I had just the Clutch Position Sensor replaced with no problems whatsoever. They have to drop the transmission to replace this sensor so *if* your clutch is worn you might want to consider replacing it at the same time. BTW you shoudl get a discount on the labor since the vast majority of labor for the clutch is dropping the tranny and putting it back so .... The clutch parts themselves are about $1000.

 

Hi FogPuppy,
I see that you live in SF! I live in Mountain View and I was wondering if you know of any honest and reputable shops near my area? I believe my m5 needs a new clutch and possibly a PLCD sensor.

Thanks!

Brandon

 

Thanks for answer.
I have also understood the hole transmission needs to be lowered, but as you say the labour cost needs to be discounted then.
But how can I know if it is worn? I have never noticed any slip and then I only have to trust the workshop, who normally wants to earn money....:/
I actually did get two cost suggestion first €1000 for the clutch positioner and then €3000 for clutch. Then it should total only €3500 at least. Have to phone for cost to some other workshops I guess.
But feeling for "testing" only positioner due to price difference.

Btw, you write $1000, is that clutch and flywheel? Should be added they also mentioned flywheel automatically is changed while changing clutch and therefore the price clutch+flywheel incl labour was €3000.

 

Well ... They can measure the clutch plaes, etc. and see how warn it is when they have it dropped down. *If* you don't trust them at least to give you accurate measurements of the amount of the amount of remaining clutch you should probably find a different shop.

The other way to "gauge" if you might need a new clutch is based on miles. Most people seem to get between 50-70K miles on a clutch if they drive (typical M5 driving). Some people get as little as 35K miles (supper aggressive driving). I got over 100K Miles on my clutch but I do a LOT of highway driving.

 

Alright, then I will ask them if they can provide the datas for meaurements. So then it ca be read if it is worn or not. My car has 55k miles so then it probably can be time anyhow, even if it feels very low and the car has not been driven aggressive as far as I know.

Thanks once again for the prompt answer, will call another shop tomorrow and discuss with them before I take a decision.

My main question was if it can be only the clutch positioner and then it can be that "easy"....

Did your "engine yellow lamp" (service engine soon on US models) also turn on when you got problem with sensor?

 

The Clutch Position Sensor can be changed without the clutch . I did it and it worked fine for 40K miles after that). I got the big "Yellow Cog" warning and the car went into "limp mode" which is slightly less severe than the Red Cog of Death.

 

Okay, thanks for all information

 

i also got the red cog because of clutch position, however they did not have to drop the transmission to change the sensor, it can be accessed without dropping the transmission.

 

Ok it is interesting that they didn't have to drop the tranny to fix your CPS. Three different places (including Dinan who I really trust) all said that you have to drop the tranny but I suppose there could be a way to do it without ....

 

Try ressetting it. As the owner's manual says "on a flat strectch of roadway between 70 and 140KPH put the car in the neutral position and pull back both shift paddle simantanously for three seconds." There will be no message telling you that you have succeded.

 

I've put 62, 000 miles (107, 000 kilometers) and probably hundreds if not thousands of launch control starts and have never had a problem with my clutch.