when to replace clutch?

[sonicbimmer19]

Hey all,

How do you know when it's time to replace clutch? And I know it depends on how you drive, but about when/what miles are you supposed to change clutch?

Any idea if it's covered by BMW warranty/maintenance or how much it is at the dealer and at independent shops?

The reason I'm asking is my car, when going back to 1st gear from higher gear, shakes quite a bit. I'm not sure if it's just that I suck at driving manual but it started happening recently. I could just be releasing clutch too much without pushing gas

thanks all!

[Dackelone]

You replace the clutch when it begins to slip. ...or when it engages at the very TOP of releasing the clutch pedal. Normally a clutch should be good for 100K plus. But some guys need a new clutch sooner. Like around 60K miles or when they start to go over 400 ft/lbs of torque do to mod-ing.

A new clutch at the dealer runs $3K to $4K. Yup,you read right. At least the two 1addicts guys here posted those prices. One guy had his go out at 30K, he was the second onwer and the clutch went out a few weeks after buying the used 135i. Luckily his dealer went 50/50 on a good will. I think the other poor guy paid "full pop". The reason why its so much is because of the dual mass flywheel and other parts that are needed.

Then again... some guys have gotten away for much less. Under $1K in parts plus labor.

[Lester]

You shouldn't normally need to downshift into first gear while driving. Let the car come to a stop, then shift into first.

[Detailer]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

A new clutch at the dealer runs $3K to $4K. Yup,you read right.

How can it cost 3-4k when a clutch disc is $150 and the flywheel is $500? (price from realoem)

[sonicbimmer19]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

You replace the clutch when it begins to slip. ...or when it engages at the very TOP of releasing the clutch pedal. Normally a clutch should be good for 100K plus. But some guys need a new clutch sooner. Like around 60K miles or when they start to go over 400 ft/lbs of torque do to mod-ing.

A new clutch at the dealer runs $3K to $4K. Yup,you read right. At least the two 1addicts guys here posted those prices. One guy had his go out at 30K, he was the second onwer and the clutch went out a few weeks after buying the used 135i. Luckily his dealer went 50/50 on a good will. I think the other poor guy paid "full pop". The reason why its so much is because of the dual mass flywheel and other parts that are needed.

Then again... some guys have gotten away for much less. Under $1K in parts plus labor.

Thanks for the input. My friend told me it's around $2500 at independent shops. I thought he was crazy, I guess he was right.
But I guess I'm just driving my car wrong. My old car and this car are a bit different.

[sonicbimmer19]

Originally Posted by Lester

You shouldn't normally need to downshift into first gear while driving. Let the car come to a stop, then shift into first.

Yeah, I think I'm just driving my car wrong. With my old car, I never downshifted to 1st gear ever but with my 128i, I've been downshifting to 1st gear when going around 10 MPH. I guess I'll downshift to 2nd gear and push gas sooner.
Thanks!

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by Detailer

How can it cost 3-4k when a clutch disc is $150 and the flywheel is $500? (price from realoem)

$2,800... but I see this is Canadian dollars. So... figure slightly more in USd.

Originally Posted by dsmp

So after nine days of sitting at calgary bmw's outdoor lot, they finally took it apart today to reveal some pretty nasty stuff. For example. No warranty coverage even though i have the extended service pack which covers the clutch.

Current milage:
8000kms(3000kms of which is highway from calgary to victoria in august)

While inspecting the carnage, the technition is quick to tell me that this type of problem would ONLY occur during abuse of the vehicle. I asked the tech what kind of abuse he is referring to. He
says brake stands, clutch drop etc..... I immediatly point to my tires which still have the "nubs" on them......

He doesnt care and basically the tech and service advisor agree that i am liable and should cover the repairs for the car which i took possesion of june 2008.

COST breakdown:
PARTS:
slave cyliner: $120
Clutch Kit: $302
Flywheel: $1328
Misc hardware $72

PARTS: $1822 +
LBR 7.7hrs @ $130 = $1001
TOTAL: $2823 +GST

Clutch problem
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...=clutch+failed



This guy had Dinan cover his for $2K. Thats not a COD repair price but warranty price (I bet). Warranty time pays less (parts AND labor) figure 40% markup for COD.

Clutch Worn Out at 20,000 miles!!!
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...utch+bmw+cover

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by sonicbimmer19

Yeah, I think I'm just driving my car wrong. With my old car, I never downshifted to 1st gear ever but with my 128i, I've been downshifting to 1st gear when going around 10 MPH. I guess I'll downshift to 2nd gear and push gas sooner.
Thanks!

The only time you should downshhift into 1st gear is while the car is stopped. And even then I would first more the shifter into 2nd before rying to move the shifter into 1sr gear slot. That is not good on the trans(syncros). Also... never rest you hand on the shifter nor your foot on the clutch pedal.

[PA135i]

$300 battery.. $3000 clutch. Looks like long term life with a 1 series is going to get expensive. I wanted to keep my car at least to 100K. I am at 49K now. My 135i will turn 4 on July 15, 2012. I did purchase the extended maintenance to 6 yr. 100K.
I wonder if the clutch falls under that warranty. I am guessing it is not.

[sonicbimmer19]

Originally Posted by kja325ci

$300 battery.. $3000 clutch. Looks like long term life with a 1 series is going to get expensive. I wanted to keep my car at least to 100K. I am at 49K now. My 135i will turn 4 on July 15, 2012. I did purchase the extended maintenance to 6 yr. 100K.
I wonder if the clutch falls under that warranty. I am guessing it is not.

Spark plugs for 135i is replaced at 50k under warranty, to my knowledge. Take advantage of that.

[sonicbimmer19]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

The only time you should downshhift into 1st gear is while the car is stopped. And even then I would first more the shifter into 2nd before rying to move the shifter into 1sr gear slot. That is not good on the trans(syncros). Also... never rest you hand on the shifter nor your foot on the clutch pedal.

Got it. I'm not a bad manual driver by no means but I never took lessons or properly learned how to drive it. I just kind of learned by myself.
(In the States, literally 95%+ of drivers drive automatic transmission. I know it's the opposite in Germany/Europe)

[BFD99]

So the clutch isn't covered under warranty or the maintenance program? I was smelling mine pretty good today.

[Vigilante375]

They told me the clutch was replaced for free at 90k but I'm not sure about anything in between that.