When i engage my clutch to take of from a light or whatever i get a grinding noise throughout the first half of engagement. it also happens in reverse and if i would start in 2nd. all other shifting is spot on and there is no clutch slip

someone please tell me it is a $5 repair

Thanks for the in site Matt

When i engage my clutch to take of from a light or whatever i get a grinding noise throughout the first half of engagement. it also happens in reverse and if i would start in 2nd. all other shifting is spot on and there is no clutch slip

someone please tell me it is a $5 repair

Thanks for the in site Matt

Well, I can't hear the noise, but my first guess would be input shaft bearing. Definitely not a $5 repair. Depending on how many miles are on the car, at the same time they do the input shaft (if that's indeed the problem), you may as well have them change out the clutch and flywheel.

I don't want to induce panic but IF this is the problem (and I stress IF), you're looking at $1000 minimum. Clutch kit and flywheel are another $1000 in parts. Input shaft is also expensive. I'd estimate between $2500 to $3000 total for labour, input shaft, clutch and flywheel.

However, before you panic, get it to a garage for an opinion and estimate.

I am the garage i would be doing all the work. so will save in that aspect.

it just hit the 50,000 mark in miles.

ok so i know it is going to be expensive but is there any stupid little thing that could be the problem that i could try and rule out

Is it an early Mini with Midland gearbox?
More:
Early MINI Rover Midland Gearbox - Forums (http://forum.minicooper.org/showthread.php?t=9643)

Is it an early Mini with Midland gearbox?
More:
Early MINI Rover Midland Gearbox - Forums (http://forum.minicooper.org/showthread.php?t=9643)

it is an 06 r53 so i am not sure it that is considered "early"

Are you a professional mechanic? Input shaft bearing/clutch/flywheel is a pretty challenging job for a DIY....

Not sure what else it could be - noisy transmissions are always bad news.

I am the garage i would be doing all the work. so will save in that aspect.

it just hit the 50,000 mark in miles.

ok so i know it is going to be expensive but is there any stupid little thing that could be the problem that i could try and rule out

it is an 06 r53 so i am not sure it that is considered "early"

The R53 Cooper S have always had the 6-speed Getrag gearbox fitted as standard from day one, which is usually pretty bullet proof.

Could it be the dual mass flywheel perhaps?........they have caused a few problems on the MCS.

well what do you guys suggest i do. is there a way i could specify the problem without opening everything up then ordering what is wrong. i have a 3rd vehicle but i would rather not let the spouse drive the porsche

i am a mechanic but for a trucking company. but do all my on work. hell how hard could it be haha

I had my DMF go on me. Certainly wasn't a grinding noise when engaging gears. It was more of a rhythmic rattle/knocking. Grinding suggests something isn't engaging properly, since it occurs when shifting, I'm guessing input shaft bearing.

My advice would be to get in there and look at the input shaft. Might as well inspect clutch and flywheel at the same time. Based on that, figure out what parts you need. Sine it will all be open anyways, I'd do the clutch and flywheel at the same time.

Accessing the clutch on the Mini is a bit involved as I understand it. You have to disassemble most of the front of the car, turbo connections (on the S) and then drop the subframe. I think you also have to dismount and support the engine in order to drop the tranny. I think when the subframe comes off you also have to take out the power steering assembly.

I would advise getting ahold of a service manual so you know in which order to proceed and so you know the torque specifications when you start to put it back together.