za3879

Has anyone replaced their clutch on a 545 yet? I'm still on the original clutch at 128k, and when I release the clutch in 3rd and 4th, the RPM's are winding up and then dropping suddenly, then catching up (as if I'm riding the clutch).

Dealer is telling me 1000 in labor plus whatever parts I'd like to bring.
A BMW repair facility other than the dealer is telling me 1200 if the fly wheel can be machined. If not he is saying its an additional 1600.

What should I be looking to pay for this job?
Has anyone done one yet?
Would you recommend a 'performance' clutch of some sort since this job has to go down?
If so, which? Whats the best place to get one,and for what cost?

Any input and feedback is greatly appreciated as always!

05545i

No performance clutches that i know of.

As long as the flywheel can be machined (usually the case) then the clutch parts are around 500$. Approx 7 hours to R&R the clutch assembly. I realize one day i will have to do it on mine. But, i will be doing it myself.

saf545

Wow....Two seperate occasions that I know off with a clutch replacement on 545's, both 04's with 70xxx miles.First car 2900 for clutch and flywheel and labor t a bmw indy shop in nyc. Car 2 clutch and labor $1600. Hope this helps.

05545i

130k on the original clutch in a car like this is good life for that part.

response_surface

holy sh*t i hope my 545i clutch lasts that long! i was really hoping it would last to 100k, looks like you got your money's worth out of it.

those prices don't sound too bad at all. i think the parts alone would be 600 (unless you put a bmw clutch in it) or so if you do it right, and replace everything while you're already in there. probably should replace the rear crank seal too.

i always do my own clutches, but not sure if i will on my 545 when the time comes. it only has 36k on it, so i have some time left if yours is any indication.

6hrs labor should do the trick. most indy shops charge about 85/hr here in cali, so the total should be around 1200

05545i

I agree with replacing all the parts, but i would definitely see if the flywheel can be machined. For 1,600$, it had better be.

response_surface

yes i would re-machine it, but i would make damn sure they had a good lathe and did a good job. something tells me that a bmw clutch is more bitchy that a typical clutch. i had my last flywheel done on a rotary surface grinder, it had lovely cross hatching on it when they were done. it worked so well and never has developed jitters in 70k (this was on my z32 tt).

i think if they do a bad machine job it will develop jitters in 15-20k.

za3879

I def feel as though with my mileage, i got the most I can out of it. so since its coming apart, what are all the parts in that area that should be replaced, like the seal mentioned above?

I really feel as though minus all the electronic/computer type issues these cars might have, the engines are solid. I just hate seeing errors on my iDrive.

za3879

This is scaring me. Define jitters

05545i

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...82&hg=21&fg=05

Everything you see here, minus the clutch fork (unless damaged).

To the above post, he means clutch "chatter".