Dealer Replaced Clutch - Doesn't Feel the Same, Any Input?

[3002 tii]

So I dropped off my car at the dealer last week for 30k / Inspection I, clutch issues (throw-out bearing – rattling noise), and the n52 chatter issue (related to lifters). Surprisingly the dealer was great about looking into everything and confirmed all my complaints. They installed new lifters and replaced the clutch. The actual invoice stated:

Throw out bearing is excessively worn and has damaged clutch pressure plate. Clutch measures at 5.8mm. Throw out bearing / pressure plate are faulty. Replaced clutch / throw out bearing and clutch pressure plate.

So after I pick up the car, the first thing I immediately notice is the clutch feels so much “lighter” and “softer.” It takes minimal effort to fully depress the clutch. On the original clutch, you had to actually push your foot down to fight the clutch but at least you could then feel the engagement point much easier. It just had a sportier feel to it but now the clutch feels just like the 335i I had as a loaner a while back, it’s more forgiving and it’s harder to spot where the engagement point is. I know being a new clutch, the engagement point would take getting used to but the difference is night and day.

So my questions are:

1. Was that raw clutch feeling I was used to before a result of faulty clutch I had all this time?
2. Is this the way the Z4 should drive from factory? Or did they replace the clutch with newer components, ie from the e90 and this is why it drives like the 335i I had?
3. And would the modified CDV I had installed previously still be there or would they have replaced that as well?

On a positive note, every shift is smoother (especially downshifts), there’s no rattle at idle/neutral and shifts in general just seem easier (less effort on my part to have to manage the timing – but again could be result of clutch feeling so “forgiving”. Hope this post makes sense, any input is appreciated.

[chickdr]

Originally Posted by Dubbedown

So I dropped off my car at the dealer last week for 30k / Inspection I, clutch issues (throw-out bearing – rattling noise), and the n52 chatter issue (related to lifters). Surprisingly the dealer was great about looking into everything and confirmed all my complaints. They installed new lifters and replaced the clutch. The actual invoice stated:

Throw out bearing is excessively worn and has damaged clutch pressure plate. Clutch measures at 5.8mm. Throw out bearing / pressure plate are faulty. Replaced clutch / throw out bearing and clutch pressure plate.

So after I pick up the car, the first thing I immediately notice is the clutch feels so much “lighter” and “softer.” It takes minimal effort to fully depress the clutch. On the original clutch, you had to actually push your foot down to fight the clutch but at least you could then feel the engagement point much easier. It just had a sportier feel to it but now the clutch feels just like the 335i I had as a loaner a while back, it’s more forgiving and it’s harder to spot where the engagement point is. I know being a new clutch, the engagement point would take getting used to but the difference is night and day.

So my questions are:

1. Was that raw clutch feeling I was used to before a result of faulty clutch I had all this time?
2. Is this the way the Z4 should drive from factory? Or did they replace the clutch with newer components, ie from the e90 and this is why it drives like the 335i I had?
3. And would the modified CDV I had installed previously still be there or would they have replaced that as well?

On a positive note, every shift is smoother (especially downshifts), there’s no rattle at idle/neutral and shifts in general just seem easier (less effort on my part to have to manage the timing – but again could be result of clutch feeling so “forgiving”. Hope this post makes sense, any input is appreciated.

I have not had clutch work done on mine, but I would bet on your assumption the new clutch is the way it is supposed to be. I would think the wear happened gradually and you did not realize it was changing the feel.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by chickdr

I have not had clutch work done on mine, but I would bet on your assumption the new clutch is the way it is supposed to be. I would think the wear happened gradually and you did not realize it was changing the feel.

i guess you're right, i looked up the p/n from the invoice and it is correct...

21207587369

Clutch - Clutch & flywheel - Pressure plate
Pressure plate, z4, 3.0l, 3.0si 2006 - 2008

[thekurgan]

Originally Posted by Dubbedown

i guess you're right, i looked up the p/n from the invoice and it is correct...

21207587369

Clutch - Clutch & flywheel - Pressure plate
Pressure plate, z4, 3.0l, 3.0si 2006 - 2008

You sometimes grow into defects as a car ages, clutches and suspension are like this I notice. Someone else drives the car and says: "damn your shocks are blown". Agree this is probably the way it was supposed to be when new and it hasn't broken in yet.

[3002 tii]

good stuff, now i just gotta figure out if the modified cdv is still there. because the clutch is so much smoother than before, i can't tell if the cdv is there or not, lol

[ebruder]

Originally Posted by Dubbedown

good stuff, now i just gotta figure out if the modified cdv is still there. because the clutch is so much smoother than before, i can't tell if the cdv is there or not, lol

If the clutch is so much better, and you're shifting without problem, it really doesn't matter, does it?

EB

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by ebruder

If the clutch is so much better, and you're shifting without problem, it really doesn't matter, does it?

EB

correct, shifts are smoother but i miss the heavy feel of the original clutch. that heavy feeling made it easier to pinpoint the engagement point.

[Jbs]

re-bleed the clutch...?