I currently own an r56 Mini Cooper S (April 07 build) with 5500 miles on the clock. A couple of months ago whilst pulling out of a parking space (it was on a slope) i noticed a really strange noise - (chewbacca type noise/ship's horn). I had put the car in first gear, set the revs at about 1500, brought the clutch up to biting point and released the handbrake - as i began to pull off i heard the noise. I couldn't replicate it again that day.
It has happened on at least two other occasions over the last few months. It only happens when the car has been idle (for at least 6 hours or overnight). It only happens pulling off in first and it is very infrequent. I cannot replicate it (never know when it will happen). It seems to happen when i am turning out of a parking space. There are no other issues with the clutch - gear change is fine and no other noises. On a different note I have had that 'Diesel clattering noise' on start up a few times that others have mentioned on here but on the occasions it has happened it goes after a couple of minutes driving.
I contacted my dealer and a technician took it out today with me. No surprise - the noise could not be recreated. The technician said this was a known problem by BMW and required a modified clutch kit which would be covered under warranty. He also said that the clutch appeared to working perfectly fine. When we returned to the dealership he put it on a ramp to have a look whilst i waited. On return he told me it was a known problem on the previous model (r53
MCS i think) and they would have to hear the noise before they could contact BMW. They are keeping it overnight next week to hear it in the morning whilst cold (I still doubt they will hear it). I asked him if i am damaging the car by continuing to drive it and he said no.
My question is has anyone else had this problem on an r56
MCS and what has happened? Will it be covered under warranty? Is my clutch failing? I have only done 5500 miles - I don't use it on tracks, ride the clutch or abuse the car. This seems unacceptable mileage for a clutch to fail.
Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated?
