Owner's manual says never hold down clutch...

Seattle S65B40 · 02-17-2011, 05:51 PM

On page 110, the owner's manual says to never drive with: (1) the clutch held down; (2) with the transmission in idle; (3) or with the engine switched off.

I'm not worried about (2) or (3), but I often, and always have, cruise down hills or come to a stop with the clutch held down (like if i know the lights about to turn green or something). The longest I've ever done this is probably 30 or 40 seconds. I had no idea that was a no-no. Does anyone else do this contrary to the owner's manual? I've done this with all manuals and hope it's nothing to worry about. If it's as significant as the OM seems to make it, please advise.

Thanks in advance.

Prince_of_Persia · 02-17-2011, 06:01 PM

I definitely don't do it for 30 -40 seconds! Maximum I hold my clutch is 2-3 seconds at Yield signs (as far as I remember)

Seattle S65B40 · 02-17-2011, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prince_of_Persia

I definitely don't do it for 30 -40 seconds! Maximum I hold my clutch is 2-3 seconds at Yield signs (as far as I remember)

Agreed. It is rare that I hold for that long, but that is the max. Generally 10 seconds or less.

thai357sig · 02-17-2011, 06:04 PM

I do the exact same thing! I imagine if you hold it completely down then it shouldn't be any extra wear and tear. Since it is locking the plate, gears, synchros, or what ever(real technical) it should probably be less wear than releasing and depressing again. But what do I know. I just recently ran my M3 thru my garage.

kpneverdies · 02-17-2011, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seattle S65B40

Agreed. It is rare that I hold for that long, but that is the max. Generally 10 seconds or less.

even 10 secs is long....
why do u need to hold onto ur clutch for 10 secs.
i've heard that holding onto the clutch is bad for all the manual cars.

Seattle S65B40 · 02-17-2011, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kpneverdies

even 10 secs is long....
why do u need to hold onto ur clutch for 10 secs.
i've heard that holding onto the clutch is bad for all the manual cars.

I don't know, I guess I always assumed it had the same effect as having the car in neutral, but the difference is, if i'm in gear, i'm then ready to go when it's game time. It's now become a bad habit and I'm trying to stop...

GreasyGinzo · 02-17-2011, 06:15 PM

I have been driving stick for 14 years and never had a problem with holding the clutch down and having the tranny in gear at complete stops. Coasting with the tranny in gear and the clutch in is a different story. Not sure what the point of that would be.

jms_w · 02-17-2011, 06:24 PM

I may be wrong but I don't think there's anything wrong with depressing the clutch pedal all the way down when you're in gear. I think that statement in the owner's manual meant don't "ride the clutch" while you're driving which means have it depressed even slightly while you're in gear and accelerating.

Seattle S65B40 · 02-17-2011, 06:26 PM

Admittedly, another situation where i engage in this behavior is when i'm rolling downhill and want to save some gas. I'll just hold the clutch and stay in gear in case i quickly need to get back in gear for any reason...

Sedan_Clan · 02-17-2011, 06:29 PM

Bullocks! I've done this on every manual transmission car that I've ever owned. I side with the perspective that the clutch wear comes from engagement, not from holding the clutch in while in gear.

mot · 02-17-2011, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seattle S65B40

Admittedly, another situation where i engage in this behavior is when i'm rolling downhill and want to save some gas. I'll just hold the clutch and stay in gear in case i quickly need to get back in gear for any reason...

You actually save gas if you're IN gear, just don't apply any gas. (for coasting)

motortrend · 02-17-2011, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seattle S65B40

On page 110, the owner's manual says to never drive with: (1) the clutch held down; (2) with the transmission in idle; (3) or with the engine switched off.

I'm not worried about (2) or (3), but I often, and always have, cruise down hills or come to a stop with the clutch held down (like if i know the lights about to turn green or something). The longest I've ever done this is probably 30 or 40 seconds. I had no idea that was a no-no. Does anyone else do this contrary to the owner's manual? I've done this with all manuals and hope it's nothing to worry about. If it's as significant as the OM seems to make it, please advise.

Thanks in advance.

Does the 2nd one maen that you shouldn't move with the car in neutral?

Seattle S65B40 · 02-17-2011, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mot

You actually save gas if you're IN gear, just don't apply any gas. (for coasting)

Really? So even if I'm in 5th gear and RPMs holding steady at 3500 downhill on a freeway (no throttle), I will be saving more gas by staying in gear, as opposed to putting in the clutch in letting the engine idle?

e92zero · 02-17-2011, 06:41 PM

probably very insignificant but won't you put more wear on the throw-out bearing (or another bearing) by holding the clutch down? I would imagine the pressure plate is pretty strong in the clutch for this car. Just guessing.

Seattle S65B40 · 02-17-2011, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motortrend

Does the 2nd one maen that you shouldn't move with the car in neutral?

Good question. If that's what that means, I suppose i do that as well... but it says transmission, not engine?

sensi09 · 02-17-2011, 06:42 PM

Holding the clutch down will wear the throwout bearing, but I don't think it will make a appreciable difference.

At a red light, I'll often hold down the clutch while in gear just to be ready, especially when I'm first in line.

Seattle S65B40 · 02-17-2011, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sensi09

Holding the clutch down will wear the throwout bearing, but I don't think it will make a appreciable difference.

At a red light, I'll often hold down the clutch while in gear just to be ready, especially when I'm first in line.

LOVE being first in line.

davem3fan · 02-17-2011, 06:47 PM

People are way too paranoid about clutch release bearings... Has anyone reasonable really ever worn one out?

DBH · 02-17-2011, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sensi09

Holding the clutch down will wear the throwout bearing, but I don't think it will make a appreciable difference.

At a red light, I'll often hold down the clutch while in gear just to be ready, especially when I'm first in line.

BTW, page 110 of my manual provides instruction on how to open the ashtray and use the lighter - duh!

I've driven manual tranny cars for many, many years. I've never had an issue holding the clutch pedal down for even a minute or so while the car is stationary or in motion. However, it does put extra stress on the throwout bearing. In a worst case senario, the bearing will go and you won't. Generally speaking, the clutch plates will wear out first. Usually the throwout bearing will be replaced at that time.

sensi09 · 02-17-2011, 07:12 PM

I keep my ashtray closed so I don't wear out the springs.

DBH · 02-17-2011, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sensi09

I keep my ashtray closed so I don't wear out the springs.

Mikes5.0 · 02-17-2011, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sensi09

I keep my ashtray closed so I don't wear out the springs.

Now thats funny

02-17-2011, 05:51 PM	#1
Seattle S65B40 Major 241 Rep 1,395 Posts Drives: 2008 e92 M3 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: PNW iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 [0.00]	Owner's manual says never hold down clutch... On page 110, the owner's manual says to never drive with: (1) the clutch held down; (2) with the transmission in idle; (3) or with the engine switched off. I'm not worried about (2) or (3), but I often, and always have, cruise down hills or come to a stop with the clutch held down (like if i know the lights about to turn green or something). The longest I've ever done this is probably 30 or 40 seconds. I had no idea that was a no-no. Does anyone else do this contrary to the owner's manual? I've done this with all manuals and hope it's nothing to worry about. If it's as significant as the OM seems to make it, please advise. Thanks in advance. __________________ Club 6MT 2008 E92 M3 6MT, AW/Blk Ext., brushed aluminum 2006 E46 M3 ZCP 6MT Carbon blk/blk(sold) 2001 E46 325Xi 5MT Jet Blk/Blk (sold) Last edited by Seattle S65B40; 02-17-2011 at 06:12 PM..
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02-17-2011, 06:01 PM	#2
Prince_of_Persia Colonel 265 Rep 2,520 Posts Drives: 6MT E92 M3 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Vancouver, BC iTrader: (1)	I definitely don't do it for 30 -40 seconds! Maximum I hold my clutch is 2-3 seconds at Yield signs (as far as I remember) __________________ AW\|FR 6MT E92 ///M3
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02-17-2011, 06:04 PM	#4
thai357sig Lieutenant 33 Rep 409 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Amerika iTrader: (0)	I do the exact same thing! I imagine if you hold it completely down then it shouldn't be any extra wear and tear. Since it is locking the plate, gears, synchros, or what ever(real technical) it should probably be less wear than releasing and depressing again. But what do I know. I just recently ran my M3 thru my garage. __________________ 09'M3 JerezB/Tech/Cold/Prem/PDC/SR/Black Leather/ANTHRACITE Sycamore/IPOD/USB/Rear Sunshade/Premium Sounnd/6MT*Just Hit The Ground! Delivery 02/25/2009*
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02-17-2011, 06:15 PM	#7
GreasyGinzo Captain 46 Rep 635 Posts Drives: '08 E92 AW 6MT M3(Totaled) Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: North Jersey iTrader: (1)	I have been driving stick for 14 years and never had a problem with holding the clutch down and having the tranny in gear at complete stops. Coasting with the tranny in gear and the clutch in is a different story. Not sure what the point of that would be. __________________
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02-17-2011, 06:24 PM	#8
jms_w Second Lieutenant 53 Rep 254 Posts Drives: '08 SG E93 M3 Join Date: May 2008 Location: VA iTrader: (0)	I may be wrong but I don't think there's anything wrong with depressing the clutch pedal all the way down when you're in gear. I think that statement in the owner's manual meant don't "ride the clutch" while you're driving which means have it depressed even slightly while you're in gear and accelerating. __________________ jms_w '08 E93 M3 SG \| BLK \| 6MT
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02-17-2011, 06:26 PM	#9
Seattle S65B40 Major 241 Rep 1,395 Posts Drives: 2008 e92 M3 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: PNW iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 [0.00]	Admittedly, another situation where i engage in this behavior is when i'm rolling downhill and want to save some gas. I'll just hold the clutch and stay in gear in case i quickly need to get back in gear for any reason... __________________ Club 6MT 2008 E92 M3 6MT, AW/Blk Ext., brushed aluminum 2006 E46 M3 ZCP 6MT Carbon blk/blk(sold) 2001 E46 325Xi 5MT Jet Blk/Blk (sold)
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02-17-2011, 06:29 PM	#10
Sedan_Clan Law Enforcer 30107 Rep 23,398 Posts Drives: '22 Chalk Gray Porsche C2S Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: ..in your rearview!!! iTrader: (26)	Bullocks! I've done this on every manual transmission car that I've ever owned. I side with the perspective that the clutch wear comes from engagement, not from holding the clutch in while in gear.
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02-17-2011, 06:41 PM	#14
e92zero Captain 217 Rep 874 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 BW Join Date: May 2010 Location: somewhere in US iTrader: (1)	probably very insignificant but won't you put more wear on the throw-out bearing (or another bearing) by holding the clutch down? I would imagine the pressure plate is pretty strong in the clutch for this car. Just guessing.
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02-17-2011, 06:42 PM	#16
sensi09 Lieutenant Colonel 30 Rep 1,789 Posts Drives: . Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: socal iTrader: (1)	Holding the clutch down will wear the throwout bearing, but I don't think it will make a appreciable difference. At a red light, I'll often hold down the clutch while in gear just to be ready, especially when I'm first in line.
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02-17-2011, 06:47 PM	#18
davem3fan Captain 191 Rep 719 Posts Drives: 2011 E70 X5d Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Philly Metro iTrader: (2) Garage List 2016 BMW M3 [0.00] 2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d [0.00]	People are way too paranoid about clutch release bearings... Has anyone reasonable really ever worn one out? __________________ Dave Flogaus CCA #123862 11 E70 X5d
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02-17-2011, 07:12 PM	#20
sensi09 Lieutenant Colonel 30 Rep 1,789 Posts Drives: . Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: socal iTrader: (1)	I keep my ashtray closed so I don't wear out the springs.
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