Strange Clutch Behavior - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Shakazulu12 · 19th January 2006, 05:58

I have noticed something strange a few times when shifting at redline from 4th to 5th, the clutch doesn't engage unless I pump it once or twice. Its only happened two or three times (not very often I get to make a shift going that fast these days), but once it happened when I dropped the clutch from a pretty high RPM in first as well.

It wasn't dragging or slipping at all, felt like the clutch just didn't come down to engage at all.

I have been driving a stick my whole life and haven't experienced this one, then again, I never had this much power to play with either, but still a little strange.

Anyone have any ideas?

BmwNut · 20th January 2006, 00:46

Sounds like you have either a bad self adjusting unit on the clutch, or a hydraulic problem with the clutch. Check the brake master cylinder and make sure that the fluid level is correct.
Does the clutch engage off the top of the pedal travel?
Does it do this after a few hard upshifts?
Good luck. If it is a CPOed car, take it in and have it looked at. If not, save a bit of money, and replace it with an upgraded clutch from UUC. There is a fresh thread on the UUC products floating around the E39 forum right now.

beastunleashed · 20th January 2006, 01:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shakazulu12

I have noticed something strange a few times when shifting at redline from 4th to 5th, the clutch doesn't engage unless I pump it once or twice. Its only happened two or three times (not very often I get to make a shift going that fast these days), but once it happened when I dropped the clutch from a pretty high RPM in first as well.

It wasn't dragging or slipping at all, felt like the clutch just didn't come down to engage at all.

I have been driving a stick my whole life and haven't experienced this one, then again, I never had this much power to play with either, but still a little strange.

Anyone have any ideas?

Might be a simple matter of adjusting the clutch pedal.

Shakazulu12 · 20th January 2006, 04:01

Strangely, I have only noticed it on 4 to 5 upshifts at redline, and that one time I dropped the clutch from pretty high (which I never do). Otherwise it behaves normally at all other times.

I was thinking of a hydraulic problem as well. It just came back from its 90k checkup, never had a problem before, perhaps its due.....