Clutch Problems? - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Steve Beswick · 21st December 2001, 17:21

I know many of you have experienced clutch problems on your M5's and I'm curious to know what the first indications were?

I have slightly under 5000 miles and have just started experiencing an unusual feeling in the pedal. As I release the clutch, just before it begins to engage, it feels like it's "binding". On other cars I've had, I would have suspected a throw-out bearing going away, but after 5000 miles?

There seems to be no slipping under hard acceleration, but after hearing about so many problems, I'm nervous and would like to nip it in the bud before it becomes more serious.

Any ideas?

calbobba · 21st December 2001, 20:34

steve,

I have the same problem only when the car is cold
Took the cat to the dealer they can not fix it because they
where not able to dublicate it.
also no slippage under power

Boris

Mitch · 21st December 2001, 20:38

I have the exact same thing in my 2001 Beast 11,500 miles. I'm going to mention it to the dealer at my one-year oil change.

DrRob · 21st December 2001, 20:42

Steve

If it were a throwout bearing problem, I would suspect that you'd notice the problem with the clutch disengaged anywhere along the depressed clutch pedal position prior to engagement.

Sounds like it could be a linkage problem or a problem with the hydraulic clutch operation.

BarryC · 21st December 2001, 23:11

Steve,

If what you're feeling is the same as my experience with an "00 540i/6 and now my car, it its purportedly "normal" for the design of the clutch mechanism. While I don't know the specific cause, eventually you will feel it slightly when depressing the clutch and more so just prior to engagement. It seems temporarily worsen if you are in stop and go traffic. If you are in a garage, you will probably hear clicking sound to coincide with what you're feeling in the pedal.

I personally don't like the feeling but I have been told that it's normal and haven't noticed any other problems with the clutch on either car. If you determine there is a problem, please keep me posted.

Thanks,

BC

Steve Beswick · 22nd December 2001, 18:20

Thanks for the input from everyone. Seems to be "normal", huh?

I'll have it checked the next service unless it gets worse before then.

Mitch · 22nd December 2001, 20:11

I thought I was the only one with this strange clutch feel. While I was fairly sure it was not the major clutch failure everyone is talking about, it still is quite annoying. I have absolutely no doubt that when I present this issue to the dealer, they will be unable to duplicate the problem, say it is normal, say that they all do that...yatta, yatta, yatta. This list is a fantastic resource;

thebishman · 22nd December 2001, 20:15

Steve,
According to my local service rep., there was a design change in the clutch components made during the May '00 time frame. I believe he told me that the (plastic?) throw out bearing was changed. If you're having problems, and your car's a '00 model, it might be worth mentioning this to your service manager.
thebishman

Steve Beswick · 23rd December 2001, 08:09

Thbishman - Mine is a June, 2001 build, so . . .

And I've now noticed, it only does it when cold, or at least within the first 5 miles or so. Then it disappears. But it's really annoying. and worrisome.

Now, I think it feels like a pressure plate problem, as the release is jerky until warm.