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Comments
Even Mario Andretti (or whatever professional driver you prefer to name), who, without question can drive a manual, would fall into that category.
A brief story: Not too long ago, I was picking my wife's MINI up from being serviced at the dealer and there was a woman there (early 40's, I'd say) raising holy hell about her clutch, just as many have here. Of course, she "knew" how to drive a manual and had done so all her life.
The dealer had just installed a new clutch in her car (no idea if she or the dealer ate the costs), and we both were leaving at the same time.
When we got to the street to leave the lot, she was turning left and I was turning right, so we were along side each other. The exit from the lot is roughly a 5-7 degree incline.
So, as we waited for traffic to clear, I watched her ease the clutch in and out, just "riding" it instead of simply putting her foot on the brakes until the lane was clear.
Two things here:
1. You may be the best driver ever, but if a previous owner was incompetent, there's nothing you could do to prevent early clutch failure.
2. Riding the clutch as I mentioned above may have been OK 25 years ago, because so many cars were "over-built"...in other words, the surface area of the clutch may well have been much larger than necessary, and therefore, very "forgiving". Especially in high-performance vehicles, much of the excess weight has been removed, from bearings to gears to clutches. The margin of "error" has been greatly reduced.
In the end, IMO, I would say you got a fair deal, as it isn't unheard of for a new clutch replacement to run over $3 grand.
I know... it still sucks...
Best of luck to you mate.
Hence I was wondering what is the best option I have. If I fix this what other most common problem I should expect in future...
In reality, (knock on wood), I really haven't had "issues" with my Mini. I bought it new and I'm basically the only person who has driven it. I treat my cars well since they are typically the second most expensive purchase a person makes - next to their home.
http://www.carcomplaints.com/Mini/Cooper/
http://www.carcomplaints.com/Mini/Cooper/
WOW!
14 complaints. Not bad for a car with production in excess of a million units (242,000 in 2010 model year alone).
Total repair cost me around $250 and it runs like a top again.
Now, is this a Geartrag tranny?Also, if it is is it reliable as the 6spd in my 3 seies 328i 2011. Forget the size and I don't red line any of my cars and I don't engine brake or Jake BreaK. :shades:
I just wanna know what's wrong with the car, and is there anything I need to fix, Thanks.
I don't care what you repair save the bill and record the part # they use as BMW is notorious for fixing things twice and their parts warranty is terrible. I don't have a Mini .However, it did it 4 or 5 times again. I traded it for a 2011 328i. I don't know how the Mini service works.I try to sell my Beemers before the warranty goes, as the repairs are exspensive.
Now, if they charge you to hook it to a dianostic computer try Pep boys or some other auto repair place and they might do it for free like auto zone.
Are Mini's perfect?
No.
Then again, what car company makes the perfect vehicle?
As far as the rebate is concerned, manufacturers offer rebates on models all the time. Originally, roughly 75% of Mini's came with manuals. From what my local dealer told me yesterday (as I was buying an oil filter), it's now reversed...75% of what his store sells is automatics, and due to the damage from the Japanese earthquake, there are difficulties in getting automatics at Mini ( I haven't verified what he said, but I did look on his lot, and there was only 2-3 automatics...the rest were manuals.
As I often do, I echo a thought from a former mentor..." a few points on a graph do not make a trend".
In 2010, Mini manufactured over 240,000 cars. How many posts are in this this forum, and of them, how ma ny are by owners who bought their car new? Now, take those and subtract out the ones that are multiple postings by the same person... Now, how many "unique" manual transmission problems are there (remember, this formun spans ALL the years of BMW Mini production, not just 2010)?
So, I would ask you, what would you say the "industry average" is for faulty manual transmissions, as a percentage of all manually equipped models (by manufacturer)?
Frankly, I couldn't tell you. But, from what I see, I'm not alarmed by what I see here. Couple that with my limited actual experience ( my wife still has her 2005 manual Mini that she bought new...60k miles now) and I'm not very concerned.
That's a misleading comment. Mini is indeed offering a $500 discount on manually equipped models, with the following restrictions:
1-Only available on select 2011 hardtop, convertible or Clubman models. Doesn't apply to Countryman or John Cooper Works models.
2-Offer expires October 3, 2011. Not much time to order one and take delivery before the offer expires.
Now, is this a Geartrag tranny?
I think you meant Getrag transmission, not Geartrag transmission.
I don't red line any of my cars and I don't engine brake or Jake BreaK.
I'm sure you don't jake brake. No Mini has one. Just so you understand what you are talking about...
From Wikipedia:
A compression release engine brake, frequently called a Jake brake or Jacobs brake, is an engine braking mechanism installed on some diesel engines. When activated, it opens exhaust valves in the cylinders, releasing the compressed air trapped in the cylinders, and slowing the vehicle.
Although Jake brake properly refers to the Jacobs brand of engine brakes, the term has become a genericized trademark and is often used to refer to engine brakes or compression release engine brakes in general, especially on large vehicles or heavy equipment.
I must admit I love german engineering.However, after having 2 MGB's and a TR 6 with their lousy Lucas electrical systems and dual needle carbs. I'd never buy anything the Brits build.
Well, maybe an Aston Martin,or a Bently and they did have a great engine in the Spitfire, a R.Royce I believe.
Have a good day :shades:
It goes... Why do the Brittish drink ther beer at room temperature?
Because Lucas makes the refrigerators in England.
Car manufacturing is so widely dispersed nowadays, with parts coming from all points over the globe.
While I would agree with your opinion of past-English auto manufacturing quality, what BMW produces at it's MINI plant based in England is a totally different product.
Remember, the English also made the Merlin aircraft engine during WW II, one of the best engines during the conflict.
The repair shop staff who fixed my Mini tell me that the tranny is made fro
cheap alloys that will melt down under exposure to high heat. That sounds right to me and I will get to the bottom of this. I'm going to have the parts analyzed. I am out $6000.00 plus $875.00 to tow it.
One thing you do not want is to find yourself broken down in a city where there is no Mini dealer as it will be a disaster.
This is the second BMW we owned that has caused a financial crisis in this family. We are DONE!!!! It is a cute car. I loved it when I got it. It's like a little rocket on wheels. It is just not worth it. I will never, ever buy a car that cannot be fixed in any city in the US.
A few questions, though...
What model Mini do you own? How many miles? Year model? Bought new or used? Manual or auto trans (I'm guessing auto from your description of the symptoms)?
Certainly the towing fee seems high, but difficult to judge not knowing how far it was towed.
In any case, sorry to hear about your misfortune...
Kinda of scary180HP wowser.What a road trip car. There's room for a cooler and ice.$24600.00 then start adding ops. :shades:
The repair shop staff who fixed my Mini tell me that the tranny is made fro
cheap alloys that will melt down under exposure to high heat. That sounds right to me and I will get to the bottom of this. I'm going to have the parts analyzed. I am out $6000.00 plus $875.00 to tow it.
One thing you do not want is to find yourself broken down in a city where there is no Mini dealer as it will be a disaster.
This is the second BMW we owned that has caused a financial crisis in this family. We are DONE!!!! It is a cute car. I loved it when I got it. It's like a little rocket on wheels. It is just not worth it. I will never, ever buy a car that cannot be fixed in any city in the US.
Unless you were parked over a volcano or blow torch, I highly doubt you acheived a temperature high enough to start melting metal transmission parts...
I guess my first question is this: did you get the car taken by a certified MINI dealership for an examination of the problem before having an independent shop do the repairs?
If no, why not?
Also, $875 seems a bit high for towing, depending of course, how far the tow was.
I have personally seen BMW shops do "goodwill" repairs on late model cars such as yours, sometimes eating all the expense and sometimes eating the parts only.
Did you get any offer from the MINI dealer, or were you told to go "pound sand"?
Have a 2003 R53. Although I certainly can't speak for the more recent models, I am at 97k and have never touched the clutch or transmission.
Many of the severe problems here simply should not happen. You can be in traffic for hours in 100 degree heat and humidity - if you drive a transmission properly and perform simple preventive maintenance this should not happen at a high rate.
Problems like these are more likely the result of your driving or improper maintenance. Don't dump your Mini because of a failure like this - get it replaced, learn to drive it more smoothly, and maintain it. You will love your Mini for years to come. I do nothing extra-special to maintain my car and it drives FAR better than any other 8-year old car in a similar class.
You'll get absolutely nowhere with it, but if it makes you happy to think so.... Well....
As I have stated many times earlier, EVERY manufacturer has defects. Sometimes, you win the defect lottery.
My suggestion... Sell your Mini and move on. Life is too short...
This is too big a deal to just "get over it". Think I'll get nowhere? You have NO idea who you're talking to. None. I have the engineering experience and contacts to prove what I am saying and I WILL do it.
This issue seems to bother you. I suggest that you move on -to another forum and another subject as there is clearly nothing worthwhile for you to say.
And a reminder... the Edmunds forums cannot be used to organize legal actions so please leave the talk of class actions at the door. Any posts along those lines will be removed.
Thanks for your participation and cooperation!
I simply don't see any future in what you're attempting to do.
Just for reference, have you ever originated a "class action" lawsuit? You better have some deep pockets available to you...
As I said, if it makes you feel better, then ... by all means, have at it.
In my experience, life's simply too short to take the route you're proposing.
Please keep us posted. If nothing else, it should be entertaining.
Just curious.... Why do you think this is common?
What basis, other than the limited comments on this forum do you base that judgement "call" upon?
MINI manufactured over 240,000 units in the 2010 model year alone, and even if the 460+ comments here were each and every one valid complaints, its still statisctically insignificant over the years of production covered by this thread.
As for your question, you are long gone out of warranty, both in years as well as mileage, so I really doubt you have any actual justification for MINI/dealer involvement in cost reduction. Never hurts to try the sympathy angle on the dealer, though... especially if you had the dealer do all the service work on your car.
A piece of advice, for whatever its worth.... Don't try the "its a widespread problem" tactic. It will get you absolutely nowhere.
Good luck!!!
I am unsure what this is or of this is common? is as if the car could not respond to the acceleration and therefore it takes it a wile to respond.
I appreciate any information or help on this issue.
thanks.
I am writing to express my extreme disappointment with the recent failure of the original clutch/flywheel in the above referenced vehicle. The vehicle was purchased new from MINI of XXX XXXXXXXXX on February 17, 2007and all scheduled maintenance has been conducted in a timely manner including a recent scheduled maintenance on September 15, 2011 (MINI Inspection I), a mere seven weeks before complete clutch failure. No comments or suggestions were noted by the mechanic during this scheduled maintenance that clutch wear was occurring or should be monitored.
Vehicle Driving History
The MINI Cooper was driven under extremely light driving conditions with an experienced manual transmission driver. The vehicle was typically only used for “motoring” trips on weekends. The previous manual transmissions driven were a 1986 Honda Civic DX (original owner 97,000 miles with one clutch replacement at 65,000) and a 1996 Honda Civic DX Hatchback (original owner with no clutch replacement as of 60,000 miles when car was donated). Furthermore, the driver was experienced in using the parking brake while resting on a hill to spare any unnecessary clutch wear. All maintenance has been performed by MINI of XXX XXXXXXXXX and online service history is current per owners’ lounge website.
Trend in Clutch Failures with MINI Cooper
The driver had never experienced a complete clutch failure with no prior warning signs. Furthermore, the driver had never seen a clutch fail under such light driving conditions so anticipated that it must be some sort of mechanical failure and immediately drove the vehicle to MINI of XXX XXXXXXXXX. While the service department of MINI XXX XXXXXXXXX provided excellent customer service, the driver conducted his own research into the situation while the mechanical review was being conducted and has noted that many other drivers of this vehicle have cited the same problem.
Action and Response
The driver seeks a response from MINI USA on this very disappointing early clutch failure, the occurrence of this situation within the specific model, and the manufacturer’s guidance on extending the life of a clutch.
Very truly yours
My observations from what you posted...
Positive notes:
Car was purchased new and serviced by the selling dealer.
Letter was repectful and non-abusive.
Negative notes:
The car is almost 5 years old. Its somewhat unusual for a component such as a clutch or brake system (both share many similarities) to go so long and then fail from a manufacturing defect. Of course, it can happen, but its unusual.
Modern cars driven correctly should easily get 100K+ miles out of a clutch, yet you make the comment you have had another vehicle with the clutch replaced much earlier (65K miles).
Also, you state you are a seasoned manual driver, yet you make the statement that you use the handbrake on hills. While not inherently an issue, most manual transmission drivers don't need to utilize the handbrake while driving.
Personally, both comments may tend to work against you in your effort to get satisfaction, and I would have omitted them from your letter.
Questions:
1-S model or regular non-S Cooper model?
2-Mileage?
Now, they just put in a new clutch and gear box and it's like a different car. First gear engages much better. I am convinced the first box had a fault from the start and would love to try and recover the costs.
Anyone had similar problem or know what could cause this issue engaging first gear. I still have the first box in case I can take it further.
Russell
In your case, you got double the years AND miles as covered under the warranty, so, in my opinion, anything you attempt is a wasted effort.
However, if you have a clear service history (with receipts) that clearly shows you made multiple attempts to get the 1st gear shifting engagement issue resolved, you could possibly obtain some adjustment, but again, due to the year model and mileage, I wouldn't think you have much of a shot at it.
Still, if you bought the car new, and had the same dealer do all the service work, you might obtain a labor discount/credit by asking.
Odds are BMW won't enetertain any credit or refund.
Good luck!