Z4M test drive clutch woes

[georgefreeman]

Went to test drive a lovely Z4m yesterday in carbon black. P*****g wet, but carried on the none less.

Car is correct mileage, right age, right spec etc, but when driving the dealer had an issue with the clutch. Il explain in more detail:

Dealer started car from absolute cold ie left overnight

30 seconds later we were off, no proper warm up. He selected first and as we went it was an incredibly jumpy start. Selected second and under normal accerleration it was incredibly jumpy. We pulled over and the dealer had to pump the clutch a number of times before he said, that feels more like it. Speaking to him afterwards he said he was putting his foot on the clutch and there was nothing there!

When driving it seemed like it had a very high biting point so initially there was some clutch slip. Is this normal. I know I would get used to a higher clutch, been there before with another car.

Can anyone shed any light on the clutch issue? He did they would sort it but I've got no idea what it could be?!!

[hajaba123]

Drive a few more and see what you think. Clutch delay valve can be a 'feature' of these cars

[CornishRob]

Doesn't sound normal. The clutch should work like any other clutch.

They can be a bit awkward to get a smooth change between first and second.

[Beedub]

a clutch is a clutch lol.... something is clearly wrong.

The clutch action on my z4m is a lovely oiled feel, firm pedal with a smooth action... the only thing can be negative about is the heavy pedal but even that isn't really an issue.

[KENZ]

Agree with Beedub. Should be very smooth action.

[Fast3000]

There shouldn't be as much jerky ness as described. In comparison mine has a lowish biting point and is heavy as mentioned. Didn't take me long to get use to it, and can be driven very smoothly.

[Schermerhorn]

A clutch is a clutch.

The linkages might be shot. It is something I am replacing on my E36 M3 which has a very similar clutch to the E46 M3/Z4 M.

[georgefreeman]

I emailed the dealer today, surprise surprise no reply. Walking away from that one. Still on the hunt.

[zeDuffMan]

Was there any reason you weren't driving it yourself? Or did the dealer insist he drive?

[georgefreeman]

zeDuffMan said:

Was there any reason you weren't driving it yourself? Or did the dealer insist he drive?

The dealer drove it from the forecourt to a lay by which I gather from previous test drives is usual practice. It was immediately after setting off that it was incredibly jerky. We pulled over, the salesman compressed the clutch a number of times then it was fine after this.