2008 Z4M Clutch chatter question....

[Nick_RC]

Hi all - looking for a bit of advice. I have a Z4M 2008 which I have owned from new. 33000miles on the clock.
Today for the first time when fully depressing the clutch, a chattering sound has appeared. If I depress the clutch harder the sound gets louder. It only appears at the fully de-clutched depressed position and there's no issues or noise associated with gear changes.

Typically the warranty expired last month - I'd really appreciate any thoughts or advice.

Cheers
Nick

 

[Stuart Truman]

Thrust bearing?

 

[Nick_RC]

Thanks Stuart - that's the direction that I was heading in. Any idea if it's an urgent (and expensive) fix?

 

[BMWZ4MC]

The dual mass fly wheel in my E46 320d started to break up at 140K miles and it produced exactly these symtoms... Can't believe that's the problem with you ///M after only 30K though

 

[Z4M_Trinity]

If it is a thrust bearing it's likely to be in the region of £250-£300 inc labour.

Welcome to the forum btw .

 

[Nick_RC]

BMWZ4MC - I'm hoping not but I guess it's going to have to go into BMW to be checked out for peace of mind!

 

[Nick_RC]

Thanks for the welcome Trinity - didn't even know this forum existed until I had to 'google' this problem (and I've owned the car for three years) - a great find.

 

[Stuart Truman]

Any idea if it's an urgent (and expensive) fix?

I don't. When mine went on another car it was just a rumble. If it's chattering it may have started to break up, or as BMWZ4MC said, the flywheel may have started to go which would be a bugger given warranty status. I'd suggest a swift trip to the dealer and if something nasty has gone and you've got a FBMWSH, ask them to try for a goodwill contribution from BMW based on low mileage.

 

[Nick_RC]

BMW are going to love me - hope they have plenty of spare 'goodwill'...the car was with them two weeks ago for a faulty leaking passenger door seal. Replaced free by BMW with a goodwill gesture......don't ask, don't get I guess! Great customer service by the garage too. Cheers all.

 

[Nick_RC]

FOLLOW UP: Car now back from the garage. The (failed) thrust bearing had damaged the clutch - new clutch fitted. BMW covered the cost of all parts as a goodwill gesture. A reasonable result I feel although I still question the mechanical failure of the bearing at 33000 miles - obviously they will argue 'operator error' whilst I state 'mechanical failure' of a component. As an aside, the new clutch requires about 50% less pressure to depress fully. The previous was very heavy. Thoughts?

Very glad I had the FBMWSH and again, received some really good customer service from my local BMW garage. (much better than my previous BMW garage)£600 lighter but could've been a lot worse I guess.

Thanks for everyone's input and advice.

 

[Darren Slone]

What a result, well done!

Welcome along and here's to many years of trouble free ///M-ing

Ps post some pictures, we love them

 

[GaryD]

Just wondering. When you are stopped, like at a traffic light, do you:

1. leave it in gear with the clutch depressed

2. pop it into neutral and lift the clutch

#2 should be your answer. If not, 33,000 miles is more than enough to wear the thrust bearing out if you do a good bit of city driving.

 

[Nick_RC]

Just wondering. When you are stopped, like at a traffic light, do you:

1. leave it in gear with the clutch depressed

2. pop it into neutral and lift the clutch

#2 should be your answer. If not, 33,000 miles is more than enough to wear the thrust bearing out if you do a good bit of city driving.

Hi Gary - I've completed a few advanced driving courses because of my job, never remains in gear when stopped. The vast majority of mileage on the car has been outside of the city / town environment too.

I have posed the question to BMW asking why the orignal clutch (from new) required almost 50% more effort to actuate and this new clutch is light as a feather and much more manageable. They are looking into it. Interestingly the part number is the same so I'm thinking either it was set up incorrectly at manufacture or had a faulty component. I'm waiting for BMWs response - either way, I have received some good customer service and we'll see what happens ref my question.

If anyone has any thoughts on this, they'd be gratefully received.

Regards.