[Wayne]

Hi all, I took delivery of my new MINI Cooper S (manual) about 3 weeks ago, and I absolutely love it. Never quite had a car like this before, truly unique! I have a question though, hope someone here has an explanation... When I took delivery of my car, the clutch was very smooth. However after a few hundred kms (I have done abut 1,000kms now) the clutch changed. It now has quite a bit of travel before it engages, and when it does, it feels very sudden and almost grabby. So the smooth feeling (engagement) is gone. This makes navigating heavy traffic a bit of a challenge. The demo I test drove also had a very smooth clutch. So now I'm wondering what is causing this? Has the clutch simply settled in and is this perhaps normal? Really hope not! When I go fast, this isn't noticeable at all, but in stop and go traffic it is very obvious. I will take it to the dealership so they can check it out, but I suspect they will tell me it is within specification. But... something changed and I'm not too impressed. Any suggestions or ideas what could be the cause, and if this is perhaps a mechanical issue?

 

[johnan]

There was an issue with clutch pedals apparently sticking down and drivers had to pull them back up with their foot.
This was eventually found to be due to excessive end float on the crankshaft on some S engines, and the solution has been to change the engine.
This is a bit drastic and too much for some who have demanded a new replacement car, or their money back.

This hopefully is not your problem. However something is not right. The sooner you report it the better.

I have a non S so have not experienced it . Perhaps others who are more familiar with the issue can give you better advice.

 

[Wayne]

There was an issue with clutch pedals apparently sticking down and drivers had to pull them back up with their foot.
This was eventually found to be due to excessive end float on the crankshaft on some S engines, and the solution has been to change the engine.
This is a bit drastic and too much for some who have demanded a new replacement car, or their money back.

This hopefully is not your problem. However something is not right. The sooner you report it the better.

I have a non S so have not experienced it . Perhaps others who are more familiar with the issue can give you better advice.

The difference is that my clutch isn't sticky though, and it comes up fully each time. It just engages very "aggressively", I'm guessing during the last 10% of travel. If this makes any sense. Thanks for the reply, hopefully it doesn't require an engine replacement, sounds a bit drastic!

 

[Blat7Chris]

Looking at the parts diagrams, there isn't a lot to go wrong with the action / bite point. I guess given the age and your description it's not a dual mass flywheel problem. I think it could be a bit of air in the hydronic clutch line, a simple bleed may be all that's needed. Best get it to the dealer.

 

[02fanatic]

Looking at the parts diagrams, there isn't a lot to go wrong with the action / bite point. I guess given the age and your description it's not a dual mass flywheel problem. I think it could be a bit of air in the hydronic clutch line, a simple bleed may be all that's needed. Best get it to the dealer.

Sorry to hijack this topic, but where are these parts diagrams located for those of us noobies? I'm somewhat of an addict when it comes to parts and such...just have no clue where to look them up for a MINI.

Thanks,

John

 

[jabberwocky]

The clutch should catch right off the floor and be smooth as silk once engaged. I'd have the service department look at it right away.

 

[Blat7Chris]

Try http://www.etk.cc

 

[Wayne]

Thank you for all the replies, much appreciated. I will take it to the dealership and let you guys know what they say.

 

[uke]

Sorry to hijack this topic, but where are these parts diagrams located for those of us noobies? I'm somewhat of an addict when it comes to parts and such...just have no clue where to look them up for a MINI.

Thanks,

John

Try realoem.com.

 

[57757]

Have exact same thoughts with our MCS and asking dealer to check / bleed fluid F56 2014

 

[jeremybingham]

Not fluid to bleed it is a cable.

 

[57757]

Not fluid to bleed it is a cable.

Ah ok, sorry. Either way, I hope they can check and resolve.

 

[jeremybingham]

Hope you can sort it cheaply but with it being cable it could be the cable or release bearing or the clutch or flywheel .after that there isn't much externally they can do. Keep us posted and Good luck.

 

[NBCGLX]

I've got just over 4,000 miles on my 2019 (LCI) Cooper manual and the clutch is a dream. Very easy to drive this car smoothly, from a stop and through all gear changes, as the clutch is very easy to finely modulate. My $.02!

 

[Blat7Chris]

Not fluid to bleed it is a cable.

Its hydraulic on the F56 and F54

Bleeding procedure here https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f56-jcw-hat/repair-manuals/21-clutch/21-52-clutch-operation-hydraulic/1VnXm6TKl2

 

[jeremybingham]

Wow stand corrected; I didn't know that (says he stating the beep obvious). I now have a auto so no clutch but I thought it was cable as there was no reservoir-this clearly shows that the fluid is common with the brake fluid ; makes changing it your self a bit fiddlier ! Hey ho! THANK YOU-may well be worth bleeding it then! Cheapest first port of call!

 

[57757]

That’s my plan.

Wow stand corrected; I didn't know that (says he stating the beep obvious). I now have a auto so no clutch but I thought it was cable as there was no reservoir-this clearly shows that the fluid is common with the brake fluid ; makes changing it your self a bit fiddlier ! Hey ho! THANK YOU-may well be worth bleeding it then! Cheapest first port of call!

 

[57757]

Do we know if the F56 has CDV like on BMW?

 

[jeremybingham]

Cdv? I am learning lots here. What is cdv? Sorry!

 

[57757]

Cdv? I am learning lots here. What is cdv? Sorry!

Clutch Delay Valve