Clutch

[318i 1985]

Just picked up my 85 318i today, I am very excited she is truly beautiful. I was nervous because I bought the car online without driving it or seeing it, but I have to say the wholesaler on Ebay was solid in his discription and the car is everything he said and more.

My first of many questions is the clutch doesn't engage until its almost to the top of its release. It feels firm when depressing it and has good tension through-out, however it doesn't release till the top 10% of motion.

Is this normal or an indication of clutch work done down the road? I know its hard to diagnos via description but maybe this is commonplace.

Thanks in advance. I can't believe how clean this car is it truly has to be one of the nicest examples out there.

Doug

 

[selavia]

When you say doesn't engage, do you mean there is no motion at all, slight motion, what?

If there is no feel of grip, I believe that that is an indication of the clutch teeth being worn out and just about time for a new clutch. If you can get your car driving from complete stop starting in 3rd gear, that's usually an indication of needing a new clutch.

Another test (I do this from time to time just to know how much grip my clutch has); go to a flat parking lot, leave your foot off the brake and gas and slowly (like a trickle) lift your foot off the clutch and see when the car starts to have motion or when you feel 'grip.' In everyday road driving you never know what type of an incline you are on or any road imperfections that may cause you to roll forward/backward / or stand still. Doing this will give you an indication of where your clutch actually starts gripping.

I'm not an expert on trannies, but I think other members would give the same suggestions.

 

[jrt67ss350]

It's pretty common for stock clutches in E30s to not engage until the clutch pedal is almost released. As long as it isn't slipping when driving, you are probably ok. How many miles on the car?

 

[Doughnut]

Clutch engagement that you discribe is normal for our e30's, you'll find everyones stock e30 does that, mine does enjoy your new car!!

 

[318i 1985]

Thanks guys!

85 318i (114K).

 

[echothreezero]

Clutch teeth??? wtf? anyway - e30's (and e36's for that matter) have quite a firm clutch pedal with long travel and sounds normal to me. Takes a little getting used to.

Even so, replacement clutches are cheap and labour shouldn't be more than 1.5-2 hours for a pro. I've changed the clutch on an e30 m3 racecar 3 times during one race meet and I'm only a hobby mechanic.