Min Cooper S Clutch Screech and Tyre Sensor issues

[mlambere]

Guys can you help I have a Mini Cooper S on a 53 plate is under the Cherished Mini warranty. I have had the car 4 months from a Main dealer

I took the Car to the main dealer in Newcastle today for them to look an issue with a loud screeching noise when engaging first gear - I read comments on this site and it may be caused by an issue between the clutch and flywheel

The dealer say noises are not covered by the warranty and as long as the car drives it is not there problem and it will cost me £373 labour for them to look at it an more again to fix the issue. I was furious with them referenced the Flywheel issue and they stated they had no knowledge of this. I am concerned that this is gonna cost me stupid money to resolve and an support re approach re warranty etc... would be appreciated.

Also is there a good independent mini dealer in the North East you would recommend.

Thanks in advance

[treehack]

Does it sound like this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlHfCtx3peM

We have had our Cooper S a month and it started doing this after a week getting more and more frequent. After 2 trips to the dealer (and them having it overnight as it was worse when cold) it didn't make the noise for them. Captured this video and took it back and sent the vid in an e-mail to the service manager. Got a call the next day to confirm a tech had heard the noise and they were replacing the thrust washer bearing. Got a call the next day to say they had done it but when test driven the clutch failed so they were having to replace that (another 8hrs of labour). Phoned this morning to find out if it was done to be told the fly wheel is now being replaced!!! This is all being done under warrenty (Mini Cherished) so I fail to see why 1 dealer will acknowledge the fault and another not?
From what I have read it is a fairly common fault due to the clutch and flywheel not mating squarely. All 3 parts need replacing to fix the fault or the noise will return very quickly and eventually bork the gearbox(apparently according to others)
Good luck with the dealer, go armed with as much knowledge as possible. Some people have been sucessful with the claim others not.

Edited by treehack on Monday 6th September 14:53

[mlambere]

Thanks for this Treehack that is exactly the noise. The dealer rang me back this evening saying they are not willing to look at again unless I accept a mimimum charge of 376 quid and if they find the clutch is worn and needs replacing then the whole bill will be circa £1200 so will not even look at it unles I sign this guarantee. They say that a car of this age and 80K miles you always get this sort of issue and its not covered under warrantee.


Any support on an angle re where I take this next would be appreciated

Ps... Treehack which dealer did you deal with on tihs and what was the milage of your car.

[treehack]

mlambere said:

Thanks for this Treehack that is exactly the noise. The dealer rang me back this evening saying they are not willing to look at again unless I accept a mimimum charge of 376 quid and if they find the clutch is worn and needs replacing then the whole bill will be circa £1200 so will not even look at it unles I sign this guarantee. They say that a car of this age and 80K miles you always get this sort of issue and its not covered under warrantee.


Any support on an angle re where I take this next would be appreciated

Ps... Treehack which dealer did you deal with on tihs and what was the milage of your car.

Just picked mine up, it's on a 06 plate with 31k. They have replaced the clutch,fly wheel and thrust washer bearing. The notes on the job sheet said the bearing was siezed in the housing, excessive wear and bent fingers on the clutch and excessive play on the flywheel. They did not quibble about it at all. Much nicer to drive now.
Work was carried out at Specialist Cars in Stevenage. We have only had it less than a month so I'm not sure if you will get far with 4months ownership and 80k. You will need to find exactly what is covered under the Mini Cherished warrenty, normally consumables like clutch arn't covered, like I said before do as much research as you can and take it with you.
Try www.minitorque.com they are a pretty good and knowledgable bunch.

This is a starting point http://www.pistonheads.com/GASSING/topic.asp?h=0&a... a squeel when i pull off&mid=34189

[mlambere]

Thanks Tree Hack the thread is excellent as well and I am pleased your car is sorted. I just need to think about my arguments and the evidence required to get them to do this. I bought the Car at a Cherished mini only 4 months ago and do not expect to have to spend £1200 on something that looks like a design issue, whilst accepting the car has done 80K mile, 73K when I bout it I expect the dealer check and warranty to provide something.

Thanks again.

[treehack]

Do you have any paperwork stating that the car was through the Cherished Mini network? If so then this is from Mini's website

This covers all Cherished MINIs, and it's really worthwhile because it isn't backed by a third party company - it's backed by MINI.
Our Cherished Warranty even guarantees the battery and exhaust system for 12 months, and includes 12 months MOT Insurance. We've developed these features because car buyers have been asking for them, and because we want you to know your MINI will be just fine.
In fact, the MINI Cherished Warranty is so good, and so close to the Warranty we give people who buy our new cars, that the only things that aren't covered are routine service items like brake pads and discs. Your MINI Dealer can answer any other questions you might have.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/partners/mini/Programm...

[mlambere]

Tremendous Treehack my car is part of the Cherised mini network and I have the paperwork and also have the hardcopy of the website link. So that suggests I am covered or they are mis selling the warranty. I will update you on how I get on.

Many Thanks

[hyperblue]

I had the exact same problem, dealer replaced clutch and flywheel under warranty, no problems. Keep hassling them.

[Cooldudeoli]

Sounds like the Stealers are just trying to fob you off, wonder if it would be any benefit printing off from forums the list of members who have encountered this problem and had it replaced under warranty, and also mentioning to them that you have discussed with fellow Mini owners and their disgusted by the attitude of their garage (they dont know you cant name and shame) or even take it to another dealer to have them put it in writing they should cover it under warranty. Hope you get a solution soon!