Is your BMW feeling out of tune recently and making gear changes more difficult? If you are driving a manual transmission BMW, you have to realize how important the clutch is for smooth gear changes. When the clutch starts to malfunction, it can cause several issues that would make your driving experience unsafe and uncomfortable. Let’s go into the world of manual BMW clutch failure and investigate how to handle this frequently occurring yet annoying problem.
Signs Your Clutch Is Failing
- Difficulty Changing Gears: If changing your BMW gear feels like you are pushing a boulder uphill with resistance or grinding noises, it is a sign of clutch problems. It means the clutch is not engaging or disengaging smoothly as a result of some problem with the gear.
- Burning Smell: Have you ever noticed the smell of burning while driving? If the car smells like a toast party, it can be the clutch overheating. The scent of burning rubber is a sign of the amount of friction from a slipping clutch, which is a sign of the upcoming trouble.
- Slipping Clutch: If after you press the gas pedal your BMW acts as if it is in neutral, that’s a slipping clutch. When the clutch slips your engine revs up but your car’s speed is not corresponding to it. It is like the car is spinning its wheels but not going anywhere. This problem is usually caused by the worn-out parts of the clutch.
How You Can Address Clutch Problems
- Visual Inspection: Make sure to check your clutch system parts one by one in a comprehensive manner. See if there is any damage, cracks, or leaks near the clutch assembly, flywheel, and hydraulic The moment you see any problem, like a broken part or a leak, it is very important to deal with it as soon as you can so that you will not have other bigger problems later.
- Fluid Flush and Replacement: If fluid contamination is suspected as the cause of clutch failure, it’s really important to flush the clutch hydraulic system. This consists of the old, dirty fluid being drained and the fresh, manufacturer-approved clutch fluid being put in its place. The system is cleaned by flushing and all the debris or contaminants that may be affecting the clutch operation are removed. This leads to the restoration of the hydraulic function and future problems are prevented.
- Component Replacement: Sometimes, the clutch parts have become so worn out or damaged that they cannot be repaired. When you face this situation, you have to replace some elements like the clutch disc, pressure plate, release bearing, or hydraulic cylinders. It is necessary to choose the right parts either OEM or aftermarket as per your requirements so you can get the best result from your clutch.
- Professional Repairs: If you are not so confident about inspecting the clutch by yourself, it is better to call the attention of a competent mechanic or BMW specialist for help. They are very skilled and have the specialized tools needed to diagnose and fix clutch problems accurately so your BMW will be back on the road in no time. Remember that your clutch is important for your safety on the road, so do not leave it in the hands of an unprofessional mechanic.
Let Lancer Service Help You With All Your BMW’s Needs
At Lancer Service, we have been providing 
the best service for over forty years, and that is the reason why we are the number one choice for auto repairs in St. Paul, MN. Specializing in European, Asian, and domestic vehicles, we have honed our skills to serve the BMW drivers since 1977.
If you are having clutch problems with your manual BMW, our ASE-certified mechanics are there to help. Through careful examination, we’ll check, replace, or repair the faulty components in your manual transmission to make sure your BMW is running smoothly. We have the newest tools so our garage is always prepared to deal with any BMW repair problem that car owners might be experiencing. Set up an appointment online or give us a call today at (651) 224-0267 to get the best service first hand.