Is my clutch going?

[mostwired]

Recently I've noticed that when I shift (stick-shift E36 319i), the RPMs are much higher than before, and the speed at the time of shifting is lower. For example, I shift 2 -> 3 at 4000 rpm, and my speed is only 35 mph. Same about 3 -> 4 at 4000 rpm, at a speed of 45 mph. Is my clutch going bad? I don't smell anything though. I remember I used to shift 2 -> 3 at 4000rpm, having 40-45mph on the speedometer . Are there any other factors that would affect this (apart from rim size and terrain)?

If it's a clutch - how much should I expect to pay to replace it (labor + part)?

[El Presidente]

Sounds more like an engine problem than clutch problem. How are your filters? Ssomething could be clogged. Also, try a fuel injector cleaner.

To check the clutch, start the car and put it in 4th. Let the clutch out fast and listen. The car should die right away. If it hesitates, then the clutch is going/gone.

[Autotechnica]

If you're getting lower speeds at higher RPM's and you haven't touched your gear ratios, it would seem your engine is losing power. Are you burning any oil?

Do what El Presidente said to test your clutch. Shift into first gear and drive to about 4000RPM. Shift into 4th gear directly from 1st and floor it. If the clutch grips and the RPM rises slowly your clutch is fine. If it starts to slip and the RPM doesn't increase, the clutch is most likely gone.

Bry

[mostwired]

I've tried driving at 4000rpm in 1st, then shifting to 4th and floring it. Couldn't tell if the clutch grips - but the rpms started to drop right away and the car would barely pull.

[dutchbmw]

You've said you could remember the point of shifting from 2 -> 3 at 4000 rpm and driving 40-45 mph. Now this is only 35 mph. It is clear this is a clutch problem. A good way to figure this out is to drive in 3rd gear at 3500 rpm, and then floor the gas pedal. When you drove 40 mph yet and now only the rpm gauge increases, the clutch is going bad.

The technical thought; there is a linear connection (by a car with stick shift) between speed and rpm's. Driving in the 4th gear 50mph @ 2000rpm means a speed of 100 mph when the rpm needle is touch the 4000 rpm mark. If the engine turns now 5000 rpm by a speed of 100 mph, than the only possible reason is that the clutch slips.