Anyone out there ever change their own clutch? I usually do all of my own work after the warranty is out. Some of the FWD cars can be a pain to change, Is the Mini one of them?

 

In my R53 S (2005) the clutch replacement is a 9 hour job. The engine has to come out to replace it. Big job and not something suited for a novice.

I don't know if the R56 is the same but being also FWD, it may be pretty much involved.

Since I am not mechanically inclined and live in a condo where working on cars is totally forbidden, I have 2 choices... Go with the dealer or go with an independent shop.

I purchased MINI's scheduled service extension for 6 years/100K miles and they include full clutch replacement and labor (among oil changes, filters, brakes, rotors, etc). Purchased the extension for $1,400 which is a bargain. I let the dealer deal with the clutch while I sip a cool drink.

 

Rock looking at it from a point of view as yours (I do all my own work also) The motor will have to be dropped to change the clutch. Once the motor is out it won't be any different than any other FWD car. There is just ZERO room to work in the engine bay. If your not afraid to dropthe motor have at it.

 

Used to work on cars for a living. Usually if I have any speciality tools & the official workshop manual I can do most things. Although the $1400.00 extended service contract may be a good idea. BTW what do you get for your $1400?

 

I get all the scheduled service intervals on the car covered (Parts + labor) until 100K miles. Brake pads, rotors, clutch kit, oil changes, filters, bulbs, wiper inserts, etc, etc, etc.

If you are a seasoned DIYer, then the extended service may not be a good value for you, but for the rest of us that are not mechanically inclined and live in places where mechanical work is prohibited, I much rather let the dealer take care of the car for all those years. $1,400 is not bad at all considering that in 100K miles you car may see 2-3 new clutches, 2-3 full brake jobs, etc.

 

Tomorrow I am taking my 2005 R53 S to have the brakes serviced (car has almost 40K miles). The brake pad warning light came on a couple of days ago. I suspect the rear brakes need replacing as they are the original pads that came from the factory (The fronts were replaced last year along with the rotors under the standard 3 year maintenance). So new brake pads, rotors + labor all included. This will be the first time I use the 6 year/100K mile extension that I purchased last August. My 3 year/36K mile standard maintenance expired in March of this year.

To me this is a great value. Let MINI basically foot the bill and worry about doing basic maintenance and replacing consumables until the car either reaches 100K miles or it is 6 years old. If something goes wrong, MINI is fully responsible.

For $1,400 is not bad at all. My dealer hourly rate is like $125 right now. A clutch replacement job post-warranty can easily run $1,500-$2,000.

 

My 1977 280Z (229,000 mi.) and 1992 Nissan Pathfinder (172,000 mi.) still have the original clutches in them. I don't know why the Mini's wouldn't go 200,000+ miles unless they are being driven wrong. I woudn't worry about it.

 

no. the motor does NOT have to come out. However, the subframe does.

 

With this plan do they provide you with a loaner while your car is in the shop? I am thinking of converting from a GM to the Mini. With my Trailblazer the local dealer would always provide me with a HHR to drive when the SUV was in for any warranty repairs.

 

That's good to know. Thanks MotorMouth