Couple clutch questions

[reRESERVEDFX]

Hi,

Today I unfortunately let inexperienced driver sit in my Z4 just to find out he took it for a "spin" when I wasn't looking :/ Kid drove the car so that every time he would change the gear, rather than dumping the clutch and then go on gas; he would add more gas and slowly let go off the clutch (slip it.) He drove like that for about half a mile until I heard my car at 4k revs and then pulling it. I told him to stop and then I smelled it :/ It was unbearable to stand by the car for even a minute :/ I almost killed the kid but oh well... Anyways I had the clutch replaced about 6k miles ago. Did he eat a lot of clutch doing that? It doesn't slip but I'm having a hard time shifting from 2nd to 3rd and it acts all weird when I take off. As though the friction points moves and is very far from the ground :/

Now another question; how much am I looking for labor at independent BMW shop to put a new one in? I was also considering a performance clutch with a heavier feel.

Thanks for all the replies guys!

[thekurgan]

That kid does not know how to drive, period. I think he may have heated up the clutch plate, I wouldn't think a short trip would cause permanent damage though. Call an independent shop, my local Dinan shop charges $96/hour, plus parts, depends on how long they take.

[nickpapa]

its possible he could have glazed the clutch. if it is glazed you'll start noticing slipping at wide open throttle in 6th and as it starts to get worse and worse it'll slip in the lower gears one by one as well. give that a shot

as far as having a heavier feel, the pressure plate will make that happen. even sticking with the stock clutch but using a sport or race pressure plate will give you the heavier (harder to push) clutch pedal.

[reRESERVEDFX]

Thank you nickpapa. About to go on the highway right now, so I will check it out.

Also, could anyone guide me in the right direction of obtaining upgraded clutch and pressure plate? Something that will feel heavier and maybe even last longer.

Thanks!

[Rick F.]

Reserved,

I have to second nickpapa's comment.

The smell from the clutch was because the kid slipped the living hell out of it, causing it to overheat drastically. The overheating essentially burns the clutch lining, which, when it cools back down, has a much harder "glazed" consistency. It doesn't grip very well, and it would give you an inconsistent clutch engagement.

In short, that clutch disk sounds like toast. Too bad. I'm a big believer in letting kids sit in an interesting car--but I've never had one drive off!

Rick F.

[reRESERVEDFX]

This "kid" was 18 year old and today I've tried nickpapa's method but it's not slipping. Took it to the dealer and it's not slipping. Just feels weird during take offs. As though the grabbing point was running away from me "too much slip?"

I already ordered the Performance package from UUC with the flywheel. I will try to put it on myself if I find the lift. If not, I'm just gonna have my local BMW indy shop do it for me. Any donations for possible AK47 to shoot him much appreciated

[thekurgan]

Originally Posted by reRESERVEDFX

Any donations for possible AK47 to shoot him much appreciated

My Romanian ak was banned a few years back due to new California laws. The AR-15 will have to do.

[reRESERVEDFX]

Haha thanks man! I'm sure that would do just fine

[3002 tii]

make him pay for a new one