have to use clutch to start/problems - BMW Forum

dj55 · 03-19-2009, 06:25 AM

1997 328i 4 door sedan 160,000. I always have to press in clutch in order to start the car. Lately I have noticed it does not always start. It sounds like it but then doesn't. So I move it to a diff gear and press in clutch again and its starts. I was told there may be a clutch switch that needs to be replaced? Its vrry erratic does not always happen but its there. Does anyone have this car or know what it could be????

jmo69 · 03-20-2009, 11:07 PM

Part # 8 is the safety switch
RealOEM.com * BMW E36 328i PEDALS-SUPPORTING BRACKET

dj55 · 03-21-2009, 06:07 AM

Is it difficult to replace and do I need to disconnect the battery to do it.?

saltshaker185 · 03-21-2009, 11:40 AM

fairly easy and very similar to this fix here...

brakeswitch.page

just a matter of getting underneath there as its a bit tight... if the old switch is just plastic and your having trouble getting it out just break it off. (something most people dont really think about)

cheers!

jmo69 · 03-21-2009, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dj55

Is it difficult to replace and do I need to disconnect the battery to do it.?

Circuit should be dead if the switch is off.

dj55 · 03-21-2009, 03:00 PM

okay I'm stupid. Do you mean if its not engaged. So when I hold the pedal down to remove it then the circuit is off?

jmo69 · 03-21-2009, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dj55

okay I'm stupid. Do you mean if its not engaged. So when I hold the pedal down to remove it then the circuit is off?

I should have said when the ignition switch is off, my bad.

dj55 · 03-22-2009, 06:19 AM

I wonder though if it is the switch. It always starts fine in the mornings. Its only after driving around and parking going into a store then when I restart it is when it happens. If it was the switch wouldn't it be all the time?