Clutch problems anyone? Help needed!!

[Lola83]

Hi guys!

Im new to this forum so sorry if this is posted in the wrong place!!

Bit of an odd request but Im trying to find out if any other people have experienced clutch problems with their Mini's at low age/mileage? ie needing to have the clutch replaced?

If so I'd be interested in hearing from you as I need some input, many thanks!!

Im considering taking legal action against Mini hence the need to hear from other people who may have experienced this too, thanks

[Paul]

Really this should go into the faults and fixes forum, but I cannot move it as I do now know what type of MINI you have. What age is it, what model? There are plenty of "clutch related" stories in faults and fixes, the best way to get the answers you're after would be to search (http://www.mini2.com/forum/search.php) the faults and fixes forum for clutch* and see what comes back to you.

[James]

My clutch went at 6000 miles..mini said it was probably my fault but couldn't explain why so they ended up paying for it as a goodwill gesture

[Lola83]

My clutch went at 25,000 miles, and its just come out of its warranty period. Had to have a new one fitted and also a flywheel, cost me £1300 in total And they also refused to give me a courtesy car so I had to pay an extra £100 to hire a car whilst they were doing it

I cant really go into detail regarding the exact situation as its quite a distinctive case and I guess Im worried that if anyone whoever works for that particular dealership read this forum then they would recognise me instantly

Basically they are saying that I have damaged the clutch myself which is complete crap. At first they said they might be able to do it as goodwill due to low mileage then changed their minds

Never before have I had any problems like this with any other car. Ive written to head office who basically said it wasnt their problem and passed the buck onto the dealership. As yet they havent got back to me regarding my letter, so Im going back to Trading Standards again.

Im having the parts tested at the moment to disprove how the dealership has said they have been damaged (again cant go into detail), but Mini have so far ignored my request for a copy of the technicians report on the 'damage'

So far Im less than pleased with their service and have shelved my plans to buy a new Cooper this sep.

[James]

Thats basicallys the exact same situation i was in and i don't think they would have paid for the clutch had they not made a mistake and nearly cut my wheels off ( they claimed the wheel nut key i had did not fit my wheels which was not true). If you persevere you may get a goodwill gesture or at least a part goodwill gesture

Edit:
The way dealers apply for a goodwill gesture is an automated line which does not take into account the cars age apparently!

[MINI-LOVER]

Quote: Originally Posted by Crammy (original)

My clutch went at 6000 miles..mini said it was probably my fault but couldn't explain why so they ended up paying for it as a goodwill gesture

Same here, but about 6,500 km when it happened. After complaining to Mini international through the web for many other issues as well as the clutch, got a call from BMW corporate offices trying to solve my problems and they ended up doing it as a courtesy... Much to the service manager's dismay...

Good luck...

Quote: Originally Posted by Lola83 (original)

So far Im less than pleased with their service and have shelved my plans to buy a new Cooper this sep.

BTW, I too am less with pleased with the service they are giving me. I hate having to say this, but they treated me better when I owned a dodge. It's sad that BMW, being a top end brand, isn't doing a better job than the rest of them...

[DaFlake]

First, if you are out of warranty, why are you taking it to a dealer? The cost of that alone would lighten your pockets!

Second, your are in for an uphill battle as the clutch is a wear and tear item and BMW can and will simply blame your driving skills. This is a long and common battle. I have no doubt that the clutch is not the best in a MINI and does have "issues" but taking them to court will only lighten your wallet even more.

Good luck!

[Lola83]

Quote: Originally Posted by DaFlake (original)

First, if you are out of warranty, why are you taking it to a dealer? The cost of that alone would lighten your pockets!

Second, your are in for an uphill battle as the clutch is a wear and tear item and BMW can and will simply blame your driving skills. This is a long and common battle. I have no doubt that the clutch is not the best in a MINI and does have "issues" but taking them to court will only lighten your wallet even more.

Good luck!

The reason I took it to the dealer was because when I first telephoned them, they said they would try and do it as goodwill, but obviously when I found out they wouldnt I wish Id gone elsewhere but it was too late by then Also the car wasnt driveable (I actually broke down!) so my recovery company had already taken the car there and werent able to remove it

Im just disgusted that having seen so many people who have had the same problem (ie clutch going at low mileage) that Mini still dont seem to care and are still quite happy to blame the car owner when in fact theyve done nothing wrong!!

Sorry but a clutch that goes at only 25,000 miles (or less) is obviously not fit for purpose

[DaFlake]

I can definitley see why you are upset. I have never heard of water damage either. Please keep us posted on your findings. Good luck with your plight.

[Caz]

Hello I haven't posted on here for some time and have been totally happy with my 05 MCS. The car has done just under 11,000 trouble free miles UNTIL this weekend when clutch problems developed (in the Lions Enclosure at Longeat!). I managed to limp back to the hotel in second gear and phoned Mini Emergency Services (TLC). The car is now back at the dealers in Southampton who are due to look at it today. However they pre-warned me on the phone yesterday that if it has been caused by driver error then my TLC warranty will not be valid. I do not slip the clutch as they were implying and have owned and driven many different cars without a clutch going. I am NOT prepared to accept liability for this. Watch this space.....Caz

[Lola83]

Quote: Originally Posted by Caz (original)

Hello I haven't posted on here for some time and have been totally happy with my 05 MCS. The car has done just under 11,000 trouble free miles UNTIL this weekend when clutch problems developed (in the Lions Enclosure at Longeat!). I managed to limp back to the hotel in second gear and phoned Mini Emergency Services (TLC). The car is now back at the dealers in Southampton who are due to look at it today. However they pre-warned me on the phone yesterday that if it has been caused by driver error then my TLC warranty will not be valid. I do not slip the clutch as they were implying and have owned and driven many different cars without a clutch going. I am NOT prepared to accept liability for this. Watch this space.....Caz

I sympathise, I hope you manage to get Mini to accept liability. 11k miles is nothing!!

Im still to hear anything from the dealership about my complaint, they are being really uncooperative at the moment I hope you have better luck!

Im just disgusted really, had I known that their customer services was so abysmal I wouldnt have bought the car to begin with

Oh, another thing but when I got the car back it was filthy (they hadnt bothered cleaning it as they normally do) and it had an extra 30 miles on the clock. Considering it had been sat there for 4 days as 'undriveable' Im not quite sure how they could have managed that!!!

[Caz]

Quote: Originally Posted by Lola83 (original)

I sympathise, I hope you manage to get Mini to accept liability. 11k miles is nothing!!

Im still to hear anything from the dealership about my complaint, they are being really uncooperative at the moment I hope you have better luck!

Im just disgusted really, had I known that their customer services was so abysmal I wouldnt have bought the car to begin with

Oh, another thing but when I got the car back it was filthy (they hadnt bothered cleaning it as they normally do) and it had an extra 30 miles on the clock. Considering it had been sat there for 4 days as 'undriveable' Im not quite sure how they could have managed that!!!

Well they've come back saying it is a clutch slave cylinder seal failure. After scouring this forum I had already written that down as my own diagnosis. Seems to be a common fault but I would have thought this shouldn't happen on such a low mileage car Best of luck with your case Lola. Let us know the outcome. Caz

[cristo]

Quote: Originally Posted by Caz (original)

Well they've come back saying it is a clutch slave cylinder seal failure. After scouring this forum I had already written that down as my own diagnosis. Seems to be a common fault but I would have thought this shouldn't happen on such a low mileage car Best of luck with your case Lola. Let us know the outcome. Caz

What kind of driver error would cause a clutch slave cylinder seal failure?

[Richard Crofts]

Heard of lots going at under 30k

I had my midland box and clutch done at 15k ...but they did under warrantee as it was only 18 months old

[Caz]

Quote: Originally Posted by cristo (original)

What kind of driver error would cause a clutch slave cylinder seal failure?

I think they must have known what the problem was as soon as I explained the symptoms (especially two puddles of hydraulic fluid on the car park underneath the car). I think they were just trying to scare me - female driver etc. Don't they know some women are advanced drivers and know better than to rest on the clutch all the time. Anyway it should now go through on warranty - still not fixed though as they say they are waiting for a part Caz