I HAVE A R56 MCS manufacture date 07/2007 10,800 miles on the clock
Reg Number: LA07 JTV
Sent my mini in to Steven James in enfield to sort out my clutch that screeches when taking off, and slipping in second and third gear, they called me up on the 14/01/10 to tell me that the clutch is slipping and is not covered under warranty and to do the work needed will be £1800
BMW Steven James just phoned me 4 hours ago to say that a regional manager has just inspected the clutch and flywheel and they said that they will not cover it under warranty.
Can some one please confirm to me that that my car is fitted with a Valeo flywheel as it may help my case providing them with T.S.B no. CL007/08
As to now my car is still in the service centre with the clutch and flywheel on the floor and do not wont to proceed in the wrong manner.
In your case you should have a Valeo Clutch assembly (pressure plate and driven plate) and should have a sachs (GAI stamp marking) DMF, the Valeo TSB was posted as a guide only reference to indicate tolerance failure measurement limits.
If you send me a PM I maybe able to offer assistance!
Performance Powered By Thought. Engineered Horsepower.
Took my Clubman in for 'rough' gear change at 11000 miles. Malton Mini blamed the clutch and said it 'might' be under warranty dependant on the condition of the clutch once removed.
Clutch was covered under warranty 'this time' as it showed no signs of 'blueing' or abuse. They also replaced the flywheel as it showed signs of surface cracking.
Despite changing the clutch and flywheel my clubman still had a rough gear change so now they've changed the gear selector mechanism. Still has a rough change so im guessing the next step will be a gear box.
Good girls are just bad girls who haven't been caught yet.
I've had to replace more than 15 clutches and dual mass flywheels in less than 3 years on our Cooper Diesels, they are all less than 3 years old. Details can be found here.
Initially I was so pleased to realise I was not alone, although Mini told me I was!
Sadly as I search the net, I realise this is a very common complaint, Mini have not listened so far so why should they now? It is so frustration, and expensive!
We've fallen foul of the dreaded "abused" clutch problem on our Clubman. We bought it as an ex-BMW company car a year ago and have doubled the mileage to 31,000. Gearbox has always been a bit stiffer than our other R56 MCS but no biggie. Now its been in for a graunchy first gear and we've discovered it needs a new clutch and flywheel (£1500) and its been put down to driver abuse.
Now we also used to have a 911 Carrera S which had 67k on it on its first clutch and the R56 which always has a better gearchange so I find it very difficult to accept that I'll need a clutch on a Mini in less than half the mileage if my Porsche.
Sadly BMW/Mini have no technical customer service and the dealer says it's all down to our driving style so basically the Mini will suddenly become the most expensive car we've run in the past five years. We are thinking twice about a Countryman if this is the best we can expect.
Waiting for an inspection from the MINI rep at the dealership now before they tell me to Get Lost one more time in a nice letter from Oxford. So utterly p*ssed off with the cavalier customers can pay attitude that I've sold the car but still pursuing some contribution for the money I've already paid out but have little hope of getting anywhere. Guess someone is going to get plenty of life out of my old Clubman's clutch...
I don't know which model our US Clubman S engine translates to as its in the shop AGAIN, 1st clutch at 4000 and now the second is blown with rivet groove on the flywheel at 7800. This with experienced manual shift drivers. Any suggestions for dealing with corporate here in the US would be welcome as we appeal their decision not to cover this.
Thanks.
Well...an update at last. Proof if it was ever needed that having a good relationship with you dealer is very worthwhile. MINI have been absolutely silent after their response to my customer service letter but Rybrook Shrewsbury have been pitching on my behalf and have finally worn down the Service team and I have had a goodwill/warranty payment covering the cost of the replacement.
MINI themselves were standing firm on this being fair wear and tear but the Service team at Rybrook, although forced initially to charge me, didn't feel it was fair knowing my driving style and background so have stuck with it and I am now a happy camper again. So, persistence and keeping you dealer on your side does work! (at least in my case)
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This is the best way to approach it for sure. 
Good girls are just bad girls who haven't been caught yet. 
So, persistence and keeping you dealer on your side does work! (at least in my case) 
