So, if you haven't read any of my earlier posts, I recently bought a 2003 Cooper S with 67k miles (great shape) for $11,000.

The only problems with it have been the PS pump and the clutch. The throwout bearing was very squeeky and rough, and the car made a screeching noise going into first gear when cold (flywheel).

After MANY conversations (arguments) I finally convinced the dealer to replace my clutch. However, they are not going to replace the flywheel. The service manager told me he would 'turn' the flywheel (I don't even know if thats possible on these cars) but that he wasn't going to replace it. So, I'm going to end up with a brand new clutch on a 70k mile flywheel. Is this a bad thing?

Ted

PS It's a BMW dealer

 

The flywheel should be replaced along with the clutch.

The dual-mass flywheel is usually replaced when the clutch needs replacement because the flywheel wears out (springs between the two flywheels wear out).

A dual-mass flywheel is usually not resurfaced because it has to be taken apart (the two flywheels separated from each other) to resurface and then reassembled with new components (such as the springs). It is usually not cost effective to resurface a dual-mass flywheel. Maybe the dealer has some great way to resurface the flywheel. A resurface would be OK if done correctly (taken apart, resurfaced, and reassembled with new components) but I doubt that is the dealer's plan. I would ask for details on how they plan to resurface the flywheel. Ask the dealer what they normally do or replace during a clutch replacement. Call a non-dealer Mini repair shop and ask for their opinion.

If the dealer is not replacing the flywheel components (springs) then your flywheel is likely to need replacement in 20,000 - 30,000 miles since you already have 67,000 miles.

If you get no where with the dealer, I suggest that you pay for a new flywheel and ask them to install for free. Maybe you can even purchase a flywheel from another supplier (cheaper than the dealer) and provide the flywheel to the dealer for installation with the clutch.

 

Does everyone here agree that I need a new flywheel? What is going to happen when mine really starts to go?

I am broke but if this is necessary then I might have to bite the bullet.

 

mine made the chewbaka noise at 50K, its still doing it at 77K, but I would replace the flywheel if I was you.

 

Same here, replace it now it's money well spent while it's apart!

 

I agree with the rest above on replacing the flywheel with the clutch. Ask yourself, do you really feel comfortable driving a MINI with over 60K miles on a new clutch but old flywheel?

 

did you buy the car from the dealership?

 

I would tend to agree, money well spent...

 

Yea I bought the car from the dealership.

So what is the worst thing thats going to happen if I can't come up with the money? What is a 'flywheel failure' like?

 

These flywheels aren't like those 25-30 years ago. They are not meant to be resurfaced.

Replacement of the flywheel is the same routine for clutch disc.

 

When they are replacing your clutch, the tech should be inspecting the Dual Mass Flywheel for signs of overheating; at the very minimum the flywheel needs to be roughed up with a flap disc before the clutch is installed. This will put a friction surface on the flywheel face and allow the clutch to grab it.

Since there are springs in the DMF's they are not turnable like a normal flywheel.

If your flywheel is junk, they will most likely repalce it on a CSI basis alone.