Z4M Clutch issues

[tinker]

First question from a newbie. I've got an issue with the clutch not fully disengaging. It's very difficult to get into 1st and 2nd in particular and has been a little embarrassing at traffic lights etc as i try to engage a gear today.

I am going to take a look at the weekend and will bleed the clutch in case there is any air in there.

Has anyone has this issue with their M and if so what was the cause? Master/Slave cylinder?

 

[Bing]

It's a character trait - though some say it can be eased by modifying something called the Clutch Delay Valve. Have a search in this section and the M specific one for that term or CDV. Great innovation by BMW...

The clutch is a bitch, treat her firmly is my advice

Though in all seriousness, you do get used to it.

 

[bjd]

Hm, I can't say I've heard of issues getting the car into gear.

The gear changes on the other hand takes practice but I do find it quite slow off the line. I.E. 1st gear to get moving, almost immediately change to second, a bit more gas then shift into third and normality resumes.

The gearbox is a bit marmite and it does make or break it for some owners hence some people selling their ///M quite soon after purchasing it.

 

[srhutch]

It's a character trait - though some say it can be eased by modifying something called the Clutch Delay Valve. Have a search in this section and the M specific one for that term or CDV. Great innovation by BMW...

The clutch is a bitch, treat her firmly is my advice

Though in all seriousness, you do get used to it.

CDV would have no effect in selecting gears, on effect is when you release the clutch.

 

[Bing]

Good point. It was late, just ignore me.

Didn't Exdos say he had the car 'refuse' a gear at the 'ring a couple of times ?

 

[tinker]

I'm certain it's not a CDV issue as I'm physically having to apply force to the gearstick. So far driving around 1500 miles this problem has not occurred. I have considered removing the CDV but will only do of this once I've found the root of this issue.

So far I have loved the drive, the gearbox/clutch have posed no issues. When trying to make progress down the road I haven't found the gearbox to be a problem, neither the clutch. Hoping it's a simple fix.

 

[Z4M-2006]

Next time the car does the fault, try selecting other gears..3rd,4th etc etc.

If they all select easily then it's not your clutch at fault.

If it's just 1st and 2nd then I would suggest its the 1st/2nd synchro hub baulking..

If this is the cause I would try a different oil, I always use amsoil MSF in all my manual gearboxes..

Let me know how you go on .

 

[tinker]

I'll try that this afternoon, i've been matching the revs when changing gear once on the move this morning to alleviate any additional wear that could be caused. I will try engaging 3-4 at a standstill and let you know the outcome.
I don't think it will be the baulking rings as the fault has only occurred in the past 3 days and the rings would show fault in a more progressive manner.
Despite the car having a FSH i am going to have a check of the condition/colour of the G/Box and diff oil as i'm always weary of any servicing carried out on my cars unless it's by myself.

 

[tinker]

Also what is this Amsoil MSF Z4M-2006? I can find the MTF (Manual Transmission Fluid) but no reference to MSF?

 

[Z4M-2006]

Maybe MSTF...lol..

http://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-product/transmission-fluid/manual/manual-synchromesh-transmission-fluid-5w-30/


Gearbox oil is "supposed to be lifetime"..so it will never have been changed.


A baulk ring in a synchro can stick at anytime,perfectly ok 1 minute awful the next.. "sticky" tranny oil can cause them to stick inside the synchro hub,thats why i would try an oil change.. If nothing else,its peace of mind and cheap.

 

[tinker]

Thanks for the advice, I thought you were suggesting wear in the synchromesh components as opposed to sticking due to oil issues. I wouldn't consider any oil to last the life of a vehicle; prevention is always better than cure.

 

[bjd]

I thought gearbox oil changes were part of the insp2 service? At least the differences between insp1 & 2 is spark plugs, diff & gearbox oil changes, right?

 

[Adamski]

Never had issues selecting gear in mine. Think that gearbox and diff oil are part of Insp2 service. Yep.

Maybe ask your local indy for an opinion?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Z4M-2006]

Gearbox oil isnt part of inspection 2 service,or i didnt think it was ??

It has "lifetime" on the sticker on the gearbox....

I dunno....But for £30 or so,its worth doing to have have spec oil in the gearbox that you will never have to change again.

 

[CornishRob]

Gearbox oil isnt part of inspection 2 service,or i didnt think it was ??

It has "lifetime" on the sticker on the gearbox....

I dunno....But for £30 or so,its worth doing to have have spec oil in the gearbox that you will never have to change again.

Gearbox oil and diff oil are definitely part of the Insp 2 schedule.

 

[exdos]

Didn't Exdos say he had the car 'refuse' a gear at the 'ring a couple of times ?

Yes, I experienced a couple of shift denials in most inappropriate places at The Ring (one exiting Fuchsrohre just before the left hand bend ). Since then, I've fitted the Vibra-Technic engine mounts and changed to Amsoil MTF gearbox oil. I've had no problems since and done 2 days at The Ring since.

The problem appears to be partly one of drive train misalignment due to excessive engine movement on the OEM engine mounts and OEM gear oil being too thick. I also think it's better to try to make gearshifts slowly rather than trying to move the stick too quick.

 

[tinker]

I made a little progress at the weekend having bled the clutch. The fluid that came out was fairly minging as I guess it doesn't get flushed every 2 years with the brakes? Anyway as a result the clutch feels better and engagement is now not right at the floor. Having driven 45 miles to work this morning there is still some reluctance to engage 1st and 2nd gear but not as bad as before, my next port of call will be the change of oil to Amsoil gearbox oil hopefully this will see a further improvement. I can see the upgraded engine mounts making sense due to the engine canting over under load and misaligning the transmission at the same time, I may consider these in the future.
Also removed the whip antenna at the weekend and replaced it with a stubby version, reception appears to be better than the standard item this far.