M5 clutch vs. Other hi-perf. clutches?? - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

HotRod · 15th November 2001, 03:44

Having read the numerous threads on the M5's weak clutch, i was wondering if the owners of other high-performance cars on this board could tell us how they compare to ours. i know greg has a 996tt (one of my dream cars BTW!!), and someone else has a '95 diablo, and f355's, and Cobras/Vette's etc....

well, how do they compare with feel, heaviness, linkage, throw, reliability, performance, etc??? are the M5's clutches really that bad, or is it a driving style issue??? I must confess, i smelled my clutch burning once when i was being an idiot, but haven't had any other issues (yet..) with the clutch, as i am constantly aware of each shift, and that it could be my last if i'm not careful!! Reading this board has me scared to ***** about my clutch!!!!!

also, i know a lot of members here have seriously modified their cars. has anyone gotten an aftermarket clutch that may be better than stock, to handle the increased performance??

just pondering,

HotRod

greg · 15th November 2001, 04:32

A fair question. I think a combination of factors in the Porsche reduces clutch wear compared to the BMW.

1) The clutch take-up - that is, the amount of pedal travel between beginning of engagement and full pressure (of the pressure plate on the clutch plate) is probably half the distance of what it is in the M5. As a result, it is even harder to launch and shift the Porsche smoothly - especially up a hill - until you learn the rev-matched, get the clutch out quick shift technique.

2) pedal effort is higher in the Porsche

3) The Porsche torque isn't as great at very low RPMs

The M5, by contrast, makes the clutch really easy to modulate - which makes it easier to slip the clutch under a lot of power. I believe this significantly contributes to M5 clutch failures among some users.

P.S. - My 13-video-lesson launch and shift lessons, including advanced techniques like heel and toe and double clutching - is ready for prime time. I have the 13 video lessons plus some "bonus videos" and an HTML page that provides an index to all of them. The entire thing is about 200Mb. Unfortunately I have so far struck out on finding a place to host it. Anyone out there have some spare space? (All hope is not lost- there are still a few irons smouldering in the fire.)

Alternatively, I suppose if you wanted to send me a self-addressed, pre-posted CD mailer I could burn you a copy for a small fee to cover my costs - I don't want to use this board to sell stuff - but if there is sufficient demand it could become a big time hassle so I'm not comfy offering it for free. What do you think?

KRM · 15th November 2001, 04:43

Greg, I find your previous recordings and explanations to be very good. If you cannot find webspace to upload your videos, I would be more than willing to pay for a copy of your Launch and Shift lessons. Just let me know the details. thanks

Karman S.

CEC · 15th November 2001, 19:16

I too would be interested in a copy of the DVD.

I also have a question regarding the clutch pedal. Both the M3 and M5 owner's manuals recommend fully depressing the clutch pedal when shifting. Is this necessary?

IvanDias · 16th November 2001, 15:00

Sign Me Up !! How much and where do I send it?

CEC,

It will be a VCD or a CD full of MPGs/AVIs, not a DVD.

Will play on any Windows PC, but not a under-the-telly DVD player.

greg · 16th November 2001, 17:18

Well I just got a machine that I can write real DVD's with, but I did find someone to host the videos. They should be up very soon.

/Greg