08 Mini cooper clutch

[Dillon123]

Just been quoted £1452 to replace a clutch at 49,000 miles. I am told by the BMW garage in Chester that this is normal wear and tear and there is nothing they can do about it. They are charging 211 for the part and £1241 for labour. They charge a ridiculous fee of £150 an hour for labour. They say the engine has to come out !

Does anyone know if this sounds right or is this another case of dealer ripoff

[Dillon123]

Sorry, I sent this before thanking anyone for responding - sorry new to this.

[sat1983]

Don't go to BMW for starters!

[Snoop Bagg]

Your lucky my clutch lasted 10k! not only that with all the sensors, they neglected the clutch and my flywheel needed replacing! Wear and Tear?

[The Wookie]

49k sounds a bit early, but it depends a lot on driving style really

If the car is out of warranty, don't bother with a BMW dealer, find a decent Mini or Clutch specialist and I doubt it'll be more than 500 quid and 6 hours labour. I'd also be surprised if the engine has to come out, although it's not uncommon for subframes or mounts to be undone in the process to shift things out of the way.

[Dillon123]

The problem I have is that the car is still under warranty and they can't say whether the clutch has worn or it is another problem of which would be covered under warranty and so therefore no cost !!

So the risk is, it is the clutch and it is down to wear and tear and it will cost 1452 or when they open it up it is a faulty part and there will be no cost - I wonder which it will be !!

Over a barrel comes to mind.

[MX7]

Take it to an independent and get a second, and even third, opinion. It shouldn't be too difficult to tell if it's the clutch or not.

[JC2012]

Well - the clutch will deteriorate based on your driving style if your consistently launching with it dropping and riding the clutch it will eventually fail.

49k is low mileage for a clutch to fail - i've had two minis both with 100k and 90k and neither needed a clutch in the life of ownership.

I've heard through sources they are a pig to do regardless - i would take the vehicle to a clutch specialist as opposed to MINI. Or at least get a quote from another clutch specialist and then illustrate it to BMW and ask what differs between their quote and the Clutch Specialist - nothing in theory so they should come to some agreement somewhere.

[Dillon123]

Just had another quote from a recommended garage at 399 plus VAT. for the same job. 7.8 hours time quoted - a whopping difference of £1053 . . . . whats the world coming to !

[Mafioso]

I have to ask, what is your driving style?

[Dillon123]

This has all been great advice lads and so many thanks to you all.

Looks like the guy down the road who talked me through the whole process and has even agreed to go and pick the car up from the dealer has got the job.

I just can't believe the differences in price. I know dealers are ripping us off but by this percentage, it just ain't right !

[The Wookie]

Dillon123 said:

Just had another quote from a recommended garage at 399 plus VAT. for the same job. 7.8 hours time quoted - a whopping difference of £1053 . . . . whats the world coming to !

Take that quote back to the BMW dealer, and remind them it should take them less time as obviously they should be more experienced at it, hence the very, very premium labour rate.

I'd say getting them down to 700-800 would be an achievable and acceptable result

[Dillon123]

I am a 54 year old bloke that has driven an awful lot of different cars. From mini's to range rovers to 7 series BMW to volvos to etc etc

I have never had to replace a clutch in any of them. This mini has a sports mode - never even used it !

I certainly don't ride the clutch - down to a good instructor who used to hit my leg when I was learning to drive. No health and safety then !!

[The Wookie]

Dillon123 said:

This has all been great advice lads and so many thanks to you all.

Looks like the guy down the road who talked me through the whole process and has even agreed to go and pick the car up from the dealer has got the job.

I just can't believe the differences in price. I know dealers are ripping us off but by this percentage, it just ain't right !

Fair enough! Sounds like you're onto a good one there!

[Dillon123]

I was also told that this particular dealer puts these jobs out locally. Surely this can't be right !

[MX7]

I've just had a quick Google. It seems that clutches failing at a few thousand miles isn't uncommon in the MINI. Some are replaced under warranty, some not.

[Godalmighty83]

Replaced a clutch on a 06 plate a few months back and the engine didn't have to be removed. The total was around £600 including a rear main oil seal if memory serves.

[Dillon123]

A big shout out to all that have offered advice in this topic . . . . thank you all so much cheers lads
Robert

[Dillon123]

Certainly worth getting a quote from this guy if your in need in the Chester area

Chester Auto Services Limited
19 Bumpers Lane,
Sealand Industrial Estate
Chester
CH1 4LT

The guys name is Nick
01244 377747

He ran through the whole process of the job and the costs involved even agreed to pick a car up for me at no extra cost.

You know that feeling you get when you know something is just right.

[trickywoo]

http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Seems a common issue.