medium-high pitched "whhheeert" that lasts until I am fully off the clutch?
The noise isn't deafening, but it is definitely audible.

I haven't noticed this noise before. Is this something I should be worrying about and should get to the dealer ASAP?

 

ive had it from time to time and im clearing 124,000 miles ive heard it back at 35,000 and still floating the stock clutch so i geuss it cant be to bad
dont know what it is but i just thought id let you know your not alone

 

I've been having what I assume is the same thing as you for a couple thousand miles now..sometimes its not as loud, but its usually always there. I'm hoping maybe I just need to flush the transmission fluid...I'm about 53,000 miles. We shall see

 

Look for post under clutch squeal in search engine.Lots of info on your symptoms.Good luck.

 

It is most likely the flywheel. The Mini flywheel is dual mass and two pieces rotate against each other to smooth out the launch. Some dealers upon hearing the squeal know exactly what it is and replace it under warranty (assuming you are under 50,000 miles). Others claim it is the clutch and that is a wear item and want to charge $1800 for the job (it's a big job).

I had to fight with my dealer and ultimately went to a different Mini dealer who promptly replaced the flywheel under warranty. I chose to pay for a new clutch while they were in there since I had over 40,000 miles and the prospect of a $1800 clutch job down the road was not very appealing.

That said, it will not suddenly fail and will not cause your clutch to prematurely wear out. But in my case the noise was unnerving.

I have a sound clip if you have any troubles with your tech.

Rich

 

That is exactly what the problem is.
I was having the exact same squeeeling noise coming from my clutch as well.
It started about 2 months ago, and steadily became lounder and louder as time passed.
I informed mini of this when i last went in for service, they heard the noise themselves, but was unsure of what the problem was.
They contacted Mini Canada and 2 weeks later, my dealership called me back stating that they need to replace my Clutch and My flywheel.
They chagned both under warrantee, and now the noise is gone, i have a brand new clutch & flywheel, and i cant be happier!!
So i suggest you bring that in and inform them of this CLUTCH and FLYWHEEL issue!!

 

I have the same annoying noise and I had the same in my Saab. I have been told by multiple mechanics that it is not harmful (though anoying). Mine acts up in the winter.

 

I had the same problem. I only had my clutch replaced though and unfortunally am still having the squeeking. https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...382#post877382

 

I bought a used 2003 MCS and it stated having that problem shortly after I bought it. I complained to the dealer when I had an oil change but they brushed me off and said it was normal. I tried to be a little persistent and complained again, and now my mini is in the shop getting the clutch replaced. I will let you know how it is when I get it back.