Clutch problems are quite common in manual transmission cars. Even BMWs face this challenge despite being known for their high quality of engineering. The clutch on most BMWs can last anywhere between 10,000 to 130,000 miles. Yes, that’s a huge interval! It really depends on the model of your car and your own driving habits. The important thing is to put your Beamer on a maintenance schedule with a professional garage. They can catch issues early on and fix the problem before major damage occurs. In this article, we will discuss issues with external clutches in a manual transmission car.

All cars have clutches, whether it is a manual transmission or automatic. In an automatic transmission car, you, as the driver, don’t have control over the clutch. In a manual transmission car, often called a stick-shift car, there is a clutch pedal that is external and you interact with this device to make the gears shift.

What is a Clutch, and What is its Purpose?

The clutch in your car is part of the transmission system. It is a mechanical component that allows you to change gears smoothly. Its basic function is to engage and disengage the power from the engine to the transmission. The clutch is the connection between the engine and the wheels. When you depress the clutch pedal, it cuts power from the engine. Then, when you release the clutch pedal, it lets power from the engine pass into the transmission and through to the wheels.

Why Does a Clutch Go Bad?

The clutch in your Bimmer can go out for many reasons. Here are some common problems, some of which are in your control.

• Riding the Clutch: If you have the bad habit of keeping your foot on the clutch pedal while driving in slow-moving traffic, this can burn the clutch out.
• Keeping Your Hands on the Stick Shift: Another bad habit is to leave your hands on the stick, which puts pressure on the gearbox.
• Changing Gears Incorrectly: when you’re shifting gears manually, be deliberate. Don’t do it too slowly or too fast.
• Not Putting It Into Neutral at a Stop: If you leave your car in gear while you are stopped, this will damage your clutch.
• Wear and Tear: Eventually, the clutch materials, such as the bearings and other metal parts, will wear out due to friction and use.
• Weakened Clutch Components: If the diaphragm spring is compromised, the clutch may refuse to activate.
• Clutch Fluid Issues: If there are air bubbles in the clutch fluid, the clutch won’t work.
• Leaking Clutch Fluid: If the master cylinder is broken, your Bimmer might be losing clutch fluid. This will affect clutch performance.
• Buckled Pressure Plate: A pressure plate that is not in good order will cause clutch issues.
• Problematic Cables: If the cables are damaged, misaligned, or bent, your Beemer’s clutch will be impacted.
• Oil Leaks: If engine oil or transmission oil leaks into the clutch assembly, you will have difficulty with your clutch.

Signs That the Clutch in Your Car is Going Out

Here are some indications that the clutch in your Beamer needs repairing:

• Trouble changing gears.
• Gears slip and don’t engage.
• Clutch pedal feels rigid.
• Clutch pedal vibrates when you depress it.
• Distinct burning smell.
• Gears seem to be grinding.
• Car doesn’t pick up speed.
• Clutch pedal feels sticky.
• Clutch pedal feels squishy or spongy.
• Weird grinding noises when shifting gears.
• Squealing, squeaking noises from the clutch.

Driving Without a Clutch

Clutch problems are a serious matter. You’ll not be able to drive without a functioning clutch. If your BMW’s clutch fails while you’re driving, you should be able to bring it to a stop, but after that, you will not be able to put it into gear anymore. In other words, your car cannot be driven. We strongly recommend that you have your Beemer on a proper maintenance schedule so that we can address fixable issues quickly. After too much damage has occurred, a repair may not even be an option. A complete transmission rebuild is very expensive. Good driving habits and regular maintenance are key to a healthy clutch.

Trust Your BMW to Rowlett Motorwerks

At Rowlett Motorwerks, our trained mechanics can help you with your clutch issues. Starting from repairs to a complete rebuild, our trained mechanics can help you out. Give us a call to find out more. You can easily schedule an appointment and stop by any of our locations in Texas. You’ll find us in Garland, Rockwall, Sachse, Wylie, and Rowlett.