Over the last few months it's become increasingly difficult to make a smooth transition from a standstill in first gear. On take-up, the clutch seems to grab or chatter slightly.

I've got 14k miles, with both the US warranty and full maintenance in effect. Before approaching the dealer on this, I'd like to know if others have experienced this issue. I'm aware of the CDV, but this problem developed long after the car was delivered new.

Thanks,

 

cdv?????

 

CDV = Clutch Delay Valve.

 

Anybody?

 

I bought my 04 545i CPO with 21,000 miles on it. It has had that grab and chatter problem since I bought it. Dealer test drove and said that it seems normal, and if I was to have them investigate it I would be on the line for $1600 labor if it turned out that the clutch was not faulty. I have not had the money to risk it. I sometimes just have to rev to about 1800 to 2000 and release slowly to compensate even though it feels like I am wearing out the clutch. By the way I added the Zechenhousing racing modified CDV valve all ready but it made almost no difference. Even the Zechenhousing racing CDV still restricts the flow of hydrolic fluid, just not as severe as a stock CDV valve. Either way the car still has a dual mass flywheel with some give in it too. Basically I have no feedback from the pedal at all which makes me look like a rookie manual transmission driver to any passenger in the car.

 

Got an Auto tranny..sorryy...

 

I've had no clutch problems. 92k miles

 

If your car is under the original four year warranty, I don't think you should have had to take the financial risk that the clutch was not faulty. I've had situations in the past like this (with other BMWs) and told them flat out that they had to fix the car and I would not reimburse them for their diagnostic work. I think the warranty language is pretty clear on this.

For instance, suppose they pulled the transmission down and found that the clutch was fine, but later figured out that the problem was caused by a sticky slave cylinder. They diagnosed the problem incorrectly. BMW covers all diagnosis work.

 

I have the same problem. I'm at 45k miles. I'll try to have it looked into at the dealership. Let me know what you find out also.

I also have a 7yr old Acura RSX and shifting it is a LOT more precise. The clutch travel seems to be just about half of the 530xi. You would expect the BMW to shift smoother and more precise, but its a constant struggle to keep the car from jolting and grabbing.

 

By the title of this thread, I thought it was going to be a story about a first date or something!