Temporary clutch shudder w/6MT

[vinylengraver]

Yesterday we went for a trip downtown.
Unfortunately due to some special event half of the streets were closed off and traffic was horrible. Mostly at a standstill.
Stop-and-go for over an hour and a half and on hilly streets of Vancouver that resulted in a good exercise for my left leg. And for the first two gears.
While the engine was nice and hot by the time we reached our destination, so was the clutch, apparently.

After the car was parked at a fancy shopping mall for couple of hours (got to make wife happy from time to time) we head out back home and the clutch shudder on take-off was very apparent. Launching at higher rpm did help somewhat, but normal, smooth take-off attempts resulted in obvious, momentary skipping-catching feeling from the drivetrain.

It got better at each consecutive traffic light and this morning it seems to be back to normal.
Is this something you guys have experienced after driving in slow, heavy traffic?

[Lucky1]

Yes do you drive a 128i or 135i? In summer after a short time in traffic I've experienced it in my 128i a few times and when it does happen higher rpm launches helps prevent the shudder. I have changed my gear oil and differential fluid to Redline D6 and whatever the standard diff weight is and I think it made a little difference but if memory serves correct it still happens from time to time.

Wonder if getting rid of the CDV would help since we have to really slip the clutch in 1st as a result of it just to launch smoothly.

[desertman123]

I think it's just a combo of all the materials, engineering, design, etc of the flywheel and clutch. I've had it happen, same with another friend's 128i, and I saw an entire big thread about it on BabyBMW

[vinylengraver]

Originally Posted by Lucky1

Wonder if getting rid of the CDV would help since we have to really slip the clutch in 1st as a result of it just to launch smoothly.

Normally the clutch on my 135i feels great.
I never thought there was anything different or unusual about it and after driving stick for maaaaany years I have only discovered the supposed benefits of removing the clutch delay valve on this forum.
I am not sure if this is something I want to do... I never had any issue with consistent smooth jerk-free launches and as long as timing between left and right feet is right and I don't get sloppy or lazy with the shifts everything meshes together just right.

Anyway, just came back from a long-ish city drive and everything feels perfectly fine again.