Inconsistent clutch engagement

[BradyE46]

First off, new member here so Hello to all.

I have a 2002 325Ci, completely stock, manual, with 67k. Over the last few months I've noticed the engagement point on the clutch seems to frequently shift. The pedal can be anywhere from just off the floor to almost fully out. This does not change with temperature (ambient or operating). It can vary that dramatically from one stop light to the next. Although the problem is most noticeable in 1st, it has also evident in every other gear change. The clutch has never been worked on. There is no "clunk" or other noise accompanying. There is no evidence of slippage. I let a friend drive my car a few times and I was riding with him once and noticed that he would downshift to slow the car but not blip the throttle, letting the clutch engagment "wind down", if you will, the engine revs in conjunction with heavy braking. Needless to say, he doesn't drive my car anymore.

I'm a fairly proficient driver in a manual as I have been driving them almost exclusively for around 15yrs, however this new problem makes it awfully difficult to drive it very well as far as gear changes are concerned.

What might be wrong? How does one fix this problem? How concerned should I be? Is what my friend did at all related to the possible problem? Any other info is greatly appreciated!

[drz]

First of all, welcome to bimmerwerkz.

I am not very familiar with teh type of situation you are facing, but it doesn't sound like your friend's downshifting is somethign that would cause this. I say it because I myself early in my driving days would downshifting without rev matching and never saw that kind of problem. I know a lot of people who intentionally downshift without rev matching to do compression braking, or engine braking.

I recommend that you have this looked at. It very well could be something is lose, which would be really bad.

I wish I could be of more help. Check back later. Maybe someone with a little more expertise has a better answer for you.

Good luck.

[BradyE46]

Thanks for the response. I researched the operation of a dual mass flywheel. It seems that the operation of this flywheel will cause it to "slip" if engaged too quickly (as a protection mechanism). I always thought he hit something but there was a noise and I think it was that operation. I've had it looked at and the best they can tell me is to replace the clutch. I wanted to be a little better informed before making any decisions so any and all info on this is appreciated.

[sprintman]

Remove the Clutch Delay Valve (CDV) if you have want to solve this problem. Doing mine this week.

[drz]

My car has the CDV removed. Maybe that is why I have never experienced this. Definitely something you want to do

[bimmerguy82]

^ +1