Hi to all,

Just leased a new 05 545 SMG April 16, 2005 (silver grey and black interior). My third BMW and second 5. Yesterday, I has a scheduled appointment for Sirius install that ended up being more serious for two other issues that have manifested in less than 400 miles.

1st and most alarming. While in traffic due to an accident in sport mode, car stalled out twice (less than 15 minutes, slight uphill grade) with the overheated clutch warning being displayed. I did smell a an order with the windows down that reminded me of a barbecue but thought it was just in the wind.

2nd. Valve "ticking" sound on cold start and afterwards under 2000 rpm, especially evident up the driveway which has a fairly steep incline. I have reviewed previous threads here regarding this issue and provided relevant info to service department.

Now a day later, dealer can not diagnose the SMG problem and has even whispered new tranny. No feedback as to how long my new car will be tied up, no progress on what I assume is a valve issue and Sirius is the least of my problems.


Any advice /help/guidance would be much appreciated. :'( :'( :'(

 

Welcome richu.

You may have a problem with the SMG but just to be sure, I wanted to point out something that is a no-no in traffic: Don't use the gas pedal to hold the car on an uphill grade (like you can do with an automatic). If you do this, the clutch will overheat and you will smell it for sure. You need to hold the car on the hill with the footbrake and only gas when you are able to move forward...

 

 

Sorry about the double post Rudy. Thanks for your input and I was riding the friction point like a true manual transmission prior to the overheating. Any potential for permanent damage?

 

Most likely premature clutch wear -- just like if you ride the clutch in a traditional manual. On either model, you're not supposed to do it...

 

Thanks Rudy...I probably would have done this from time to time. Now, I know better. This will be the first manual that I will own, and I am looking forward to it...plus, I now know how to prevent premature clutch wear...Thanks Again!

 

Dude!! what are you guys thinking??? The SMG is a manual tranny at heart, so THINK MANUAL when you drive.

Yeah, like rudy said, don't ride on the clutch

cheers,

beewang

 

Come on beewang, with a true manual....far easier to ride the clutch at friction point then to play the brake, clutch, accelerator game....and not an issue with clutch wear/degradation in many manuals I have owned or heard of from other manual junkies. 300 miles and a worn out clutch is absurd and very frustrating!!!

 

richu, welcome to the forums.

I'm not sure what you're saying exactly. Are you saying that with a true (traditional) manual you can ride the clutch without degradation?

 

I always wanted one of those titanium clutches.