18K and my clutch is shot! - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

rebel1 · 23rd November 2001, 21:09

I know there was a bunch of threads in the past on this subject. At the risk of asking old questions....................
Can anyone tell me if the replacement clutches are improved? My 00 is being done Monday and I want to be sure I don't get the same crap I had from the Factory. The official warrantee is void after 12K. Was there or is there any official recall or memo from BMW about these weak clutches? Has anyone been charged for a new one? I'm getting mine done at no charge. I inquired about getting an upgraded clutch, either BMW or after market and was told NO! Anyone been succesful with this idea? Did cost alot of $ to upgrade.
Thanks in advance for your feedback.
Bruce

rennen · 23rd November 2001, 22:16

I had my clutch replaced at 8k. I bought the car with 5k miles on it, so I don't know if it was abused or not. They did not charge me however, the new clutch continually smells as if it is burning. I know that it is not my driving, I just think that it is a weak clutch. The dealer hasn't provided any other reasons behind it. I didn't mind having it replaced when it was warranteed, but it's going to become aggravating if I have to do it again.

Aussie2U · 23rd November 2001, 22:17

Rebel, how did your dealer respond when you told him the clutch was gone? How hard did you have to push to get a new one for free?

Steve Beswick · 23rd November 2001, 23:20

Arrgggghhhh, my clutch is already feeling funny, releasing lower, etc. at only 4,000 miles ! Tell me it ain't so !

I sure hope it's a warranty item, as I'm gonna be real pi**ed off if I have to replace a clutch before 30,000 miles on an expensive, performance car.

Let us all know how it goes with the dealer. And BMW NA.

rebel1 · 24th November 2001, 19:41

Aussie,
The service manager at first teated me like a fool when over the phone I described the problem. I was told that it couldn't be the clutch slipping. It must be the syncrhos. I blew my cork (mildly) and explained to him that I had owned and driven more performance cars than he's worked on in his entire life, that I knew the difference between grinding gears and a slipping clutch. I had him test drive the car, them he agreed with me. He clearly let me know that BMW was not going to cover it but the dealership was. I personally think that is bull. My feeling is that BMWNA is quietly, unofficially replacing them. I have read a bunch of stuuf over the past couple years about bad clutches being replaced.
I'll keep you all in the loop.
Bruce

Pluto · 24th November 2001, 19:56

If u can afford it just buy a racing clutch, flywheels, etc...clearly that stock is crap.