Z4 clutch..,bitey ?

F

ferrelscent

Active member
 South East London
The Z4 is my first sporty car. To me the clutch seems very on/off rather than gradually passing the power to the wheels through the pedal action. I think Clarkson calls cars like this 'bitey'.

Does anybody else have he same experience with the z4 clutch ? Is it normal ? and is this just part of it being a sportier car ?

I don't think there is a fault. At least I hope not as I paid £1,200 for a new clutch plate and fly wheel just a few weeks back.
 
mcbeee said:
Search CDV or clutch delay valve....


You might find it interesting...I did.
Click to expand...

I'd rather not there's about 65 threads with that on the title.

I'm not looking for science, just peoples oinions, especially from those who have driven a range of types of car.

Thanks anyway
 
I wouldn't say the z4 clutch is bitey, but then I've never driven a car with a new clutch. My 205 gti has a clutch that is either on or off, makes creeping up a slope or pulling away from junctions a pain, I have to ride the throttle so sound like a proper boy racer, but it makes dumping the clutch fun with a bag full of revs to get going in a hurry.

For me the cdv means you kangaroo in 1st and 2nd a lot, I've even found on the odd occasion if your trying to hold the car on the clutch and then want to let it out a little quickly, unless you get on the gas as well mine either bogs down / feels like there is a longer delay for the clutch to engage or stalls.

For me the cdv makes the clutch a bit vague now and again, I change my driving style to get round it but it will be removed when the car is next serviced.

I've driven a brand new golf and the clutch on that is odd, bite doesn't feel strong and bite point is quite wide, but put your right foot down a bit and it spins it's wheels a bit. We also have a 1 year old fiat 500 1.4 sport, and it's clutch is great, light but you can feel exactly where the bite is
 
Thanks klarky. I think maybe I'm expecting too much of my clutch. The bite point on mine is not wide at all. Just doesn't feel like a smooth ride as a result and I keep focusing on it too much I think. On/off is a good way to describe it. It makes me feel like I have to think about every gear change.
 
the clutch isn't great, although I find the gearbox amazing, especially after my e46 coupe which I found sloppy and non sporty.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
What would a good clutch feel like ? I had a golf for a while and don't remember even thinking about the clutch, ....which to mr means it was probably a good one !
 
I find the clutch heavily damped and detached in feel when pulling away, if on the odd occasion you pull away with aplomb its almost as if its slipping slightly where the clutch is not fully engaged despite liftng off the pedal. Previous car also had a hydraulic clutch in a Front/RWD configuration and had no such problems, from what I have read on here the feel and consistancy of the engagement can be improved by removing the restrictor (CDV) and a bleed with fresh fluid.
 
I've never had any issue with the clutch slipping. It just feels so on/off rather than gradual. If I'm coasting at highish revs then press the clutch pedal it seems to 'drop' the drive quite abruptly,..and then when i let the pedal rise back up it grabs the drive again too quickly for my liking. Again, I think this might just be the way it is in this sort of car.
 
If you find this more of an issue in 1st and 2nd gear it's going to be the CDV. Speak to gannet on our meet, he claimed he drove round his CDV for years at wasn't a problem then changed it a few months ago and really regrets not doing it sooner.
 
srhutch said:
If you find this more of an issue in 1st and 2nd gear it's going to be the CDV. Speak to gannet on our meet, he claimed he drove round his CDV for years at wasn't a problem then changed it a few months ago and really regrets not doing it sooner.
Click to expand...

Better than that I need someone to drive mine down the road and just tell me if it's the same as everybody elses !
 
did I hear my name...

you can drive around the CDV effects - kinda hard to describe how - but basically slow the clutch action up to effectively negate the effect.

After removal however, I realised just how much of this I was having to do, and you can be freer to drive how you want - if that makes any sense :?

I wouldn't call the clutch bitey though with or without the CDV...
 
mcbeee said:
Search CDV or clutch delay valve....


You might find it interesting...I did.
Click to expand...

I think I will have to find an hour or so and read up on what this clutch delay value thing actually does,..like Me Mcbee suggested at the outset !
 
ferrelscent said:
mcbeee said:
Search CDV or clutch delay valve....


You might find it interesting...I did.
Click to expand...

I think I will have to find an hour or so and read up on what this clutch delay value thing actually does,..like Me Mcbee suggested at the outset !
Click to expand...

Pretty much all the info you need is on this website: zeckhausen :thumbsup:
 
I reckon the clutch is a bit bitey, but by no means the worst - our old Mk3 mondeo really was on/off. I have had the Z4 nearly 2 years and i havent stalled it once.

I had my clutch replaced in june at about 108,000 due to a rattly release bearing (the plate was fine). I found the pedal to be a lot softer and the 'bite' further down but after a short while it went back to how it was. So i wouldnt say theres anything wrong with the OP's clutch.

As for the CDV, i don't want to sound like a clever cloggs but i really dont have a problem with it. I totally understand the kangarooing, it catches me out once in a blue moon if i don't apply enough revs towards the top of the bite point. Plus i imagine if the CDV was removed then i expect i'd enjoy the difference. However if i were to make a list of things id improve on the car then it wouldnt be anywhere near the top.
 
tomTVR said:
I reckon the clutch is a bit bitey, but by no means the worst - our old Mk3 mondeo really was on/off. I have had the Z4 nearly 2 years and i havent stalled it once.

I had my clutch replaced in june at about 108,000 due to a rattly release bearing (the plate was fine). I found the pedal to be a lot softer and the 'bite' further down but after a short while it went back to how it was. So i wouldnt say theres anything wrong with the OP's clutch.

As for the CDV, i don't want to sound like a clever cloggs but i really dont have a problem with it. I totally understand the kangarooing, it catches me out once in a blue moon if i don't apply enough revs towards the top of the bite point. Plus i imagine if the CDV was removed then i expect i'd enjoy the difference. However if i were to make a list of things id improve on the car then it wouldnt be anywhere near the top.
Click to expand...


This is useful. I've been trying to work out why the way the clutch feels has changed (I'd say for the worse) in the period from immediately after the overhaul to now. Sounds like exactly the same happened with yours and I should just get used to it.

And I think I know what Gannet means by 'driving around the CDV'. I tend to give little spurts on the accelerator prior to changing gear to get things ready for the drive engaging,..sort of smoothing the gear change,..I think this is what he meant.
 
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