Diagnose my clutch over the internet

[John V]

There might be some uneven clutch material deposits on either the pressure plate or the flywheel which could cause the juddering, which could cause the two flywheel masses to get out of sync. Just a guess. Clutches also grip better when they're warmed up, so if it was cold this morning, it might hide the problem.

If there's a single-mass solution for your car I'd probably choose to replace the clutch / FW with that, assuming you take the car in to get the clutch done. There is nothing magic about BMW clutches that requires any specialized labor. Any good indie shop should be able to handle it. It'll be expensive, though.

[Plaz]

Originally Posted by John V

There might be some uneven clutch material deposits on either the pressure plate or the flywheel which could cause the juddering, which could cause the two flywheel masses to get out of sync. Just a guess. Clutches also grip better when they're warmed up, so if it was cold this morning, it might hide the problem.

If there's a single-mass solution for your car I'd probably choose to replace the clutch / FW with that, assuming you take the car in to get the clutch done. There is nothing magic about BMW clutches that requires any specialized labor. Any good indie shop should be able to handle it. It'll be expensive, though.

That's an interesting thought (deposits). It was cold this morning, but the problem was pretty horrific at times over the winter, too. I wonder if doing some gratuitous clutch burning would help "mill" any such deposits off, or just make the problem worse.

Single mass is also an interesting thought, though with this car I'm especially hesitant to do anything not to OEM spec. I'm going to sell it at some point (not soon), and I have a feeling potential buyers for a high mileage 1M are going to be extra anal-retentive about absolutely everything. Even moreso if it goes up on BaT. (Have they even had a 1M yet?)

Good to know there's no special BMW clutch juice required. Thanks.

[Plaz]

Originally Posted by John V

There might be some uneven clutch material deposits on either the pressure plate or the flywheel which could cause the juddering, which could cause the two flywheel masses to get out of sync. Just a guess.

Actually, I think this may have been the issue. A few days ago I did an intentional controlled clutch burn (was painful, felt very wrong to be doing that). But since I did it, I haven't felt the symptoms again. Time will tell, I guess.

[rumatt]

Originally Posted by Plaz

A few days ago I did an intentional controlled clutch burn (was painful, felt very wrong to be doing that). .

You should have just taught your daughter to drive stick.

Glad it helped!!!

[Plaz]

Originally Posted by rumatt

You should have just taught your daughter to drive stick.

Glad it helped!!!