- #2 of 178
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2004 MINI Cooper Clutch Problems
by gusp
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Sep 20, 2005 (9:30 pm)
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At 3000 miles I had to have my entire clutch system replaced (under warranty). In stop and go traffic on a slight incline in 1st gear the car wouldn't move. I also had and still have a horrible time getting my car in reverse. The MINI service people tell me that is just normal. Now at 12,000 miles my clutch did the same thing. On a slight incline in bumper to bumper traffic the car wouldn't move... The MINI service people drove the car for 20 miles and found no problems. I know better. Now they want me put down $2000 to open the thing up to see if its a warranty issue or the clutch needs replacing. Is this a rip off or what? I have had clutches for the past 30 years and never once had to replace any for the lifetime of the cars. I don't ride the clutch or abuse it. Is this normal? If it is a MINI isn't suited for bumper to bumper LA traffic. I called the MINI rep and I am waiting for a call back tomorrow. Paying for a new clutch is unacceptable to me. Is this to be expected from a MINI?
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- #3 of 178
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Re: 2004 MINI Cooper Clutch Problems [gusp]
by maura1
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Oct 08, 2005 (8:33 am)
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Replying to: gusp (Sep 20, 2005 9:30 pm)
Did you ever get any resolution to this problem. The EXACT same thing just happened to me and I am feeling a bit bamboozled.
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- #4 of 178
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Re: 2004 MINI Cooper Clutch Problems [gusp]
by bruin03
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Oct 15, 2005 (10:27 pm)
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Replying to: gusp (Sep 20, 2005 9:30 pm)
You are definitely not the only one. Almost two years ago I purchased a new 2004 Mini Cooper and since day one, getting the car in reverse has been a challenge. It has always hesitated in first gear and I had to have the entire computer system replaced because I was told that some of the 2004 models have "glitches". Just when I think things can't get any worse, I'm told that I have to shell out $3,000.00 for an entire new clutch system at 41,000 miles. They claimed since the pressure plates were worn down so bad and there was damage to the fly wheel, that it was considered beyond "normal wear & tear" (as determined by BMW standards) and that I was liable for the costs...even though I already paid almost $3,000.00 when I bought the darn thing for the extended warranty so that I wouldn't have to worry about paying for a burnt out clutch. I was told that driving in the hills of San Francisco and stop & go traffic were the main cause, not necessarily the driving habits of the owner (because I do not ride my clutch)...so why in the hell did I end up paying so much? My advice to anyone who has to commute through stop and go traffic or, God forbid, climb any sort of incline whatsoever: DO NOT PURCHASE A MINI! I'm getting rid of mine as soon as possible...the savings on gas goes right back into parts and labor...because NOTHING seems to be covered under warranty.
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- #5 of 178
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Re: 2004 MINI Cooper Clutch Problems [bruin03]
by minitech
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Nov 25, 2005 (7:09 pm)
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Replying to: bruin03 (Oct 15, 2005 10:27 pm)
That really stinks that has happened to you but I think thats more of a dealer situation than a warranty situation. Id be more likely to point the finger at the dealer than the vehicle.
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- #6 of 178
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2004 mini clutch problem
by drkeep
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Aug 08, 2006 (5:40 pm)
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Have a 2004 S that was bought used with about 52,000 miles on it. Bought extented warranty with the car. Now 4 months later have been told that it needs a new clutch ($2,400) Since it this is a "wear item" warranty does not cover it.
Any suggestions?
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- #7 of 178
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Re: 2004 mini clutch problem [drkeep]
by crunch
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Aug 09, 2006 (3:11 am)
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Replying to: drkeep (Aug 08, 2006 5:40 pm)
Yes, I have a suggestion. I would find someone in the area that repairs MINIs other than the dealer. While clutch replacement isn't cheap, you can get better prices. If you have a local MINI club, check with them for possible discount labor at sponsoring shops.
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- #8 of 178
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Re: 2004 mini clutch problem [crunch]
by drkeep
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Aug 10, 2006 (5:46 pm)
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Replying to: crunch (Aug 09, 2006 3:11 am)
thanks - do you think dealer from where min was bought should be responsible for new clutc?
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- #9 of 178
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Re: 2004 mini clutch problem [drkeep]
by sconant
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Aug 11, 2006 (3:37 am)
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Replying to: drkeep (Aug 08, 2006 5:40 pm)
I'll SAVE you $$$$. There is a "service bulleton on the Mini. Believe me -- I've put 3 clutched in my '02! Many-many-many other problems!!! Sell the darned thing. It WILL bankrupt you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The water pump WILL be next , then the power steering(another service bulleton) then the throttle body!!!
steve_conant yahoo.com GLAD to discuss this w/ you.
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- #10 of 178
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Re: 2004 mini clutch problem [drkeep]
by crunch
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Aug 11, 2006 (11:25 am)
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Replying to: drkeep (Aug 10, 2006 5:46 pm)
MINI should pay only if the parts are defective. The clutch is a 'wear' item and at the mercy of the drivers habits. I have an 04, spend a lot of time on the track and have had no clutch problems yet. When I do have a problem, I expect to pay for the repairs.
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