21 90... Troubleshooting The Clutch

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2013 BMW 128i, 2012 BMW 128i, 2011 BMW 128i, 2010 BMW 128i, and 2009 BMW 128i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART

Fault	Cause	Remedy
Clutch slipping	Clutch pressure too low. Lining too heavily worn. Lining oiled- Leaks: Engine Crankshaft radial seal at front and rear incl. end cover, oil sump, cylinder head gasket, cylinder head, oil filler cap, timing case cover, flywheel mounting bolts Cooling system Hoses and connections, heating valves, sealing plugs on engine block Steering unit Steering gear, servo pump, hydraulic lines and connections Transmission Drive shaft radial seal, sealing plugs of countershaft Release bearing Clutch was overheated. Clutch is not an original equipment BMW part.	Replace clutch Refer to 21 21 500 Removing And Installing Or Replacing Clutch (SAC 228) . Replace clutch plate Refer to 21 21 500 Removing And Installing Or Replacing Clutch (SAC 228) . Carefully rectify leaks, clean oil contamination and replace clutch plate Refer to 21 21 500 Removing And Installing Or Replacing Clutch (SAC 228) . Replace clutch Refer to 21 21 500 Removing And Installing Or Replacing Clutch (SAC 228) . Install original-equipment BMW part.
Clutch stick/slip	Lining not acc. to specification. Lining oiled: Causes: refer to "clutch slipping, point c" Release unit presses on one side. Clutch presses at an angle. Crankshaft does not align with transmission input shaft. Engine and transmission suspension defective. Clutch plate not an original equipment BMW part. Engine, speed characteristics not O.K. Engine management not OK (particularly on diesel engine).	Replace clutch plate Refer to 21 21 500 Removing And Installing Or Replacing Clutch (SAC 228) . Replace clutch plate Refer to 21 21 500 Removing And Installing Or Replacing Clutch (SAC 228) . Check release lever. Replace clutch Refer to 21 21 500 Removing And Installing Or Replacing Clutch (SAC 228) . Check engine/transmission contact face, adapter sleeves and cover plate for damage. Replace engine and transmission suspension. Install original-equipment BMW part. Eliminate causes according to engine test. Check engine control unit.
Clutch releases poorly (Gear difficult to engage)		Refer to BMW Service Information bulletin 23 01 96 (096).
Clutch does not separate (Gear cannot be engaged)	Lining of clutch plate broken. Lining rusted onto flywheel. Guide bearing for transmission input shaft in crankshaft defective. Leak in clutch hydraulic system. Tangential leaf springs of clutch bent down. Release unit binds on guide sleeve.	Replace clutch plate Refer to 21 21 500 Removing And Installing Or Replacing Clutch (SAC 228) . Evenly sand flywheel with sandpaper (120-180 grain) and replace clutch plate. Replace guide bearing in crankshaft. Replace faulty parts and bleed clutch hydraulics Refer to 21 00 006 Bleeding Clutch Hydraulics (Plastic Slave Cylinder) . Replace clutch Refer to 21 21 500 Removing And Installing Or Replacing Clutch (SAC 228) . Clean guide sleeve, remove and install release unit Refer to 21 51 500 Removing And Installing Or Replacing Clutch (SAC 228) .

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART

Fault	Cause	Remedy
Clutch noise	Imbalance of clutch and clutch plate too great. Torsional-vibration damper defective. Release unit defective. Guide bearing for transmission input shaft in crankshaft defective. Clutch rivet connection loose.	Replace clutch/clutch plate Refer to 21 21 500 Removing And Installing Or Replacing Clutch (SAC 228) . Replace clutch plate Refer to 21 21 500 Removing And Installing Or Replacing Clutch (SAC 228) . or if necessary replace dual mass flywheel, Replace release unit Refer to 21 21 500 Removing And Installing Or Replacing Clutch (SAC 228) . Replace guide bearing in crankshaft. Replace clutch Refer to 21 21 500 Removing And Installing Or Replacing Clutch (SAC 228) .