R56 MCS gearboxes...
Discussion
As has been seen on here and on Mini2 there seems to be the beginnings of an issue with the gearbox / clutch on the MCS. Mine, like a few others, makes a kind of screaching noise as you go from 3rd to 2nd under a bit of load. It was seen at the dealer this morning and it is going ot be inspected by a engineer from Mini, the request has been sent out. This follows the pattern of others. So if anyone on here has the same issue then get it to the dealer. I tried to find out how many other MCS they had had with this issue but they were a bit tight lipped. Apparently there is going to be a fix, but not for a bit of time but I reckon its worth getting the issue logged early to ensure there is no question if driver fault...
Its a shame so many people are experiencing this - it seems to be causing people to reject their cars. 
Seem to remember reading that they had similar problems with the 1st gen new MINI Cooper S when it first came out, would have thought they mite have got it right this time!
I hope they sort your car!
Seem to remember reading that they had similar problems with the 1st gen new MINI Cooper S when it first came out, would have thought they mite have got it right this time!
I hope they sort your car!
I've got the same problem with mine, and lots of other issues.
When you drive enthusiastically and block change for instance down to second gear I get a loud squeal/grind noise and vibration from the gear stick.
I really like the car, but I've got so many issues, that I'm now trying to reject the car.
When you drive enthusiastically and block change for instance down to second gear I get a loud squeal/grind noise and vibration from the gear stick.
I really like the car, but I've got so many issues, that I'm now trying to reject the car.
I'm kind of lucky in that I only seem to have the gearbox as a major issue, few little grumbles but they are being sorted. In terms of the gearbox I don't know what has happened to yours but my car is being inspected by an engineer from the factory tomorrow. Once he's seen / heard it then I'll know more. I've already been told that the factory are working on a fix so there will be no fix immidiately. I'll decide then what to do... Rejection should be easy cos it has had an issue since delivery but I dont want to reject if I can avoid it. If I do go down that route I'll just get my cash back and buy something else.
My thoughts are that the new S is a cracking car, much better than the one its replacing. But, its been released a bit early, maybe to get a march on the Civic Type R, clio 197 etc etc. Therefore, the early customers are doing the beta testing... Which sounds a bit familiar...
My thoughts are that the new S is a cracking car, much better than the one its replacing. But, its been released a bit early, maybe to get a march on the Civic Type R, clio 197 etc etc. Therefore, the early customers are doing the beta testing... Which sounds a bit familiar...
Here is my list of fix's for the dealer.
1) Upon releasing the clutch pedal, when block changing from fourth to
second gear, there is a loud squeal/grinding noise.
2) Automatic Climate control requires excessive manual intervention to
maintain a comfortable temperature and makes a whistling noise.
3) Water trickling/gushing noise from front passenger side of car, even
if the car has previously been driven in dry conditions. Water is collecting but not freely draining.
4) Automatic rain sensor wipers are too sensitive, and need manual
intervention.
5) Intermittently the car "kangaroos" in low gears. As I release the
throttle after accelerating the engine slows in a irregular manner.
6) After a longer drive the engine also makes a diesel clacking noise.
7) Intermittent vibration noise from driver's door, caused by lowering
and closing the window.
8) Vibration noise from the passenger door.
9) Intermittent rattle coming from the chequered aluminium trim above
the start/stop button.
10) A noise like a plastic ruler, vibrating on the end of the table when
the car hits a speed bump. Sounds like loose trim somewhere.
11) The bonnet poorly fits and there is a large shut line gap on the
driver's side.
12) The double exhaust is mounted unlevel. One pipe is higher than the
other.
1) Upon releasing the clutch pedal, when block changing from fourth to
second gear, there is a loud squeal/grinding noise.
2) Automatic Climate control requires excessive manual intervention to
maintain a comfortable temperature and makes a whistling noise.
3) Water trickling/gushing noise from front passenger side of car, even
if the car has previously been driven in dry conditions. Water is collecting but not freely draining.
4) Automatic rain sensor wipers are too sensitive, and need manual
intervention.
5) Intermittently the car "kangaroos" in low gears. As I release the
throttle after accelerating the engine slows in a irregular manner.
6) After a longer drive the engine also makes a diesel clacking noise.
7) Intermittent vibration noise from driver's door, caused by lowering
and closing the window.
8) Vibration noise from the passenger door.
9) Intermittent rattle coming from the chequered aluminium trim above
the start/stop button.
10) A noise like a plastic ruler, vibrating on the end of the table when
the car hits a speed bump. Sounds like loose trim somewhere.
11) The bonnet poorly fits and there is a large shut line gap on the
driver's side.
12) The double exhaust is mounted unlevel. One pipe is higher than the
other.
My mini has been back this morning and been inspected by a chap from the factory and a senior guy from BMW UK. They took the car out and replicated the noise which was good. They are working on a fix, so far they have discounted component issues as stuff has been replaced on other cars with no effect. The issue seem to sit with the clutch which was my first guess. They are looking at the actual components in the clutch manufacture. Anyway, I am waiting to see, BMW UK are no going to keep me informed. I have said I will monitor it over the next two weeks to see if it gets worse / better etc. At that point the car is going back in for some other stuff and will be checked again.
The noise is a pain, but can't really fault the dealer or BMW as they have both been Ok so far...
The noise is a pain, but can't really fault the dealer or BMW as they have both been Ok so far...
looks like a trip to the dealer for me... nearly 5000 miles and what was an occasional problem from 2nd to 1st is now there between 3rd & 2nd, every downshift under load. And its not my imagination is it - there IS a fuelly niff around the cabin which evokes a 1960's triumph with twin leaky carbs - not a brand new 21st century consumer product.
Gassing Station | New MINIs | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff