E39 clutch failure symptoms

E39 clutch failure symptoms

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Discussion

nick1275

Original Poster:

1,272 posts

169 months

Tuesday 25th August 2015
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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?

Goatex

164 posts

146 months

Tuesday 25th August 2015
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I had intermittent slippage but not the juddering- although I had it looked into pretty quickly. Car had done similar mileage to yours...it also needed the dual mass flywheel replaced.

To clarify the clutch also needed replaced.

RichardM5

1,733 posts

135 months

Tuesday 25th August 2015
quotequote all
Slippage - Clutch wear.
Judder - Glazed clutch, clutch breaking up (worn out) or worn out DMF.
Sticky 1st gear when cold - Normal to an extent, may be signs of gear box wear.

Hereward

4,134 posts

229 months

Tuesday 25th August 2015
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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.

simonpa

377 posts

282 months

Wednesday 26th August 2015
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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.


leem5

243 posts

215 months

Thursday 27th August 2015
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It will most likely be the DMF if its juddering pulling away. It was with mine when it had the same symptoms a few years back.

nick1275

Original Poster:

1,272 posts

169 months

Saturday 29th August 2015
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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

Seesure

1,187 posts

238 months

Thursday 10th September 2015
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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.

nick1275

Original Poster:

1,272 posts

169 months

Saturday 21st November 2015
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Got round to doing this yesterday, what a difference it's made. Pedal is much lighter and no judder, and gear changes are silky smooth again. Oddly enough the clutch plate still had some life in it but the dmf was certainly past its best as was the release bearing.