Expert: Josh Fields - 2/8/2006

Question
I know this isn't youre area of expertise, but I have a 1996 BMW 328iC.  It is a 5spd and recently, all of a sudden the clutch vibrates when half depresssed and slips.  At the same moment this started, the gears became almost impossible to select, especially 1st and second...and reverse.  When I do finally get it into gear, with a lot of effort, its sounds like it clunks into the gear.  When driving, I can floor it in 4th gear and almost nothing happens....I mean I can be going 30mph on 4th, floor it to 4500 rpm...and still go 30 mph.  If you can help at all I would be vastly appreciative.

Jason

Answer
Jason,
 There are a couple things that COULD be the problem.  You could have oil leaking and running down and somehow getting on the clutch/flywheel.  Or you could just have a ruined/shot clutch.  I think the latter is what happened.  Someone has either been really hard on the clutch, or rides with their foot on the clutch pedal... or you have really high mileage.
 Like brake pads, the clutch is DESIGNED to wear out and not the expensive parts.  I would assume that most people get 150k miles out of a clutch system, but you can shorten or lengthen the life by how you drive.

 The vibration is the clutch grabbing and slipping on the flywheel.  If the engine will rev, but the car doesn't accelerate, then its a sure sign that the clutch is shot, or has some coating on it, preventing it from engaging.

 Check www.bavauto.com, or www.pelicanparts.com for a clutch kit.  You will need:  
 Clutch disc
 Pressure plate
 Throw-out bearing
 pilot bearing (if applicable)

 This will require removing the tranny, so if you cannot do this... find a trusted mechanic that will.

 Hope this helps
 Josh