How Long does the X3 Clutch Last
 

I have ~ 85k miles on my 2004 X3 3.0i. I sometimes, not always, get minor shuddering when starting out - like the clutch might be slipping. I know its subjective to type of driving, but how many miles should you get out of a BMW clutch in the X3?

Searching the X3 formus, another explanation could be the clutch delay valve (CDV) and my shifting technique don't get along. I'm going to replace it with one modified by Zeckhausen racing based on a couple posts I read here. Hopefully its the CDV and not the $$$ clutch.

I don't have any statistics, but given that your X3 is only 3 years old, that 85,000 miles must include a fair bit of highway driving. I would not expect a clutch to be worn out at that point. If, on the other hand, the 85,000 miles represented 8 years of stop and go city driving, then it would be more likely that it was worn out. Clutches wear by use, not mileage.

The above assumes no heavy use such as trailer towing that may have worn it more quickly.

As opposed to slipping, it could be overheating on the pressure plate, engine/transmission mounts, or something else. If it isn't doing it all the time, I would just keep an eye on it. The CDV is a recommended modification, I noticed a big difference when I did it on our E46 325. I would do it in any case. I haven't done it on our X3 yet, but plan to.

Good luck.

:iagree: :iagree: :iagree:

To me it sounds like you might have a worn or even burned clutch disc. The shuddering you describe is the clue. Excessive slipping of the clutch can burn the disc and cause what I know as "chatter" no matter how many miles you have on it. It can also cause overheating of the flywheel and pressure plate. The flywheel can develope cracks and overheating of the pressure plate can ruin the springs requiring replacement of both.

I went 120K miles on my 300ZX clutch before replacing it and I waited a little too long. It had started slipping and by that time and I had to do the whole schmear... new flywheel, clutch plate, and pressure plate. The throwout bearing was a given. I'd suggest getting it looked at by a competent mechanic and probably go ahead and at least replace the plate and resurface the flywheel.

Thanks for the info folks. I've only noticed it a few times. Its more apt to happen if I barely start off, am releasing the clutch to fast and push it in again and then re-relase it when the X3 is barely moving. That second time is when I've noticed it. Weird. I've tried a couple higher RPM faster launches and it hasn't happened again. My experience with a clutch going out is you could stomp on the gas when starting out and make it slip.

JCL - it was one of your posts that I learned about the CDV. For <$30 (sending Zackhasen 2 new ones) I'm going to make the swap. If I have a problem, can always change it back. Like you said - sounds like a good mod regardless. (the other annoyance is the throttle response - would like to get the Dinan software to improve it but they want $300. Ouch.)

Ishniknork - Agree with all you said. I've had a clutch go out before and this kind of acts like it...but its so intermitant that I wanted to ask folks here. If if is he clutch, I realize its better to take care of it ASAP. I'm a pretty competant mechanic so if/when the time comes, I'll probably end up doing it myself. Looking though the TIS it does look like a pain in the butt though. Hopefully no worse than when I had to replace my A/C evaporator and had to pull the entire dash and heater/AC unit. I'll probably at least get a couple quotes on the job, decide I don't want to pay someone else and do it myself!

Roger that Flyer, sounds like you're pretty handy around cars and probably know how to drive a standard properly. From your further description of the symptoms it might still be a good time to do a little upkeep.

Just don't wait too long (like I did :rolleyes: ) and keep in mind...

Better safe than sorry! :thumbup:

What rpm do you guys usually shift at (just out of curiosity)?

I've started driving my dad's MX-5 with some more frequency. It's geared so tight that around town, there's a lot of upshifting required to keep the revs in "fuel economy" zone (2000-3500rpm). My dad runs the revs higher, but personally I find that inefficient.

No perfect "right" way, but this is how I drive the X3:
When I shift depends on the situation. When I'm in my neighborhood and/or the speed limit is low (like 30 mph) or I'm just putzing around and not in a hurry, I'll often keep the revs down below 2k. I normally am pretty easy on the SAV. The x3 is geared so low that I'll be in 4th by 30mph if I'm taking it easy. (in 6th, 1000 RPM = 26 mph) I'm not giving it much throttle through so I'm not lugging it. If there is traffic, trying to merge, get around someone, I don't have a problem running it up to redline if the situation dictates. For normal driving in traffic I'm probaly shifting around 3k. (+ or -) The engine is so smooth sometimes I'm turning more RPM's than I realize.

The X3 clutch/shifter doesn't seem very suited to fast shifts so even when I wring it out, the shifts are more deliberate. (as compared to my '98 VFR800FI where you can blaze from gear to gear and it seems to like it when you shift faster...but that's a whole differnent machine! :) ) I'm curious to see if the modified CDV will help it shift faster.

RE gas milage, as your probably aware, you'll get the best economy by keeping your foot out of the gas and accelerating slowly. Try it with shifting at higher revs for one tank, then shifting at lower revs for one tank to see if you can measure a difference. Another reason to drive the car some more!:driver: My last car was a '95 Maxima SE with an auto and I could get ~ 2mpg better by keeping my foot out of it when accelerating from a stop.

Have fun!