2001 330CI Clutch

[TSilver330CI]

As I am approaching 100K I know my clutch will need to be replaced soon. This is probably the most expensive job on my car. How much should I expect to pay? Do any of you have any recommendations?

I asked my mechanic who looked it up in the computer and he mentioned there's other stuff involved which may or may not be necessary. I don't remember what he said specifically, I think other parts associated with the clutch.


Any advice on this?

 

[TSilver330CI]

Bump it up. We gotta bump it up

Anyone?

 

[Kirby]

Sorry, can't help you with the costs, haven't been there. But why do you think you will need a clutch soon? Are you having issues? Depending on driving conditions, etc. BMW clutches can go 150K to 200K miles and more....

 

[White94RX]

You'll need the clutch kit and flywheel. The flywheel is the expensive part. I think the clutch kit comes with a new throwout bearing.

Typically 6-8 hours labor, and between 6-800 for parts.

 

[Big Daddy]

I had a clutch replaced in a BMW before, but like Kirby said it occurred at over 175k, cost was $1500.00 by a non-BMW shop who specialized in Euro cars.

 

[TSilver330CI]

wow I didn't realize they could go for that long. I am actually approaching 100K miles. Im just scared that my car won't start or move one day so I want to be proactive about it. I basically learned to drive stick on this car so I'm guessing I wore out the clutch some initially. I also like to maximize my car's power by shifting at high rpms.

 

[White94RX]

if it's not slipping, don't worry about it until it starts.

 

[lilindienplaya]

do you have to change the flywheel also is there a kit out there that eliminates the self adjusting pressure plate

 

[GENIBREL]

do you have to change the flywheel also is there a kit out there that eliminates the self adjusting pressure plate

RPS makes performance clutches and flywheels that are not much more than factory one and they last three times longer. Plus the flywheel is really light so you get better mileage and acceleration.

(Commercial link removed, please refer to the TOS) (Also note this thread is over a year old, I am sure he has repaired his clutch by now)

 

[TSilver330CI]

RPS makes performance clutches and flywheels that are not much more than factory one and they last three times longer. Plus the flywheel is really light so you get better mileage and acceleration.

(Commercial link removed, please refer to the TOS) (Also note this thread is over a year old, I am sure he has repaired his clutch by now)

What is a fly wheel? lol..

 

[adrean8j]

My car has over 120k (kilometers) and the clutch is still great. I dont think it will go anytime soon....and I am hard on the clutch (i like driving standards so I put them thru hell...LOL). Only major problems I can think of are things like window actuators, rough idle/start(at least with the M52tu)...the clutch you can leave alone though

 

[Detrich]

hmm.... i've never heard that it's mandatory to change the flywheel with the clutch. actually, that doesn't sound right to me. but, maybe someone can elaborate?

silver> i'm no expert either, but the flywheel is basically the big rotating circular disc w/ teeth that turns and creates the propulsion in your car- ie the power that the engine creates is used to turn the flywheel, which in turn generates propulsion. (think that big teeth-like thing on a bicycle but much, much bigger.) the weight of the flywheel directly affects how responsive the car is. a lighter flywheel can turn faster and requires less energy to stay in motion longer, which results in a more responsive throttle across the power band- though you lose some low-end torque (power) because it turns quicker. but, basically a lot of ppl who want performance gains buy lighter, stronger flywheels. i would consider it a major mod and not something u run out and do without researching 1st.

maybe someone more knowledgeable can explain it better...

 

[Big Daddy]

You are on target, the flywheel is the plate (the teeth are for the starter to turn the flywheel) that the clutch disc rubs against and in turn connects the engine to the drivetrain. Here is video on it, "How Stuff Works".

Here is an excellent article on flywheels from European Car. I had a light weight flywheel in my roadster and experienced some the cons he mentions, excessive chatter mainly. I would not get another, the advantages were not enough to make it worth while.