TECH: yet another clutch question! - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Teutonaddict · 10th May 2002, 17:17

The archives show me that folks have been told clutches can be replaced under "BMW's Full Maintenance Protection Program," if they show no signs of abuse or "aggressive use."

My question is this: would a clutch not show "hot spots" as a result of fairly constant slipping during 'normal' use, once the damage has been done?

By this I mean the clutch is slipping fairly routinely now--even when the car has been in the same gear (e.g. dropping the throttle while already in 4th on a highway). Woudn't that lead to the same signs of heat/damage as someone who was improperly 'riding' or feathering too much under high RPMs?

TIA for your input.

If you're so inclined, I'd appreciate anyone who could contribute to the following Aftermarket Clutch thread:

http://www.bmwm5.com/vbulletin/showt...threadid=17630

Thanks!
-D

Teutonaddict · 12th May 2002, 19:08

How's about an educated guess (or definitive answer) from some of the resident gearheads? I've got a meeting tomorrow with the dealership. Thanks in advance for any light you might shed!!

greg? bart? rroberts? anyone? beuhller?

VanCooper · 12th May 2002, 21:33

I'd like some hindsight on what approach to take since my father's clutch is definitly done. And what does the maintenance program says and what is it exactly? The slip started last sunday and it's been in the garage since then. thanks in advance

Jim Dolan · 12th May 2002, 22:56

I would not use an after market clutch. the car is still new. If you are convinced it's not your driving but a weak clutch take to the dealer and get it fixed and argue about it later. I would be curious to know what the conversation about the clutch is and if BMW has reinforced it or anything.

BTW, I feel the clutch might be somewhat lite for a car like this with so much horsepower and 4000lb weight.

Good luck.

Teutonaddict · 12th May 2002, 23:39

Quote:

Originally posted by Jet black M5 in Van
And what does the maintenance program says and what is it exactly?

William-

Check back on the thread referenced above for the text of the email I received from BMWNA in 10/99 about the "Full Maintenance Protection Program." Those board members who have had clutch replacements at no cost have cited that program.

It applied to all 2000+ model year BMWs in the US. Not sure if same applies in Canada, however.

Good luck, and let us know what you learn.

Teutonaddict · 12th May 2002, 23:46

Quote:

Originally posted by Jim Dolan
I would not use an after market clutch. the car is still new...

Good luck.

Thanks, Jim-

It is an 02/00 production with 37K miles (35K when I brought it to the dealer's attention).

I'm considering the aftermarket route b/c I do feel the clutch is underdesigned, and I plan on keeping the car quite a while. It's my fourth 5er with the V8+manual tranny combo, and I've been driving standards for 20+ years and >350K miles, so I feel confident it's not been abuse or aggressive use on my part.

However, I am still exploring the 'warranty' route, and I am meeting with the dealer tomorrow.

Soooo, anybody got an answer for the 'hot spot' question?

Thx
-D

Teutonaddict · 13th May 2002, 18:01

Quote:

Originally posted by Teutonaddict
My question is this: would a clutch not show "hot spots" as a result of fairly constant slipping during 'normal' use, once the damage has been done?

I know it's an etiquette faux-pas to quote yourself, but I'm in dire need of an answer. Got a meeting with the service manager later today. Anyone?

TIA
-D