Clutch Problems

dan3317 · #1 (**permalink**) 04-27-2003, 08:40 PM

I've been having problems for the past 2 weeks with my '97 328IS 5sp. It seems like maybe my clutch hasn't been disengaging completely or I was losing synchros in my transmission, gears would grind and be stiff while downshifting into 2nd and 1st and also under any hard acceleration. Had 2 shops look at it (no bmw dealers nearby) and both thought the clutch was fine, and I was losing synchros. One of them bled my master or slave cylinder(not sure which) and the fluid seemed fine. I even flushed my tranny and put mobil 1 ATF in it, there were alot of metal shavings that came out, but the car didn't shift any better.

I just took a 300 mile trip today and I just lost my clutch function completely, the pedal started sticking to the floor and the clutch would not disengage, thinking maybe I lost my pressure plate or have a faulty master or slave? The car has 100,000 miles and is on it's first clutch, had problems slipping before, thought it was worn, but grip came back and it was engaging stronger than ever lately.

I have the car parked at a safe location where I can work on it, but I have few tools here and no jackstands, is there any possible easy fix for this problem where I could at least avoid a tow to the dealer or shop? It would be even better if I could get this car back home, I am on a limited budget, and I can't afford to get my butt pounded by a chicago area dealer.

Any Ideas or suggestions?

petar7408 · #2 (**permalink**) 04-27-2003, 08:46 PM

at 100k miles... no matter how good you were to the clutch its gotta be changed, as well as possibly refacing your flywheel...

dan3317 · #3 (**permalink**) 04-27-2003, 09:03 PM

I understand what you are saying, but I am seriously on a budget lately and I really can't afford to change the clutch right now, maybe in a month or 2, but I would like to fix the specific problem just for now. I've driven many cars at least 40,000 miles per year and I have frequently had lesser cars go well over 100,000 miles on a clutch with all the highway miles I drive, wearing a clutch out on a BMW this soon would disappoint me. I hope that is not what happened.