High clutch release? 6MT 2011

[emranc]

Hey all, I recently graduated from a 335i N54 6MT to a M3, prior to that had a 330ci which was also 6MT.

When i first got the M3, the clutch release seemed high but i figured that over time it would adapt... Now with almost 1800 miles, I find the clutch release very high specially when comparing to my previous cars.

Anybody else notice this, do you think it is something i should go into the dealer and ask them to take a look at? Not many other 6MT available to compare directly so wondering if the dealer will just say that it is within spec!

Thanks

[jjw2331]

I got my 6mt a few weeks ago. Like you I had a e9x and e46 3 series (328i and 325ci both manual) prior to the m3. Compared to my '09 328i, the m3's clutch grab point is higher, and believe it or not, more vague. Very smooth though.

I was never shocked about how high the grab point felt. Maybe u should get a tech who has worked with a 6mt M3 to check it out.

[DLin17]

My 2008 E90 clutch engagement point has always been high as well. It does feel weird since you would think it should be lower compared to other cars.

[emranc]

Thanks guys, it seems like engagement point is high relative to other 3-series, I have to say that i do like the clutch effort. Used to drive my brother's E46 M3 a lot and the clutch effort was high... A good friend of mine has a 335is and the clutch effort in that is pretty high as well.

As a daily driver, clutch effort was a big concern of mine... guess i just have to adapt to the higher clutch release point

[ILSMKU]

dct-m ftw!

[Z K]

I have a high clutch engagement point as well. Also a bit vague. Guess it's normal.

[BlackSaphr]

Mine too is quite high, you get used to it though.

[Totti]

Mine is high too but I wouldn't have any other transmission in my car.

I masterbate more efficiently, faster and with less effort than intercourse too... But I still prefer sex.

[GewoW]

get a cllutch-stop

[Muffnbluff]

Originally Posted by Totti

Mine is high too but I wouldn't have any other transmission in my car.

I masterbate more efficiently, faster and with less effort than intercourse too... But I still prefer sex.

...well put my friend.

I was just thinking about this the other day, I barely have to press my clutch in for it to disengage. Doesn't really bother me, this is my fourth manual transmission car, they're all different so you get used to it eventually. Hell, the clutch on my STi felt like an on/off switch compared to my 135i.

[///M Dream]

Yeah i had the same problem when i purchased my M3. Just throw on a clutch stop and it should be smooth sailing from there. Best 10 dollar mod you can get.

[emranc]

Seems like the engagement point is high for all.
After researching clutch stop found this, make sure you read page 8 before you buy though, seems like there are at least a couple different options
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthr...=320787&page=8

Seems like this is the product,
http://www.khoalty.com/bmw-e90-e92/i...ml#productdesc

Not sure i wanna do this yet, maybe i just need to master the first gear release, else does not seem to be an issue.

[elp_jc]

I consider my clutch engagement point just about perfect, which is about half point. I bet yours are the same. Have you guys bled your clutches? A high engagement point usually means a worn clutch plate, rather than air in the hydraulics (usually the opposite symptom: pedal too close to the floor), but sometimes crap in the fluid doesn't let the slave retract all the way. I did mine twice already, and maybe that had something to do with it. Did it the first time (along with the brakes) right after I got the car, since it sat for a year on the lot. I like to do it early when new to remove all the assembly crap you usually found in there. Fluid was murky and with some crap in it, but wasn't that bad. Second time it was just a bit dark, but perfect, just like I expected it . Brake/clutch components are expensive not to spend $10 a year for a full bleed. Have a good one folks.

[roddyc]

The first thing I said after test driving one was the clutch release felt really high; have driven 3 E9x 6MT and they all felt the same...granted I hadn't driven a manual in about 5 years, but prior to that, all I drove were Honda/Acura manuals and they all felt like they had lower and better defined release points but it was probably just that I was used to them.

Anyways, I just installed a clutch stop I got off eBay (it's the adjustable one with washers you can take off); took me about 2 minutes start to finish. It eliminates most of the dead travel and makes the clutch feel more like what I'm used to with the release point near the 'bottom'. Best $15 I've spent so far and seemingly an easy fix.

[JRam]

Originally Posted by Totti

Mine is high too but I wouldn't have any other transmission in my car.

I masterbate more efficiently, faster and with less effort than intercourse too... But I still prefer sex.

And this sums it all up in the best analogy of all time.

As for the clutch...Ditched my 335i for the M3 and the clutch is totally different and a higher engagement point for sure and i dont think a clutch stop would make much difference. I know there is a spring removal DIY that i have yet to try. May want to take a look into that.

[saeedg48]

yah - idk what you're referring to.. hope that helps.

[Totti]

Still haven't adjusted to the release. Dang the 1-2 is tricky.

[cookdesk]

just did the spring removal DIY - highly recommended although it is a bitch to get to. Took me an hour but I didn't bother to get the picks...

1st to 2nd is smoother and the engagement point feels more intuitive.