328i E36: signs of dual mass flywheel failure?

[B234R]

Since I bought my 328i two years ago I´ve been complaining about the engine "feel": I don´t find it particularly smooth, it feels almost harsh, although sometimes is nicer than others. Said this, the car goes very well, mileage is good, and there are no stalling or driveability problems.

While replacing the engine (due to high oil consumption) a year ago the mechanic replaced the clutch but not the dual mass flywheel (DMF), he said it was "fine".

After going a few times to two different workshops when they didn´t find any cause for concern about the engine "harshness", vacuum leaks, error codes and INPA values seem correct, I´m beggining to think about the DMF, if it could be the guilty. What are the symptoms of a failing DMF? The clutch pedal feels normal, and there is no juddering when I engage 1st gear and beguing to ride.

Thanks!

[P700DEE]

My 520D F11 had DMF failure. The delamination initially felt like a missfire. It showed most when cold and sitting in traffic. As time went on it got worse and was diagnosed as DMF failure. I had it replaced and all has been fine.

[Simes205]

Mine made a horrid noise when depressing the clutch. Lived with it for 15,000miles.
Replaced it a few months back, all good. Never noticed vibration except from cold/ clutch judder.

[thatdude]

There are some specific tests for measuring the wear on DMF's

http://www.partinfo.co.uk/videos/23?ref=articles

There are also videos on youtube (some by Lux) which also discuss assessing a DMF. Measurments need to be taken; simply looking at it and poking it wont tell you much (a bit like looking at a tyre and thinking "looks inflated" when it might be 5 psi down)

[B234R]

Probably my DMF won´t be 100% OK after 135,000 miles but it doesn´t make strange noises and the clutch pedal feel is good...I would replace it if it wasn´t so expensive and wasn´t sure enough that´s the cause.

[4rephill]

BMW recommend replacing the DMF every second clutch replacement.

It's a wear item (the internal springs can wear out, as can the centre bearing), and if it is badly worn, it can result in damage to the clutch plate, damage to the starter motor, and in a worse case scenario, damage to the engines crank shaft!

It's not a cheap part to replace, but the damage it can do when it fails can be mega-expensive, so it's worth replacing if there are serious doubts about it's condition.