I bought the car new, When I first heard the bearing noise, I contacted the dealer they told me that it is common, and that it should work in and quiet down. My Mini is about of warranty and still is making the noise two and a half years with 14000. miles on the car. I am an old fart that has driven many cars with manual transmissions. It is still new a new car in my eyes. I take it into the dealer and they tell me that BMW doesn't cover the problem if there is burn marks on the clutch. /that it would be at my risk if they torn into it and saw burn marks on the clutch I would have to pay for the repair. I couldn't believe my ears, I had the car in a year before and they told me that I needed a clutchkit and it was under warranty. After me crying and raising a stink they agreed to replace the bearing under warranty.

This is a car that I have babied, it sets in the garage most the time. I thinks I am going to have to sell it now after seeing that this is a problem with the mini's. If you buy a mini cooper buy the auto transmission, the manual will cost you money. I feel much better now thank you for letting me get this off my chest. TNTCrazy