new clutch

[peachey]

Anybody know how expensive it is to have a clutch on a 400se replaced or is it a job that can be done by a competent diy-er? Can you get an up-rated item and is it worth it?
Thanks.

[nick heppinstall]

Hi Peachy. I'm sure you will have some detailed replies here, but to keep you going. I believe it's a fairly big job, possibly even an engine out so it's a bit expensive, possibly around £1K ? Have horror stories of chasis been chopped to cut corners so beware cheap quotes.

Cheers

Nick 400se

[JohnL]

I believe that cutting the chassis and rewelding afterwards is actually factory approved as an alternative to removing the engine.

[shpub]

quote:
I believe that cutting the chassis and rewelding afterwards is actually factory approved as an alternative to removing the engine.

No it isn't as many of the attempts to do it have resulted in twisted chassis/engine gearbox train. The problem is that it takes the main torque going thorugh the gearbox and this can lead to all sorts of problems.

Tower View and I modified the offending item by replacing it with a special mounting cradle that not only stiffens the chassis but allows the whole unit to be dropped out. Cost around £400-500 pnds but as the engine and gearbox seems to be in and out mor that ever, it is worthwhile as a clutch change is only a couple of hours.

The official ways of doing it and their are two schools of thought, is to either remove the engine or move the engine forward about eight inches and drop the gearbox from underneath using the extra space. Both are detailed in the Wedge bible.

Done both. The move engine is a bit easier for the DIYer but for the professional little in it. Cost is around 700-800 including clutch bits. Worth replacing the release arm/release bearing as well as the plate. And ... the clutch components are varied so no point in buying them first 'cos there is a pretty good chance they will not be the same as the ones fitted. SD1 clutches are a false economy as they don't tend to last even in the 350i because people tend to be a bit spirited in their driving techniques.

Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk

[danny hoffman]

You can definately cab change the clutch without removing the engine. I have done it twice! and the reason, the pivot post of the clutch release arm - so I recommend you add this to the list of bits to swap whilst you are in there. And yes I did it all single handed by moving the engine forward a few inches.

Danny

PS You have have to barking mad to cut the chassis IMHO

[JohnL]

quote:
PS You have have to barking mad to cut the chassis IMHO

Yeah that's what I thought when I heard it. Glad I misunderstood about it being "officially" sanctioned