Table of content
20 August 2024 Mini clutch replacement: price, selection options, and purchase
This article will provide you with information on the process and timing of replacing the clutch in your vehicle. We will review the costs and time frame associated with this procedure. In addition, we will describe signs that indicate it is time to replace your vehicle's clutch.
What is the price of changing the clutch in a Mini car?
In 2024, the cost of replacing the clutch on Mini vehicles will be between £650 and £1200. The cost can vary depending on the make and year of the vehicle, as well as the level of complexity of the operation itself.
Mini clutch replacement: quote table 2024
| Mini model | Costs |
| Mini Hatch | £650 - £850 |
| Mini Cabrio | £700 - £900 |
| Mini Countryman | £800 - £1000 |
| Mini Clubman | £750 - £950 |
| Mini Electric | £850 - £1050 |
| Mini Cooper S | £750 - £950 |
| Mini John Cooper Works | £850 - £1050 |
| Mini GP | £900 - £1100 |
| Mini Cabriolet JCW | £950 - £1150 |
| Mini Countryman JCW | £1000 - £1200 |
The price includes the cost of both spare parts and labour.
-31%
RIDEX Clutch kit
three-piece, with clutch release bearing
Article number: 479C0186
compared to
RRP
£ 136,30
£ 93,61
Price per item
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-42%
Article number: 479C2895
compared to
RRP
£ 164,40
£ 94,01
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-55%
RIDEX Clutch kit
for engines with dual-mass flywheel, with clutch pressure plate, with clutch disc, with clutch release bearing, Check and replace dual-mass flywheel if necessary., 230mm
Article number: 479C0390
compared to
RRP
£ 224,60
£ 99,98
Price per item
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-35%
RIDEX Clutch kit
for engines with dual-mass flywheel, three-piece, with clutch pressure plate, with clutch disc, with clutch release bearing, 220mm
Article number: 479C0166
compared to
RRP
£ 138,50
£ 88,87
Price per item
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
VALEO Clutch kit
with dual-mass flywheel, with screw set, without lock screw set, with clutch release bearing, 235mm
Article number: 837072
£ 495,58
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
How much does it cost to change a clutch on a Mini in a garage?
In 2024, the average cost of replacing a Mini clutch in a garage (excluding the cost of spare parts) is between £400 and £675. Costs may vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle, as well as the location of the service centre.
| Mini model | Labour costs |
| Mini Hatch | £400 - £500 |
| Mini Cabrio | £425 - £475 |
| Mini Countryman | £500 - £550 |
| Mini Clubman | £450 - £500 |
| Mini Electric | £525 - £575 |
| Mini Cooper S | £450 - £500 |
| Mini John Cooper Works | £525 - £575 |
| Mini GP | £525 - £575 |
| Mini Cabriolet JCW | £550 - £650 |
| Mini Countryman JCW | £575 - £675 |
These prices do not include the cost of spare parts.
Mini clutch replacement: when to replace a clutch?
On average, a clutch can last between 60,000 and 100,000 kilometres. However, this range can vary significantly depending on driving style, operating conditions and the quality of car maintenance. Some Mini owners report that their clutch lasts even longer than 150,000 kilometres, while others have to replace it after 50,000 kilometres.
While there is no set replacement date, there are several signs that indicate your Mini's clutch needs replacing:
- Clutch slippage: if the engine speed increases when you press the accelerator pedal, but the car doesn't pick up speed accordingly.
- Difficulty shifting gears: if you notice that it has become more difficult to shift gears or if you hear a grinding noise when shifting.
- Clutch pedal vibration: unusual vibration or pulsation of the pedal when pressed.
- Extraneous sounds: a noise or squeak when the clutch pedal is depressed.
- High seizure point: if the clutch pedal starts to seize only at the highest position.
- Burning smell: the presence of a burning odour, especially after heavy use of the vehicle.
If one or more of these signs are detected, it is recommended to contact a specialised service centre for diagnosis and possibly replacement of your Mini's clutch.
How long does it take to change a clutch on a Mini?
Clutch replacement on Mini vehicles typically takes between 4 to 8 hours, depending on the model and the experience of the mechanic. This time range applies to most popular Mini models such as the Cooper, Countryman, and Clubman.
For standard front-wheel drive Mini models, the clutch replacement procedure will usually fall within this time frame. The mechanic needs to remove the transmission to access the clutch assembly, replace the clutch plate, pressure plate, and release bearing, and then put everything back together.
However, there is a unique case involving the increased complexity of clutch replacement – the Mini Cooper S with supercharger, manufactured from 2002 to 2006. In this model, the clutch replacement process can take significantly longer, sometimes up to 12-15 hours. The difficulty lies in the fact that in order to access the clutch it is necessary to remove not only the gearbox but also a significant part of the front suspension, as well as dismantle the supercharger. This significantly increases the amount of work and requires the special qualifications of a professional mechanic.
Article number: 832226
£ 222,66
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
-69%
Article number: 3000 954 489
compared to
RRP
£ 356,19
£ 108,49
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-57%
Article number: 6366 000 004
compared to
RRP
£ 780,33
£ 330,51
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
Article number: 415 0714 10
£ 537,42
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
-52%
SACHS Dual mass flywheel
Article number: 6366 000 005
compared to
RRP
£ 794,09
£ 376,57
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
Clutch replacement on a Mini: do-it-yourself or do-it-for-me?
You can save between £400 and £675 if you replace a Mini clutch yourself. In the absence of sufficient technical skills and specialised knowledge, it is strongly recommended that you enlist the assistance of a qualified professional for expert evaluation and advice.
| Mini model | Costs (do-it-yourself) | Costs (garage) |
| Mini Hatch | £250 - £350 | £400 - £500 |
| Mini Cabrio | £275 - £425 | £425 - £475 |
| Mini Countryman | £325 - £500 | £500 - £550 |
| Mini Clubman | £300 - £450 | £450 - £500 |
| Mini Electric | £350 - £525 | £525 - £575 |
| Mini Cooper S | £300 - £450 | £450 - £500 |
| Mini John Cooper Works | £350 - £525 | £525 - £575 |
| Mini GP | £375 - £550 | £525 - £575 |
| Mini Cabriolet JCW | £400 - £600 | £550 - £650 |
| Mini Countryman JCW | £425 - £625 | £575 - £675 |
Choosing the best clutch for a Mini
There are several brands that have proven themselves for Mini cars and produce quality clutch kits. Among the most reliable and popular are LuK, Sachs, and Valeo. These manufacturers are known for their high quality and product durability. Clutches from Exedy and Blue Print have also proven themselves. Original BMW (owner of the Mini brand) clutch kits are also considered an excellent choice, although more expensive.
As for the unique clutch technologies used in the various Mini models, the following can be noted:
- Dual mass flywheel (DMF): This technology is used in many of today's Mini models, especially the diesel and turbocharged versions. DMF helps reduce vibration and noise, providing smoother transmission operation.
- Self-Adjusting Clutch (SAC): Used in some newer Mini models, including the Cooper S. This technology automatically compensates for clutch disk wear, keeping pedal force constant throughout its life.
- Torsional Damper Clutch: Used in sporty versions of Mini, such as John Cooper Works. This technology helps to better cope with high torque and provides more precise control during aggressive driving.
- Multi-plate clutch: Used in some high-performance Mini models for better power transfer and increased durability under heavy use.
- Electrohydraulic clutch: Used in Mini models with automated manual transmission. This system provides smoother and faster gear changes.
Browse the clutch catalogue for the most popular Mini models:
- Mini Hatchback clutch kit
- Mini Countryman clutch kit
- Mini Clubman clutch kit
- Mini Convertible clutch kit
- Mini Paceman clutch kit
Changing the Mini clutch: what needs to be considered?
When replacing the clutch on Mini cars, there are several important aspects to consider:
- Model specifics: Different Mini models may have their own specifications. For example, replacing the clutch on a 2002-2006 Mini Cooper S (R53) is more complicated due to the need to remove the supercharger and part of the front suspension.
- Dual-mass flywheel: Many modern Mini models, especially the diesel versions (such as the Mini Cooper D), are equipped with a dual-mass flywheel. When replacing the clutch, it is recommended that you also replace the flywheel, as its wear can cause premature failure of the new clutch.
- Hydraulic system: On models with hydraulic clutch drive (most modern Mini's), it is recommended to replace the hydraulic fluid and check the condition of the clutch master and slave cylinders.
- Self-adjusting clutch: Some newer models, such as the Mini Cooper F56 (3rd generation), are equipped with a self-adjusting clutch (SAC). It is important to properly install and adjust this type of clutch when replacing it.
- Release bearing: It is always recommended that the release bearing be replaced along with the clutch. Mini models from 2007 onwards (e.g. R56) are characterised by the use of a maintenance-free release bearing integrated into the clutch release fork.
- Tools and equipment: Some models, such as the Mini Countryman (R60) with all-wheel drive, may require special equipment to remove the transmission.
- Programming: On some newer Mini models, especially those with automated manual transmissions (such as the Mini Cooper with Steptronic transmission), reprogramming of the transmission control unit may be required after clutch replacement.
