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MINI Cooper Clutch & Transmission Questions

542 messages,  Last post on Mar 03, 2013 at 5:15 PM

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What is this discussion about? MINI Cooper, Transmission, Convertible, Hatchback

    
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Messages Page 41 of 55

#394 of 542 Re: PIcking NEW 2011 Coop [akb3] by cagney730

Apr 30, 2011 (3:09 pm)

Replying to: akb3 (Mar 24, 2011 8:03 pm)
I purchased a 2010 Mini Cooper S with manual transmission. The clutch burned out at 12,000 miles. Mini Corporate told me it was driver abuse and refused to replace the clutch ($3700). After going round and round with the dealership, they agreed to fix it for free. They also did the next best thing, They taught me how to drive their unique manual transmission:
 
Cooper S clutch systems are highly sensitive and designed to drive as a race car. When you shift, take your foot off the gas, engage the clutch, shift, release the clutch THEN hit the gas. Do not step on the gas pedal at all when you are releasing the clutch. The only time you step on the gas pedal when shifting is in first gear. Hit the gas and do not go above 1000 RPM as you are shifting. The reason the clutch goes out is because we have been driving the Cooper S like any other manual transmission. With the turbo engine, the flywheel heats up too much and the clutch will burn out if you apply gas as the clutch is released.
 
It is weird at first but it totally works. My dealership told me that they now will advise customers on how to drive with a Cooper S clutch. Good luck.

#395 of 542 Re: PIcking NEW 2011 Coop [cagney730] by innapin

Apr 30, 2011 (3:19 pm)

Replying to: cagney730 (Apr 30, 2011 3:09 pm)
Is this specificto the "S" not the base am i correctly understanding? thanks

#396 of 542 Re: 2005 S 37,000 miles Clutch blown [pf_flyer] by sable24

May 02, 2011 (10:02 am)

Replying to: pf_flyer (Apr 21, 2011 4:45 pm)
Well you aren't talking about the Mini! I've never had a problem with any other manual transmission car, and I've been driving a clutch for 40 years! I've never had to replace a clutch except on the Mini Cooper, and yes, 18-20k miles on a Mini clutch is about as good as it gets. Read all the other posts that have to do with this Mini problem. And I repeat -- this is specific to the Mini Cooper.

#397 of 542 2010 mini s...clutch problems by 58coopers

May 08, 2011 (6:20 am)

10,300 mi & the clutch is barely going to get me to the dealer tomorrow...I've told them 3x that I could smell clutch, esp. in 3rd gear. They say I'm abusive to the car. .......But...there's so much more. My wheels had to be replaced because the brake dust from the pads was corroding the finish.They say that was my fault because "I don't keep my wheels clean enough" & those same brake pads aren't going to last to 15k. And the tires, maybe 15k, maybe. And what about the power steering problems? I was sold on my mini, Starling, with initial quality, appearance/style, & performance. But ,sorry to say, she just doesn't have any staying power & she will not be staying at my house....They WILL fix the clutch one way or the other. They will either fix it, then I'll trade it & take my loss & say"bye-bye" or I'll park it in the the driveway til they come & get it & I'll take my loss and again say "bye-bye". I'm a 58 yr old gm & i've owned 15 new cars w/o trouble. This car is not going to eat me out of house & home with it's problems... How ridiculous that BMW would allow such poor quality!!!!Too silly/LOL

#398 of 542 Re: 2010 mini s...clutch problems [58coopers] by ordirish

May 09, 2011 (12:44 pm)

Replying to: 58coopers (May 08, 2011 6:20 am)
So here is my question to you - what will you purchase next?

#399 of 542 Re: 2010 mini s...clutch problems [58coopers] by 1minimama

May 09, 2011 (2:57 pm)

Replying to: 58coopers (May 08, 2011 6:20 am)
Here is what worked for me...take your car to the dealer...insist they call Mini USA (but insist nicely) and tell them about this forum and that you have read that there are tons of people who have clutch issues. It took them 2 days to say that they'd take care of it, so be patient. It worked for me! I have a feeling if you try you will be victorious too! They told me they'd fix it this one time only (for free). I love the car and am sticking with it!
Good Luck and let us know what happens!

#400 of 542 Re: 2005 Mini Cooper S on 3rd Clutch [mjbaughman] by mjbaughman

May 11, 2011 (12:23 pm)

Replying to: mjbaughman (Jun 10, 2009 12:54 pm)
Well, the 2005 Mini Cooper S began making clutch noises again this month, one month in front of the extended warranty they provided me with the last fix. The dealership has the car again today and the first words out of their mouth was they only see a few of these cars each year and it is driver issues. I promptly responded I have driven a clutch since I was 13 and have been an active reader of Edmonds forum. This one will be interesting, I only have 60.6K miles on the car.

#401 of 542 Re: 2005 Mini Cooper S on 3rd Clutch [mjbaughman] by CeeeeCeeee

May 11, 2011 (1:44 pm)

Replying to: mjbaughman (May 11, 2011 12:23 pm)
The transmission on my 2004 Mini (automatic/basic) went out at 60,000 miles! Must be a magic number! Today, I saw a new model Mini parked next to me. Four doors and quite roomy looking. I only drooled over it for 30 seconds and then wondered what will go wrong with it and when it would happen! Never again!

#402 of 542 Re: 2010 Mini Cooper S by pstrom

May 17, 2011 (8:10 pm)

Replying to: CeeeeCeeee (May 11, 2011 1:44 pm)
Wow cant beleave so many people with clutch issues..heres mine 6000 miles on mine and under factory warr. and the dealer.... Crevier mini in Santa Ana ca says.... cust neglagence.. you dont know how to drive a clutch, there machanic says he can see what happened just by smelling hes really good.....but if you want him to tear it down ....1500 dollars to look inside.. after 6 weeks and no help from the factory. i had to tow a brand new car that is only 3 months old. to a repair shop as i was not paying 3800 dollars for a clutch.. now i am suing for the repairs that should have been fixed under warr..

#403 of 542 Mini Clutch by 1minimama

May 18, 2011 (3:32 am)

Tell your dealer about this forum...tell them your next step will be to call Mini USA directly.
Good luck!!! Always be nice...you kill more flies with honey than with vinegar!!!! : )

Messages Page 41 of 55

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