Who Will Win? DEAD Clutch on Mini R53 JCW vs. Me / Nürburgring

[@Bruder_42]

It's so impressive how you can hop in just any car and be able to drive it like this on the Ring. Huge respect misha

[@rooksreview]

Only with Misha.

[@Paganizondaf650]

Really like the idea of a r53 cooper s as a country road cruiser. The supercharger sound never gets old. Respect to the owner for throwing that many mods on it. CAE shifter and decent clutch is next

[@dutchminir5318]

Took it a bit further than that 😏

[@dutchminir5318]

@@chriskingston4810 new gearbox and fully forged engine fitted. Including some other bits and bobs, like a coolerworkx and lighter flywheel + clutchpack

[@thelombax]

I understand the broken clutch, but that multiple gear grinding just hurts watching 😥

[@scotthill28]

The force is strong within you. You handled that whole situation like a boss.

[@chrisflorian4308]

I also own a MINI Cooper S (R53) with the whole JCW-Kit (210 hp) + modificated cylinder head with bigger valves + sharp camshaft + smaller pulley + GP-intercooler + MSD-ignition coil + MSD-ingnition cable + 82 degrees thermostat + modificated by-pass flap + complete Milltek exhaust + race mainfold + software on the dyno + other modfications suspension, braks and so and my MINI is a little bit weight reduced. My MINI runs on 32 degrees on the outside 257 hp on the dyno. Awesome video !!!

[@Modmaann]

These are my mods just for the engine part at least fully gutted atm Engine • 15% Helix Pulley • RMW Big Valve Head • RMW Dominator Cam • RMW Shorty Header • MINI GP Intercooler • Milltek Resonated Catback Exhaust system. • Ksm 650cc Injectors • RMW Tuned • Dimsport MyGenius • DeatschWerks Uprated Fuel Pump • DDM Air Intake box with Mishmoto cold air intake filter •Upgraded Ignition coil pack by BenchMark racing products + Upgraded high heat leads by BenchMark Co. • DDM GP Intercooler Diverter • NGK Iridium IX Spark Plugs +2 steps/ranges Colder • VibraTechnics Upper Engine Mount • VibraTechnics Lower Engine Mount • PowerFlex Lower Engine Mount Bushings • RMW Aluminum Coolant Expansion Tank • Forge Aluminum Power Steering Tank • Aquamist HFS4 Methenol Injection (Installed, but not hooked up) •Mini Cooper Gp1 style bigger top mount intercooler These are mods ATM

[@Modmaann]

Forgot to add sprintex supercharger as well Your mini sounds fun too!

[@chrisflorian4308]

@@Modmaann Thanks man. I hope your car is soon fixed with a working clutch. A whole nürburgring round with your MINI would be very interesting for me. Awesome, that you still driving the "old" MINI with the supercharger. - My whole cylinder head is from NG-Motorsports in Germany - catcam camshaft - I also have some heat protection products from M7-Speed under the hood installed - chassis stabilizers from the MINI Cabrio (R52) and from M7 Speed - upgraded coupling bars from Meyhle - Motec MCR2 Ultralight wheels with titan wheel bolts - JCW brake on the front - yellow EBC-brake pads with EBC brake discs - steel braided brake lines - lite blox battery - software optimized on the dyno from Dynamic Automotive in Germany (I have a modificated GP-software) - rear seats removed and titan strunt installed (not a full cage) - M7-Speed front splitter (material: Tegris) - M7-Speed canards on the front (material: carbon) - M7-Speed strut bar - Forge cooling water tank .... Soon I must install my oil catch can in carbon from M7 Speed. It isn't installed yet. And I need better seats on the front. How is your experience with the sparco seats? My MINI don't have much torque (258 newtonmeters at about 6000 rpm). And 257 hp at about 7700 rpm. Thanks. Best wishes Chris

[@grimmig13]

Seemed like a pretty fun ride up until the clutch failed... the relationship You have with the marshals is hilarious 😁

[@TheGoose98]

1:40 man this panel gap is just something else..

[@saltwiththat]

The front bumpers catch on bumps really easy.

[@Porkycheun]

I have one as well and I think his bonnet needs adjusting.

[@RobbertKlunder]

Hé normally has a GP bumper up front.

[@MrTchou]

@misha you can change gears without clutch, but you need to sync the engine to the gearbox, give light pressure on the shifter and press the accelerator to get the engine at the correct rpm then the gear will engage, it’s not the most safe for the gearbox way, but it may help you get to the nearest repair shop. I used this method when i broke the clutch cable on my Renault Super 5, back in the days, i managed to drive 15 kilometers like that, i had to stall the car to stop it and use the starter as a motor to get it moving from full stop. Something no possible today since you can’t engage the starter if a gear is engaged nowadays..

[@mgcharoudin]

Yes, I know, but I'd rather not experiment too much on a live racetrack in car that's not mine (paradox I know)

[@MrTchou]

@@mgcharoudin not really a paradox, it was the safe thing to do, but I must admit I was afraid you wouldn’t have enough momentum to get to the exit safely.

[@imnota]

@@mgcharoudin I agree that it was the right choice to exit and stop, especially since if you missed this exit you were forced to continue for a while, however it would've prevented trying to jam it in gear and grinding it 10 times while trying to reach the exit

[@fastgixxer1252]

It was painful listen gears grinding! I would think anybody that’s into cars and racing and knows how to drive manual gearbox would know how to switch into gears when losing clutch!

[@MrTchou]

To Misha’s discharge he was on the track with a car he drove for the first time, and people coming potentially at a very fast pace behind. It’s easy to comment from our side when we are not stressed. My very first comment was more as a reminder for future potential issues, i wasn’t trying to discard Misha’s abilities. When I had that issue myself I was told how to do it by a friend and practiced then on an healthy car. When my clutch cable snapped I knew what to do because I had the « training ». I had to do it again on a lada Niva a few years later when the hydraulic clutch command leaked. (I didn’t even know that it was hydraulic on a Niva then.). Misha could have chosen to not publish this video but he did, and I thank him for this. Let’s hope he can do the lap again when the car is repaired because it’s an interesting car to lap imho.

[@itswhip]

Once had to drive my MKII GTI three hours back home from a car meet after losing the clutch. Learned rev matching real quick! Stopping for the tolls was tricky though. Had to turn the car off and start the engine in 1st gear with my foot on the gas, all the while praying my starter was up for the challenge. Luckily, it was!

[@jtl789456123]

Points for sporty sounding exhaust

[@TamagoHead]

👍For the supercharger whine too!

[@dannyl7076]

Love it

[@spin1275gt]

Finally a drive in a mini r53, I been waiting for this so long. And then the owner has the typical clutch problems which can easily be solved. Hope you can do a full lap soon with a speedometer cam

[@Snake2303]

Easily? To change the clutch its not easy and not cheap.

[@spin1275gt]

@Snake2303 replacing a clutch slave cylinder is a 1 hour job including the right bleeding procedure. Which clearly the problem here.

[@Mmm66689]

@@spin1275gt will need to take the whole lot out for a r53 to access and change the clutch.

[@DrCrunkMusic]

I'll be honest Misha I've driven 2 hours home after a clutch failure, not once did I try to jam it in gear and have my gearbox make that noise 😬 rev match 👌 obviously helps if you know the car 😅

[@iamatlantis1]

😂😂

[@jstllucky]

Misha my guy keep on mind for next time, you can change gears without clutch if you rev match.

[@Gobbbbb]

Just rev up and down till it grinds itself in ;) Edit: What I said sounds awfully dirty, not intentional lol.

[@imnota]

Yeah I was cringing at him trying to jam it in with the engine at idle

[@DrCrunkMusic]

@@imnota yeah I think I cringed more than the owner 😅. I'm not knocking Misha btw he is a fantastic driver. In a car you don't know on a track under some pressure, he stayed very very calm 👌 when it happened to me on holiday with 3 kids in the back, luggage, roofbox and panicking wife I got home. If I had to stop I had to turn the car off and pull away with the starter motor 😅. Pulled the gearbox the following weekend and the clutch fork had snapped in 2 🤣. 190,000 mile Bora 4motion 👌 great car and it was the original clutch

[@MistahLogi]

9:23 guy who owns the mini looks so defeated while Misha is grinding the gearbox and laughing 😂

[@samwilliams6]

Thinking the same . Like bro stop fucking my gear box haha

[@JMNTN]

if you want a free lap with misha you have to take the lack of mechanical sympathy with it

[@marcnobel3938]

A calm mind and good timing saved the day. - Great Video!

[@statesidesupercars]

wow it looks so warm there, thought it was winter in Germany at the moment!?? (just commenting what everyone comments on my videos lol)

[@mgcharoudin]

Not only on your channel🤣

[@Gobbbbb]

@@mgcharoudin I'm sure you addressed this in another video recently 😂

[@adelsabic]

Next time if something like this happens, try to rev match and gear should hop in without needing the clutch. I think it's better than grinding the syncros. Regardless, cool car 👍🏼

[@radspiderjackson]

Glad to know i wasnt the only one requesting a lap in this!

[@b.maler7697]

"Clutchless Rev Matching" it's a thing lol. But I was getting a kick out of the owners reaction when the gears were grinding.

[@tobyticehurst]

Learning how to rev match will be beneficial in circumstances like this Misha and its quite satisfying when you get the hang of it too. Shame the clutch had packed its bags as the car looked like it could have been a fun rip.

[@mivedthekid]

bro the fact he kept grinding the gears Lol poor guy

[@Crippler.]

Been waiting a long time to see you in an R53 , shame it had to be in this one 🥲 From the first gear change you can tell the clutch is knackered.

[@OllieW501]

I drove a Rover 400 for 3 days with no clutch, just need to reve in neutral to find the right engine speed, and hold against the gate. Actually wasn't too bad.

[@ioanpara1181]

Finally an R53 with you driving it! 💪💪💪 Now it's time for a GP1 in the ring!!

[@bisondacierr]

Ups, know that feeling. Spa arriving at les Combes last year, 964 wouldn't engage 3rd, was my 8th lap. Drove 600km home in one go without pee break.

[@foulmouthgonz7174]

MINI Life. I own 2 of these little head cases😂

[@xXxH8TERxXx]

I think this is a first (on the channel) that you had to end the lap there 🤔

[@mgcharoudin]

Yes haha

[@jakobdollerup3768]

sad with the clutch, i was really excited to see a video from you with a mini r53

[@peterthemaniac]

broken clutch is never fun ,but it seams like a fun car !

[@Mozz_Films]

No end... That is no end... Some extra details of how it all ended...K´moooooooon!

[@machina_spirit]

Sucks about the bunk clutch, but that exhaust sounded good! Cool high pitch tone for a 4 banger, paired well with the supercharger whine

[@douglasreid699]

i had an old vauxhall combo van (pretty much a 99 year corsa B chassis with no back seats and van box welded on it), and on my way home on the motorway where traffic had backed up my clutch cable snapped. my dad taught me how to change gear without a clutch. i have tried it on different vehicles and rule of thumb i worked out is 1st to 2nd is about 15mph to switch gear, 2nd to 3rd is 25mph, 3rd to 4th is 35mph, and 4th to 5th is 55mph and same speeds on the way down. i also noticed on my transit van, it has a when to change gear light when going up the box, that is also roughly when to change gear without a clutch too but coming down the box is the hard part lol. you did well to keep it safe though, good job.

[@FollowNdFeel]

Oh man, I can’t wait until this guy returns. Hood sounding mini.

[@MrTrashman1504]

No front, but why is there's always something broke and the cars that people give Misha for a ride? Didn't they look after it? Last service a couple of years ago? I don't get it. If I want my car driven by him then I have to be sure, the thing works 100 percent.

[@Jonathan-qz9kd]

Totally agree why take a half broken car to the ring you could see at the start of lap it had a clutch issue

[@floriannieuwenhuizen4071]

As a R53 owner, i would love to see the whole lap 😅, but after the carrousel it's gonna heat soak. Wanna drive a 330 mini misha? Its only 330mm disks sadly, my exhaust isnt this loud LOL

[@997GURU]

Feel sorry for the owner who put time and money into his project and the clutch brakes down...but everything can happen on the edge, very professional actions from Misha

[@uncleTedLol]

How the fuck is trying to force a gearbox into gear with a dead clutch professional? Professional at chipping gears possibly, and adult hissyfits over broken 20 year old cars lmao

[@paulofreitas681]

at 9:20 the owner looking for misha grinding the gearbox for fun and thinking wtf if it was my car misha would only have done that 1 time 😆

[@TheBlackD]

Happened to me a few years ago. Broke the clutch as I was passing through the barrier. Got out at Adenau. The 400km ride back home was interesting ... I was so bummed out because the car just came back from the garage where they changed all suspensions on all 4 corners. The car was so sharp.

[@arcshaw6396]

It was kinda cool seeing that exit area. Haven’t seen that before

[@iuopunderstandyourjokes9914]

The sound is absolut bliss

[@Mr.Heisenberg513]

The smile of this car owner when you was driving was precious

[@TheGhostScooter]

If your clutch is gone your lap is done.😕 Shit Happens man. Go on 👍 See you 🙋🏻‍♂️.

[@xero256]

Nice! Too bad for the mechanical issue. Looks like that little car is an absolute hoot out there! Something tells me that the owner is going to have the transmission refreshed soon, with an LSD installation and a new clutch in the not so distant future.

[@johannsmith5697]

new clutch will make care like a dream

[@misheckmurage6381]

Even though the clutch gave in, the man is so happy about his car...

[@RicardoPestana]

that poor gearbox is in agony....

[@LasseJOugaard]

The clutches on these are notorious for being really heavy and later going bad. The gearbox itself is usually trouble-free because the Cooper S has a 6 speed Getrag (unlike the One and the normal Coopers that had a 5-speed "midland" gearbox, which was a disaster...). One thing I just cannot understand, is why people bring semi-broken cars for you to try out Misha? Wouldn't you want your car to be in tip-top condition, especially when putting a "stranger" behind the wheel? 🤔 I had an R53 a couple of years ago. It's THE most fun car I've had, but the heavy clutch was actually one of the reasons I sold it. I could have just taken the 'box out and fixed it, buuut you know... 😅

[@NewtonInDaHouseYo]

Yes, you can easily tell when the clutch is on the way out. Why go on the Nürburgring with a worn out clutch? Also, 230HP but no LSD? Best thing is to install a (e.g. Quaife) LSD when you need to replace the clutch and dual mass flywheel. It's a huge job though ... so factor that in when buying an R53.

[@sebhamilton3868]

I’ve been waiting for this for a long time

[@WyFoster]

Misha, double clutch!

[@Herresgti]

misha saved some pennies coasting it out of there instead of getting it towed nice one

[@Nothy]

the feeling when my car shifts like the cooper did as you got on the track.. I should probably get my clutch replaced.

[@bobmanzi7712]

you ran that thing into the ground. great stuff thanks

LSD and gearbox fixed... that must be a suuuuuper cool car

[@csllover]

Whats the point of bringing a car to the 'ring with a knackered clutch?

[@r53caspar]

I got my wish to see an r53 which I also own and will take to green hell in the summer :)) thanks for the vid as usual.

[@sethnanayakkara7806]

We all want to see you lap a classic mini Mishaa!

[@kevinDG7]

Well kort maar krachtig. Hope this year you can do the full lap

[@TamagoHead]

I think the 1st gen used the head to mount the motor & don’t have a lot of metal should the head get warped. Someone tried to give me one after it blew the head gasket blew ( water 💧 in the oil). It was a JCW with a JCW air box, pulley swap & exhaust. Short wheelbase, so fun.

[@stephenblakey4913]

Should fit a sports clutch for fast road use people mod cars without sorting the basics. If ur gonna up the power fit a high performance clutch so it can cope with track usage.

[@sgoldens24]

I have lived next door to a Mini dealer ship ever since they came were introduced & nothing but problems, with hydraulic chain tensioner issues & the smallest clutches burning out after just 1 month on the road. This car is so under engineered & suspension parts give out early on as well. So very sad for a cute car..............

[@kickass4789]

Would love to take my AWD k24 swapped mini on the ring Maybe one day

[@jaymec5137]

Hope you drive another R53 with a good clutch next time.

[@markyb3575]

My R53 JCW is sorted, would love for you to have a go.... just have to get it across the pond from Canada 😂

[@TheCerovec]

4:21 i really don't need this today...

[@R4M_M]

I rolled down that exit in my car with no gears as well, but on mine the driveshaft decided it wanted a divorce from the CV joint.... great times

[@MrMBinder]

The rare "short version" of the track 👀

[@NemesisDigitalMedia]

Misha, Ive always considered selling my Fiesta ST for a JCW mini, whats your thoughts?

[@grapsorz]

you need to learn to shift without a clutch ;) it is possible. you just need to know about rpm matching ;) if you can get your hand on a old car that is going to the scrappers do some km in it whiteout using the clutch ;) it is a skill that can com REAL handy.

[@Gobbbbb]

Not his car to be doing that to, maybe if he couldn't get off so early he might've had to do that, or stop and start the car in 3rd gear off the starter motor or bump start.

[@grapsorz]

@@Gobbbbb you dont learn on a car like this. STIL if you already know it is not a problem to get home. you can shift up or down, stil down is 10 times harder then up ;) and you do NOT use force. no grinding and no were on the box. normally you can shift with one finger. It do require real good understanding of rpm and where the gearbox is at speed etc. its as harder as driving a sliding gear box and duble clutching.

[@Gobbbbb]

@@grapsorz Well no I agree with you there lol, I've had a clutch cable snap on a motorcycle before 2 times and always got home, that said it's much easier on a bike due to the gearbox being a sequential lol, however the gear ratios between 1st and 2nd gear made it quite tricky. With Misha, I think he was just to in the moment to think about it logically, I know I wouldn't be thinking straight if I was on a live racetrack with a dead clutch / cylinder.

[@grapsorz]

@@Gobbbbb the bikes i have driven is dog internal so clutch is not needed ;) i have driven so many bikes sit a competition box that i must think hard to use the clutch on a bike lol ;) i have had to come and drive other ppl's car home when a wire snap etc. the best box i drove was a VW t3 buss. that was super good when it came to no clutch shifting. you start it is 1 and then drive off. every time you have to stop you need to restart the car stil you can drive normally until then.

[@Gobbbbb]

@@grapsorz Yup, pretty much all bikes are dog boxes. I only use the clutch for 1st-2nd just because the gearing is far too long between gears, the rest are super easy, it's the one thing I hate about my bike, the rpms drop too low and fall out of the power. I haven't driven cars much at all to be honest, but I found the most forgiving was a VW Passat 1.9TDi, easiest car I've ever driven, that car will probably outlive me :D

[@mathiasoddershede6279]

I have been waiting for a video with a r53 for long time. Hope you find another one in the new season. Otherwise I will come to the ring so you can smash mine around the ring. Ps mine has a new clutch and flywheel haha

[@samuelgomez3311]

You should go for a demonstration about how to drive without any clucth... That could be a priceless masterclass, but not yet, hahaha

[@micheltebraake7915]

Zonde van de koppeling/versnellingsbak, het ging best wel lekker.

[@dacasman]

I had this same problem in my R53. They have a really crap clutch slave cylinder design. The whole thing is plastic and it can crack making it all wiggly so you can't get full clutch disengagement.

[@andrejatomanic]

That same gearbox is in the focus ST170 , you should try one of those

[@Slo_Rocco]

Nope not the same box

[@sixhunt]

dead clutch on a r53, no way :D unheard of :D :D

[@OneCleans13]

Sounds awesome

[@JuanitoCarreras]

First time I see adenau exit, thanks Misha :)

[@lionwei4506]

Why my stock 2004 FL R53 JCW doesn't sound like that ya? Really stock JCW exhaust?

[@spongbob18]

dose the brake fluid and clutch use same reservoir might of been boiling it 🤔

[@Porkycheun]

Hopefully I will be able to catch you on the Ring this year with my R53! 😅

[@zerooneonetwothree1872]

I feel bad, the owner was enjoying it at first :( What happens now? Do you have to pay for the clutch or?

[@apostolosmaniscalco3613]

Hi Misha from Greece! First of all, congratulations on your videos and your progress! I would like your opinion, if you remember of course. I have the same tires which I have not been happy with at all. It is the 2nd generation of YOKOHAMA ADVAN. The first good ones were the R. The RS is their evolution which has to do with pollutants. This made them unacceptable and they don't have the required grip and also whistle a lot. How did they look to you from the little time you had time to drive them?

[@Jonathan-qz9kd]

Where did you get that front lower splitter

[@sotirispa]

Is this the notchy-gearbox-February? Love it so far 😂

[@hugoboss8786]

Perfekt R56 Diffusor am R53 sieht man selten.

[@ingridhohmann3523]

Hi Misha,you have a.blue sky,can't believe it,rare for February, and I can see you are busy allready, nice the see my home turf,take care ✋️ .

[@oscarzt1652]

exhaust sounds a bit like my ST170 but better sound and lots more pops.

[@belhedizied8937]

You can tell from the start of the video when misha was using his card and shifted gears entering the track he had this weird look like "something is not right", to be honest the car is great and so is the owner but i think after putting so many mods on it, you can't leave the transmission untouched

[@markyb3575]

Transmission is fairly bulletproof, it's the stock clutch that's the issue.

[@martinchapman2168]

Good video

[@Priapos93]

Beautiful pedals. How was the feel? Edit: so good that you could coast(?) to the ausfahrt

[@OkieDokieSmokie]

Was just wondering if you’ve ever had a car fail on track. Other than that budget turbo one.

[@mateusztur8582]

Można było podbić obroty i bieg przy odpowiednim zagraniu wszedł by bez sprzęgła

[@6pistons]

If that MINI had the WRC engine and gearbox, it more likely survive the Ring

[@oldschool_racing]

It's a bit dissapointing that experienced driver is unable to rev-match and put gear in without clutch. It's really easy, just a bit complicated than on dog box. The only issue is to start driving, you should start engine with 1st gear engaged. After that, you can drive infinitely and change gears without clutch. Lift-off and gear comes out, rev-match and gear comes in.

[@TheMoffBoy]

Knowing this car, highly likely that the shift linkage has done its duty.

[@ilovecabbagges]

r53 goated mini -r53 owner (me)

[@erikthys3911]

Mini suddenly went hybrid

[@michaelsmedley7519]

Sounds epic

[@davidsmall7676]

Sad Mini. Sadder for an incomplete lap. Next time! 😮

[@Keano04JCW]

Been wanting you to jump in a proper r53 for ages and it’s such a shame this is the one you got 😢 you made the best out of that example so fair play but there are much better r53s out there so hope you get another chance 👍

[@Crippler.]

Exactly what I was thinking. I respect the owner regardless but you could tell from the first gear change that the car wasn't fit for the ring. As you say there's so many serious R53s out there whose owners would gladly let Misha do a lap.

[@7plymaple124]

My wife was wondering why I said STOP! when you kept trying to grind it into gear without blipping.

[@iceb-akap77ice93]

Oh heck. That's not good. Sounds so good too. That's not gonna be cheap. 😥 cool video. Did you watch the Bathurst 12 hr.? Some records broken yesterday. ✌