Clutch break in period

E36bimmer · 11-28-2012, 09:27 AM

I just replaced my clutch yesterday, and what a pain in the ass.... I am glad its over and hopefully never have to do it again! In any case after all was said and done it shifts smooth, no more chatter, and it feels like its a brand new car again. If anyone has any questions about the job it self feel free to PM or ask and Ill help as best I can.

In any case, Does anyone know what the typical break in process is? I know BMW has some specific things you should do but I cant find it anywhere.

Zell · 11-28-2012, 09:30 AM

Just do normal driving. It'll be broken in after about 500 miles.

RayPooley · 11-28-2012, 09:43 AM

Drive like you are breaking it in every day and it will serve yo well.

E36bimmer · 11-28-2012, 10:59 AM

Thats my plan, Im taking is easy for 500-750 miles.

zwei e46 · 11-28-2012, 08:14 PM

Not sure if you installed a SAC ... if so, this is from BMW TIS

http://tis.spaghetticoder.org/s/view.pl?1/06/17/94

Stinger9 · 11-28-2012, 08:17 PM

Never knew a soul who broke in their clutch properly, and never knew a soul who every had a problem because they did not do this.

Easy on the clutch always and it'll last a long time.

E36bimmer · 11-29-2012, 10:10 AM

Thanks for the replies, I will take it easy on it for a while. It does feel like a brand new car though which I am ecstatic about

so I guess I installed it correctly, which is a plus

RayPooley · 11-29-2012, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E36bimmer

Thanks for the replies, I will take it easy on it for a while. It does feel like a brand new car though which I am ecstatic about

so I guess I installed it correctly, which is a plus

Did you have a lift or did you accomplish this on ramps/axle stands?

theOCHO · 11-29-2012, 12:43 PM

Where did you buy the clutch and which one did you go with? Last time I replaced a clutch I bought it relatively cheap on ebay, but it was for a 5 speed 330. I can't seem to find any deals on oem 6-speed clutches.

E36bimmer · 11-29-2012, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RayPooley

Did you have a lift or did you accomplish this on ramps/axle stands?

Luckily, I had a lift to use for the install, it would have been a nightmare on jack stands.

Zell · 11-29-2012, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E36bimmer

Luckily, I had a lift to use for the install, it would have been a nightmare on jack stands.

I can't even imagine. That's why I will be paying someone to do my clutch job for me in the future when it gives out.

E36bimmer · 11-29-2012, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theOCHO

Where did you buy the clutch and which one did you go with? Last time I replaced a clutch I bought it relatively cheap on ebay, but it was for a 5 speed 330. I can't seem to find any deals on oem 6-speed clutches.

I got it from Bimmerparts.com I forget the brand but it was an OEM clutch kit and flywheel. It wasn't a cheap deal or anything I just wanted to make sure it was done right the first time with oem parts

RayPooley · 11-29-2012, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E36bimmer

Luckily, I had a lift to use for the install, it would have been a nightmare on jack stands.

That's why I asked. I can't imagine it would be possible lying down.

Stinger9 · 11-29-2012, 04:26 PM

Guy on this board has done it that way. Did the conversion from five speed to six and documented it with some pics as I recall. Showed a pic of the car up on jackstands at all corners.
I'd suspect you'd need a transmission jack.

11-28-2012, 09:27 AM	#1
E36bimmer Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: PA Posts: 220 My Ride: 2004 330Ci ZHP View My Garage	Clutch break in period I just replaced my clutch yesterday, and what a pain in the ass.... I am glad its over and hopefully never have to do it again! In any case after all was said and done it shifts smooth, no more chatter, and it feels like its a brand new car again. If anyone has any questions about the job it self feel free to PM or ask and Ill help as best I can. In any case, Does anyone know what the typical break in process is? I know BMW has some specific things you should do but I cant find it anywhere. __________________ 04 ZHP alpine white 20% tint K&N Shadow trim, Blackout grills, 18" Black Staggered ASA AR1, LED's everywhere, Black euro plate

11-28-2012, 09:30 AM	#2
Zell Wears carbon fiber boxers Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: In a van down by the river Posts: 3,694 My Ride: 330Ci ZHP 6sp View My Garage	Just do normal driving. It'll be broken in after about 500 miles. __________________ E46Fanatic's resident mathemagician

11-28-2012, 10:59 AM	#4
E36bimmer Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: PA Posts: 220 My Ride: 2004 330Ci ZHP View My Garage	Thats my plan, Im taking is easy for 500-750 miles. __________________ 04 ZHP alpine white 20% tint K&N Shadow trim, Blackout grills, 18" Black Staggered ASA AR1, LED's everywhere, Black euro plate

11-29-2012, 10:10 AM	#7
E36bimmer Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: PA Posts: 220 My Ride: 2004 330Ci ZHP View My Garage	Thanks for the replies, I will take it easy on it for a while. It does feel like a brand new car though which I am ecstatic about so I guess I installed it correctly, which is a plus __________________ 04 ZHP alpine white 20% tint K&N Shadow trim, Blackout grills, 18" Black Staggered ASA AR1, LED's everywhere, Black euro plate

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread:

11-28-2012, 09:43 AM	#3
RayPooley Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Liverpool Posts: 1,063 My Ride: 320i SE Coupe View My Garage	Drive like you are breaking it in every day and it will serve yo well.

11-28-2012, 08:14 PM	#5
zwei e46 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Manchester, NH Posts: 209 My Ride: '99 323i & '05 325xi View My Garage	Not sure if you installed a SAC ... if so, this is from BMW TIS http://tis.spaghetticoder.org/s/view.pl?1/06/17/94

11-28-2012, 08:17 PM	#6
Stinger9 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: New York Posts: 5,561 My Ride: '04 330Ci View My Garage	Never knew a soul who broke in their clutch properly, and never knew a soul who every had a problem because they did not do this. Easy on the clutch always and it'll last a long time.

11-29-2012, 12:43 PM	#9
theOCHO Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Manayunk, Philadelphia Posts: 233 My Ride: 330i ZHP 6MT View My Garage	Where did you buy the clutch and which one did you go with? Last time I replaced a clutch I bought it relatively cheap on ebay, but it was for a 5 speed 330. I can't seem to find any deals on oem 6-speed clutches.

11-29-2012, 04:26 PM	#14
Stinger9 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: New York Posts: 5,561 My Ride: '04 330Ci View My Garage	Guy on this board has done it that way. Did the conversion from five speed to six and documented it with some pics as I recall. Showed a pic of the car up on jackstands at all corners. I'd suspect you'd need a transmission jack.