6-Speed'ers
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From: NorCal
My Ride: 2011 E92 335i M-Sport 6MT
Originally Posted by Bokke' post='495337' date='Nov 16 2007, 01:07 PM
my 545i is almost three years old and I think the clutch is starting to slip. Is there a way to tell? I know on my M5 the clutch was replaced at about 3 years.
TIA
TIA
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From: So Cal, USA
My Ride: 545iSMGSilver GrayAuburn Dakota LeatherLogic 7 Premium SoundSports Package
Originally Posted by Roleez' post='495359' date='Nov 16 2007, 01:40 PM
Drive at a steady 55 (or any speed above 40) in 6th gear, then floor the throttle. Watch the tachometer ... if the revs climb/jump and the car's not accelerating, time for a new clutch.
Ya pretty much the same... or if you see any spongy-ness or rubberband effect when you first floor it its a sign...
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From: Pittsburgh, PA USA
My Ride: G30 M550i
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Roleez's test is usually the easiest way to detect if a clutch is slipping. One thing to add to his test -- after you floor it and watch the tach climb, quickly stop pressing the gas and see if the tach needle "jumps" back to a lower reading (instead of gradually moving back...)
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From: Houston, TX
My Ride: 2005 545i | Black Sapphire Metallic | Black Dakota Leather | Anthracite Maple | 6 Speed Manual | Sport Package | Logic 7 | Sirius Satellite Radio
Model Year: 2005
How many miles do you have on your car?
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From: Seattle, WA Metro Area
That seems like low miles for needing a new clutch. I've done over 80k miles in non-M BMWs on the same clutch. M cars may wear a little faster especially if you're into quick launches.
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From: NorCal
My Ride: 2011 E92 335i M-Sport 6MT
Originally Posted by Rudy' post='495464' date='Nov 16 2007, 09:15 PM
Roleez's test is usually the easiest way to detect if a clutch is slipping. One thing to add to his test -- after you floor it and watch the tach climb, quickly stop pressing the gas and see if the tach needle "jumps" back to a lower reading (instead of gradually moving back...)
Bokke, my car is at 41,000 miles and the clutch is still strong and grabby. No slippage whatsoever. 37,000 miles is WAY too premature for clutch slip. Do you launch your car often, or ride the clutch pedal (i.e. use the clutch as a foot rest)?
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From: Albany, NY
My Ride: '04 545iS 6 spd, bought new via eBay, 11/05; Blk/Gry, Cold, L7, PDC, BMW Rear seatcover for pets.
First "Bumwa" was a new 1971 2002. High performance 5s since 1987. Beamer motorcycles too, currently on an 07 BMW K1200 GT; also a Moto Guzzi 1000 SP III.
That seems like very low mileage for this transmission, unless you are abusing it. My E39 (540 6 spd) got to about 90K before it began slipping, but ONLY in EXTREME COLD (around Zero F mornings). It would do so as described above--revving it in 6th gear, but if I let up, it would "catch up" and re-engage. It was that point that I decided to trade it the following summer.
That transmission and clutch were notorious for going south fast (why BMW pulled the 6 speed 540s from the Susan Koman/Demo drive tour--my dealer even got stuck replacing one during the tour visit!). This new version (can't recall its mfr, but maybe ZF) is supposedly stronger. Good luck.
Ray
That transmission and clutch were notorious for going south fast (why BMW pulled the 6 speed 540s from the Susan Koman/Demo drive tour--my dealer even got stuck replacing one during the tour visit!). This new version (can't recall its mfr, but maybe ZF) is supposedly stronger. Good luck.
Ray