E36 328 Heavy Clutch

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   After driving our other car yesterday for pretty much the 1st time since we got the BMW it instantly became apparent how heavy the clutch on my car is! The Golf was like stepping on air in comparrison! I've heard of BMW's having firm clutched but this was a major difference. It got me worried, Either the slave cylinder is knackered or the clutch was incorrectly fitted. Also at times it feels like the clutch doesn't quite do enough to cleanly engage the gears, a sort of resistance about 3/4's of the way in. How difficult in terms of locating & access is it to change the cylinder on an E36? Any other opinions more than welcome.
Dean.

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328i Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member I Joined: 03-August-2004 Location: West London Status: Offline Points: 134	Topic: E36 328 Heavy Clutch Posted: 24-November-2004 at 09:57
	After driving our other car yesterday for pretty much the 1st time since we got the BMW it instantly became apparent how heavy the clutch on my car is! The Golf was like stepping on air in comparrison! I've heard of BMW's having firm clutched but this was a major difference. It got me worried, Either the slave cylinder is knackered or the clutch was incorrectly fitted. Also at times it feels like the clutch doesn't quite do enough to cleanly engage the gears, a sort of resistance about 3/4's of the way in. How difficult in terms of locating & access is it to change the cylinder on an E36? Any other opinions more than welcome. Dean.
	2001 540i Sport, Silver, Black Leather

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orkboss Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member I Joined: 07-November-2004 Status: Offline Points: 135	Posted: 26-November-2004 at 17:02
	It may just appear to be heavy after using the golf. It may be springs in the thrust plate being older, certaily heavier duty. I notice my clutch being heavy compared with brand new cars. If you clutch pedal only works 3/4 the way in check your clutch fluid resvoir, if it low check for leaks around the slave cylinder and pipe joints, but more likely the slave cylinder. I do not know for sure on your model but I would guess it is nearside underneath behind front wheel next to bell housing. Probably two bolts.

GreyArea51 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 08-October-2004 Location: Chorley, England Status: Offline Points: 69	Posted: 26-November-2004 at 17:34
	I drive a lot of Avis cars through my work and everytime I jump back in to the 328 the clutch feels very heavy. Gotta say I prefer a heavy clutch myself. Edited by GreyArea51
	E46 330Ci Sport GreyArea51 - The future holds many surprises.

orkboss Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member I Joined: 07-November-2004 Status: Offline Points: 135	Posted: 26-November-2004 at 18:00
	It is a clutch for a 2.8 engine. It cant be a tiddly thing.

JC-JC Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 26-November-2004 Location: Surrey Status: Offline Points: 9	Posted: 27-November-2004 at 16:52
	Oh Boy can I relate to this! Bought my 328i coupe back in June, the first thing I noticed although I loved the car was the really heavy clutch! Fine on a run, but get stuck in London traffic it was a nightmare. Took it to a dealer who said.....well yes it is a bit heavy but I have felt worse!.....not really much help. I decided if I was going to be able to live with the car I would have to do something. So I had the clutch changed complete with release baring, not through a main dealer as they wanted huge bucks, but through a small independent who specialised in BM�s cost about � 300.00 . Now I love the car, the clutch is much lighter and a joy to drive.........but don�t expect it to be as light as your Golf after all it is a six pot 200 BHP (well almost) car. JC

328i Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member I Joined: 03-August-2004 Location: West London Status: Offline Points: 134	Posted: 29-November-2004 at 09:39
	I'm thinking of just changing the slave cylinder & bleeding the system. Car supposidly had a new clutch not long before I bought it so will try the cheaper road before considering a whole new clutch. The cylinders only about �35 from GSF, Hoping this will fix it. What fluid do people recommend for the clutch?
	2001 540i Sport, Silver, Black Leather

JC-JC Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 26-November-2004 Location: Surrey Status: Offline Points: 9	Posted: 30-November-2004 at 02:15
	Mine had only done 29K when I replaced it! Obviously wasn't worn out, just got heavy with lack of use. Only 29K in seven years just seemd to to be hard work JC

Webdunk Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Moderator Group M3 GT Register Joined: 16-October-2002 Location: Central Scotland Status: Offline Points: 5245	Posted: 30-November-2004 at 04:04
	Based on my experiences, I think the 2 main points made here are spot on. a) 328i clutches are heavier than other cars b) The do get heavier as they get worn. I replaced mine a' 68k or so (IIRC) and it got much lighter while remaining heavier than 'average'


orkboss Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member I Joined: 07-November-2004 Status: Offline Points: 135	Posted: 30-November-2004 at 08:39
	Why not try bleeding the system first, I use any old brand dot 3 clutch and brake fluid. I would only bother replacing the slave cylinder if the seals have gone, you will see the brake fluid leaking if it is.