Troubleshooting Clutch Problems (BMW 3 Series E46)

When you press the pedal, it reaches the floor with little or no effort

• Low fluid level/air in clutch hydraulic system (chapter 6).
• The clutch release bearing or fork is faulty (chapter 6).
• The diaphragm spring is broken (chapter 6).
• The clutch does not disengage (unable to engage gear)
• Clutch disc sticking on the transmission input shaft sprockets (chapter 6).
• Clutch disc sticking to flywheel or pressure plate (chapter 6).
• Pressure plate assembly failure (chapter 6).
• Faulty or incorrectly assembled clutch release mechanism (chapter 6).

Clutch slippage (the car speed does not increase when the engine speed increases)

• Excessive wear of the clutch disc linings (chapter 6).
• Clutch disc linings contaminated with oil (chapter 6).
• Pressure plate defective or diaphragm spring weakened (chapter 6)

Intense vibration when engaging the clutch

• Clutch disc linings contaminated with oil (chapter 6).
• Excessive wear of the clutch disc linings (chapter 6).
• Faulty or deformed pressure plate or diaphragm spring (chapter 6).
• Worn or loose engine or transmission mounts (Chapter 2A or 2B).
• Wear of the clutch disc hub splines or transmission input shaft (chapter 6).

Noise when pressing or releasing the clutch pedal

• Clutch release bearing wear (chapter 6).
• Worn or lack of lubrication of the clutch pedal bushings (chapter 6). Pressure plate assembly failure (Chapter 6).
• Pressure plate diaphragm spring failure (chapter 6).
• Damping springs of the clutch disc are broken (chapter 6).