Hi guys, I just got a call with a quote for $2500 for a clutch replacement.
This seems completely outrageous to me.
I called BMW NA on 2/1 and explained my situation, and asked that they look into it and let me know what they are willing to do. I have not heard back from the rep at all. Needless to say I'm pissed. I've printed out almost 20 pages of info about the clutch on the M5 and faxed it to the SA I'm dealing with (since he claims he's only heard of 1 other M5 ever needing to have the clutch replaced!!)
Does anyone have the name of a contact person at BMW NA that I can speak to, preferably someone higher up, about this? (I recall seeing a name on the forum, but can't seem to find it with a search query).
Is there anything I can demand from the dealer, besides a breakdown in price...and a deep discount for being a faithful customer?
I've been driving manuals for 17 years, and have NEVER toasted a clutch, so I'm perplexed as to how this has happened on a car with 24k miles that's only driven 1-2 times/week (no racing, lighting up the tires, etc). I believe it's a faulty design, as many have pointed out, but how can I convince them of this?
2000 E39 M5 Carbon Black / Imola Red (SOLD, engine failure!)
2005 Mitsubishi Lancer EVO 8 MR FQ-400 (SOLD, complete nightmare in everyday use!)
2000 TVR Tuscan S 4.0l (SOLD, unreliable)
1999 BMW 323i Coupe (gave to the missus)
2001 Porsche 911 GT2 (993 mwah!)
Your're not alone, lots of M5s go through clutches quickly. I had one replaced at 16,000miles....I dont beat on the car and I have a truck that I got 170,000 miles out of (the clutch). They covered the clutch under warranty though so I didn't really complain. I've heard avg clutch life on the M5 is about 40,000. Good luck, maybe they will warranty it for you.
This is a known design defect that BMW tries not to acknowledge. If you have a good dealer (I know, pretty funny, huh) they can get it covered. I blew mine at 35K and got it covered under warranty. Don't take no for an answer. If they ultimately make you pay, you might want to upgrade to the UUC clutch. Its built to withstand the hp but has a stiffer feel (I'm told).
Also, check out Greg's shifting videos; they will prolong your clutch life. Sorry, no URL but you can search this site.
I do have the videos from Greg on my desk top...haven't looked at them yet though. But I agree with you all, the price is outrageous. I refuse to get rap-d by them...did call BM NA and found out that my case has been bumped up for review...not sure what the hell that means!
Now the wait begins....
Did talk to my SA who says the Tech "team leader" didn't find anything besides the clutch affected (SAC mechanism, rear main seal, diff, etc)...just that flywheel needed to be replaced, and disc was blue from overheating...
Not sure they knew where else to look, personally.
As someone above said, the wealth of knowledge here is unsurpassed...too bad I only know 2 people on this forum who ACTUALLY work for a dealership.
Manny, Rob, maybe you can comment on this price I'm being quoted!!!
__________________
'01 M5
Titanium Silver/Black/Imola red extended leather, Hardwired V1, custom CAI, 35% window tint, 4300K fogs, Silvervision indicators, SuperSprint exhaust with X-pipe, CCFL angel eyes, Euro lock delete...
'07 - E63 AMG - Blk/Caramel - "The Loaner"
Ayecaramba!!!
As Lscman pointed out in the past, it is very difficult to show that the SAC has failed since they usually fail in a "soft" fashion meaning that it results in uneven pressure distribution of the pressure plate. This can and will result in slipping and overheating. If you know you haven't slipped the clutch in any major way, it is likely that the SAC is at fault. Sometimes the SAC gives clues such as a very high engagement and/or a "clinking" sound when the clutch is activated.
Your SA is either lying or extremely inexperienced with E39 V8 cars. My 2002 540i/6 had an SAC failure with only 3200 miles on it. They had to pull the tranny and replace the entire clutch pack. My 2001 M5 is exhibiting symtoms of a coming SAC issue right now -- the engagement has become very high up in the pedal travel, essentially almost all the way out.
__________________ Current stable:
2001 M5 LeMans Blue/Silverstone
Dinan: springs, Konis, rear sway bar, monoball bushings, and exhaust
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Need help with BMW and clutch replacement
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