New Clutch

E

easty027

Senior member
 South Manchester & East Yorkshire
Hi everybody.

I am thinking that the clutch may need replacing within a few months time, just wondering if you could give me some rough ideas on pricing. I cant see myself taking it to a main stealership, as i have a few options.

A: Independent Specialist (i know a very good bmw one)
B: Mechanic friend (who has worked on my previous cars and been a mechanic for many years)

Could you tell me how much for option A (roughly) and also for parts only for option B, Also is it a massive job, ?...how long etc, etc.

Many thanks.
 
Why not try getting a quote from the main dealer, the work will be waranteed and you would likely have more comeback should the worst happen. I would then ask them to give the price on a genuine clutch kit (friction material, cover plate and thrust bearing + alignment tool), the flywheel may also need skimming/replacing depending on its construction. You may also want the clutch fluid renewed at the same point.

Will the independant use genuine parts and willl they replace everything required and skim/replace the flywheel?

I have had very bad experiences with 'mr clutch' who failed 3 times to replace the clutch on a volvo 740 turbo with one that could hold the torque (standard car) - cheap pattern parts are false economy here as oem clutches will usually last a good while.
 
Mine had a new clutch late last year (luckily 2 weeks before warranty expired...), the dealer said at the time the cost of the clutch was about £800, with fitting it would have been close to £1500. Those were rough figures though.

Think for things like that it is worth going to the dealers IMO.
 
The indepenent specialist has an amazing reputation, also i took my E46 325 coupe there many times. They are ex-bmw dealership technicians. Just because you turn up to a garage with the bmw name above the door does not guarantee a perfect job. There are independent garages out there that can, and do perform workmanship on par with BMW main stealerships.

I know people who work at main dealerships (not bmw) and i have heard many horry stories on how they treat customers cars, i am sure bmw are no different ! the only difference is the bill at the end of the job !
 
I'd take it to an indpendent specialist over BMW dealer.

I've always found indy specialists to be much better than main dealers, what ever brand of car you drive.
 
no fit state said:
I'd take it to an indpendent specialist over BMW dealer.

I've always found indy specialists to be much better than main dealers, what ever brand of car you drive.
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Completely 100% agreed. Besides, if the indy shop has a solid reputation, Im sure they will stand by their work.
 
tsuiesque said:
no fit state said:
I'd take it to an indpendent specialist over BMW dealer.

I've always found indy specialists to be much better than main dealers, what ever brand of car you drive.
Click to expand...

Completely 100% agreed. Besides, if the indy shop has a solid reputation, Im sure they will stand by their work.
Click to expand...

A solid reputation is all a good indy has to bring in the work, and that's why they are always so good.
 
Indy every time without doubt. Just ensure they use OEM parts and their reputation will ensure a good job.

Benefit is just a lot lower labour rate than the dealer and of course most of the Indies are fully dealer trained, but just the better most experienced one's who know how to do the job, have some business acument and treat customers well.
 
gannet said:
Mine had a new clutch late last year (luckily 2 weeks before warranty expired...), the dealer said at the time the cost of the clutch was about £800, with fitting it would have been close to £1500. Those were rough figures though.

Think for things like that it is worth going to the dealers IMO.
Click to expand...

£1500 for a clutch is just plain theft, no excuses.
Dealer arrogance, rudeness and greed are amongst the worst aspects of Z4 ownership (tailed by dodgy steering, component unreliabilty, iffy build quality...)
 
It's a little different here in the states I presume..I wouldn't go anywhere else but my dealer which gives me a BMWCCA discount on all parts and stands behind their work obviously..
 
Ski said:
It's a little different here in the states I presume..I wouldn't go anywhere else but my dealer which gives me a BMWCCA discount on all parts and stands behind their work obviously..
Click to expand...
In the UK dealers aren't interested in customer service. They treat private customers with disdain. I guess they are after the more lucrative corprate trade...
 
edderby said:
Ski said:
It's a little different here in the states I presume..I wouldn't go anywhere else but my dealer which gives me a BMWCCA discount on all parts and stands behind their work obviously..
Click to expand...
In the UK dealers aren't interested in customer service. They treat private customers with disdain. I guess they are after the more lucrative corprate trade...
Click to expand...

Interesting..
 
edderby said:
In the UK dealers aren't interested in customer service. They treat private customers with disdain. I guess they are after the more lucrative corprate trade...
Click to expand...

Personally I havent experienced this, my dealer is very thoughtful, always phones when the car is ready and always reminds me it is booked in, so far they have been reasonable on price. My earlier quote was a very rough price for the clutch, and luckily I didnt have to pay as it was still under the approved used car warranty (just!).
 
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