This is a cry for help, and I need info ASAP...

My MINI is in the shop at Crevier today because I was having the classic transmission issue where it rattles when cold with the clutch disengaged. As expected they found that the flywheel needs replacement (per the expected TSB lookup). They are replacing the flywheel today under warranty.

Now here's my problem: Kyle (my service guy) recommended that I also have them install a new clutch kit at this time. Since the clutch (aka: pressure plate, throwout bearing, etc) is a "wearable" item, it is NOT covered under warranty unless it is defective, and therefore to replace it would cost me $280 with no labor cost since they already have the tranny out. My car only has about 16K miles on it and I don't slip the clutch so I don't think mine would have any heavy wear on it. However (and here's my problem) he mentioned that if/when I do it later on, the cost would then be $280 + 12 Hrs of labor @ $125/hr. That's about $1780!!!!!

My questions:

1. Does this sound right? 12 hrs of labor to replace a clutch?

2. How long should a clutch last, based on the fact that I don't drive it too hard? 20K, 30K, 40K miles?

3. Based on everything above, should I go ahead and have him put in the kit for $280 and consider it cheap insurance against a bigger bill in the near future?

Please get back to me on this ASAP, I need to let them know by about 1pm today. Thanks!!!!!

Rich.

 

For what it's worth. I had this same thign done to my '06 MCS. But, I had the service done over @ SouthBay MINI. The SA over there basically told me the same thing, although he did a swap on the clutch as a warranty item. He said he coudl say that the flywheel messed up the clutch. See if possibly that coudl work for you.

-Jason

 

Thanks for the reply Jason. I went ahead and tried to convince the guys at crevier that, logically, any undue wear on the clutch was probably from the defective flywheel. They said there was actually only normal wear on the clutch, and that the problem with the flywheel would not effect it's interface with the clutch plate, and therefore the clutch kit work couldn't be covered under warranty.

Essentially I went ahead and decided to pay the $280 for the kit. At least I'm only paying for parts, and the next time my clutch needs replacing my car will be out of warranty, so I'll end up getting a better after-market performance clutch (and probably a flywheel too) at that time.

Thanks again!

Rich.

 

Glad I could be a some help. Hope everything works out with your MINI.