I dropped my '04 MCS (manual, 29K) off at Mini of Sterling yesterday for a regular Inspection. I had the "clicking" sound at idle and while in motion that many others have noticed (I assumed it was the purge valve or whatever the heck its called).

I just came back into my office and got a message that they were replacing the flywheel. I assume it is related to that issue. I have not yet been able to speak to my advisor.

However, he did state that for $200 and change they could put in a new clutch while they have everything out. I have to let them know by tomorrow AM.

Thoughts? I figure it's cheap (well, maybe not "cheap" per se) insurance, but I'd appreciate your collective thoughts. Car is stock except for an intake, maybe I'll go pulley sometime but no major HP mods. Driven 70 miles a day, much of it stuck in D.C. traffic.

Thanks,

Dave
'04 MCS

 

29K isn't alot, but I'd jump at it. I'd also ask abot the throw out bearing or the equiv, in other cars I've had that was also a good thing to do at the same time.

 

I'm also wondering if I should insist on a new clutch on their dime...this seems to me a "new wine in old skins" issue.

 

That's interesting because my last visit and complaint about the same noise issue they said it's the purge valve . I don't believe they have that right.
If it were mine I would have to go for the clutch, pressure plate and throwout bearing.

 

What month is your car? I'll dig up the TSB, this sounds like ti should be done and paid for by BMW.

 

I have no idea, all the paperwork is kept with the car

 

Here is the Cooper 5-Speed TSB

And the MCS version

And link to previous case

Hope this helps let us know how it turns out I have the noise but an 05 so no TSB ans I need to know if its worth it to bring it up for my next service.

 

You can get it off of your driver side door pillar where the stickers are.

 

The CAR is at the dealer

As I recall this sound was present in gear, in neutral, and while driving, but it didn't sound or "feel" like a transmission noise.

I played phone tag all afternoon with my SA and still don't know WTF is going on

 

hmm that service note said up to build date 08/04. which covers any model that is considered and 04.. after aug.. all sept build and later are considered 05 models. Just some food for thought

 

WHAT $200!! i had that same problem and they replaced my clutch for free, and that was with less then 5,000 miles on it, they said that due to the out of whack flywheel there may be increased wear to the clutch, which makes sense, i would insist on getting it done for free seeing that it may have worn the clutch more then normal and could poop out right when you get out of warranty. $200 is a good price for a clutch though.

 

you can tell if it is the flywheel if the sound goes away when you depress the clutch.

 

true but they were just wondering if his car was covered. Since they werent sure of the Build date

 

How do we get a list of all of the TSB's associated with the car. It kindof burns me up that they have a slew of KNOWN issues and will not fix them unless the customer complains about it. What else should I know about?

 

It seems to me that you are getting the labor for free. At this time, the dealership believes that your clutch hasn't eighty-sixed itself, but if you can score a new one for the price of the parts alone (basically) you should go for it.

 

http://www.alldata.com/tsb/

I got this from another thread a long while back, I check it periodcially also some of these issues are recurring enough just hanging out on NAM enough you see patterns develop.

DME- have any updates?

 

Sorry, I should have updated this a couple days ago.

I coughed up for the clutch (which is much lighter...), got the car back, and have put about 300 miles on it since then. The noise is GONE.

I was doubtful, but they were right. I have been pushing it to see if I could get it to come back and I just can't. So it WAS the flywheel!

They also must have had a monkey with neurological disorders spray silicone or something on my tires (and wheels...and plastic...and paint) but that will wash off