E39 clutch failure symptoms
Discussion
Having a few clutch issues, car is on its original clutch and on 91k. Firstly it slipped a bit during an over take a few months ago, not done it since. Within the last few weeks it seems to of developed a clutch judder when pulling away, seems to be intermittent but getting more regular. On top of this from cold it's very difficult to engage 1st gear, but after a few miles it's perfect. Box oil was changed last year, circa 2k miles ago.
I've resigned myself to the fact it will probably end up needing a clutch, but are these symptoms fairly representative of clutch failure on these cars?
I've resigned myself to the fact it will probably end up needing a clutch, but are these symptoms fairly representative of clutch failure on these cars?
I had the slippage issue, bit embarrassing when you're mid-overtake and have to bail out!
It's best practice to replace the flywheel at the same time too (plus may as well do the rear seal, propshaft bearing and giubo).
91k on the original clutch is a good innings, you can be pleased with that. Mine got to just over 80k miles.
It's best practice to replace the flywheel at the same time too (plus may as well do the rear seal, propshaft bearing and giubo).
91k on the original clutch is a good innings, you can be pleased with that. Mine got to just over 80k miles.
91k is impressive!
It's probably just clutch plate wear and build-up on the flywheel and pressure plate.
BMW always say change the flywheel as well, but I'm pretty sure a good cleanup/sand or micro reface would be fine.
A reface would only cost £50 at a machine shop, but replacement would give you peace of mind.
There are places around that will rebuild the friction and pressure plate to better than OEM standard, but I'm not sure how the cost compares with new items.
A friend had this done on his AM Vantage - the refurb cost £250, but a new friction/pressure plate would cost over £1000
As mentioned, make sure the release bearing/mech is changed and also any accessible seals - maybe even the crank one, although I've not heard of problems with these, even on high-mileage cars.
It's probably just clutch plate wear and build-up on the flywheel and pressure plate.
BMW always say change the flywheel as well, but I'm pretty sure a good cleanup/sand or micro reface would be fine.
A reface would only cost £50 at a machine shop, but replacement would give you peace of mind.
There are places around that will rebuild the friction and pressure plate to better than OEM standard, but I'm not sure how the cost compares with new items.
A friend had this done on his AM Vantage - the refurb cost £250, but a new friction/pressure plate would cost over £1000
As mentioned, make sure the release bearing/mech is changed and also any accessible seals - maybe even the crank one, although I've not heard of problems with these, even on high-mileage cars.
Cheers for the input chaps, am going to get the clutch etc done soon. Used the car way more than normal this week including 160 miles on motorways today, all the notchyness from cold has gone. Also treated it to a new set of ps3's on Thursday, seem a vast improvement of the goodyears that it came with
Slippage in mid overtake... is what showed on may last car as clutch failure, it was only ever when dropping from 6th gear to 5th that it manifested itself...
That was changed at 96k miles and was still fine when the car was sorn'd last year at 232k. Plus the flywheel was not changed either, my indy inspected it when changing the clutch and confirmed there was no need for a new flywheel
The current car is now at 132k miles and is still on the original clutch.
That was changed at 96k miles and was still fine when the car was sorn'd last year at 232k. Plus the flywheel was not changed either, my indy inspected it when changing the clutch and confirmed there was no need for a new flywheel
The current car is now at 132k miles and is still on the original clutch.
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