my R56 2010 cooper D has what feels like a slipping clutch but only in first gear from 3000rpm onwards. But it only happens in first gear. I have tried all the usual slipping clutch techniques eg. Taking off in a high gear and hard acceleration in a high gear at low RPM. To no effect, the problem is literal bang on 3000 rpm onwards. The car has had a software update a few months ago.

I was wondering is this a gearbox problem or maybe a fuelling or boost loss problem. It almost feels like a total loss of power but only in first passed 3000 but it still revs up but goes no where.


Help welcome. It's only done 12000 miles and not hard on the clutch as it was a moterway car for its first 6 months and the last year it's been a commuting car on A roads. At only 16 miles a day.

Update, went for a clutch test drive. The problem ha gone 1st gear now once again goes up to 27 mph Apose to stopping at 20 mph. Still odd. Could it have been A computer glitch with the fuelling or somthing allowing the engine to rev in gear but no power to the wheels? My tyres do only have about 3000 mile left in them.

Silly question but is The LCi dooper with the BMW engine got an electronic diff or somthing stupid?

Are you the first and only owner? Did this develop immediately after the software update or was it always there?

What do you mean by "slipping clutch". Do you mean that you hit 3000rpms and then the rpms suddenly surge but you get no power/acceleration?

Or do you mean that after 3000 rpms the acceleration is flat and only in first gear?

Might be related to the turbocharger, but that depends on what's going on in the higher gears. Are you getting full boost in 2-6th?

The BMW D engines develop their peak torque between 1750-2250rpms. It's normal that you don't get additional power after 3000rpm. I get the same effect on a 2009 PSA Dooper. Gets flat in the high rev range.

When was the last time you had the air filter changed?

Just put my 2010 Mini Cooper S 50 Anniversery model in the shop due to the clutch slipping in first gear. I have a US Spec purchased in Europe. Great dealership where I have taken my car for all of the mini service dates. My warranty European two year ran out in February. They had to replace a clutch cable. This time I get a call that my clutch is bad due to riding the clutch(driver issue) and that they will not cover it under any warranty. It is under 32000 Kilometers. I have driven a manual for years with no clutch failure. They showed me where the clutch plate was being worn down and all the residue in the transmission. Come on Mini, 32000 and the clutch going out, what gives. Will cost me 1500 Euros to get out of the shop. Should I write Mini directly for resolution. Terrell

Sorry to hear about your troubles. Clutch changes on the Mini are indeed expensive - they have to disassemble the entire front of the car.

I went through a similar experience. To make a long story short, I wrote a lengthy letter to BMW/Mini which solicited a phone call from Mini Munich. I spoke directly with Mini corporate and Mini won't goodwill a clutch replacement as they consider it strictly a wear item under their warranty policy. The best you can hope for is a reimbursement for a flywheel replacement, but even then it's difficult to convince them it's not due to how it's been driven. Your low mileage won't be a factor in their decision to goodwill it.

Best advice I can give you is to take the hit to your wallet, break in the new clutch like it was made of glass and keep your foot off that clutch pedal at all costs, including when sitting waiting for a stop light. With these cars, the faster you get your foot off the third pedal, the longer it'll last.


Just put my 2010 Mini Cooper S 50 Anniversery model in the shop due to the clutch slipping in first gear. I have a US Spec purchased in Europe. Great dealership where I have taken my car for all of the mini service dates. My warranty European two year ran out in February. They had to replace a clutch cable. This time I get a call that my clutch is bad due to riding the clutch(driver issue) and that they will not cover it under any warranty. It is under 32000 Kilometers. I have driven a manual for years with no clutch failure. They showed me where the clutch plate was being worn down and all the residue in the transmission. Come on Mini, 32000 and the clutch going out, what gives. Will cost me 1500 Euros to get out of the shop. Should I write Mini directly for resolution. Terrell