21 90... Troubleshooting the clutch

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 550i, 2009 BMW 550i, and 2008 BMW 550i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART

Fault	Cause	Remedy
Clutch slipping	a) Clutch pressure too low.	a) Replace clutch Refer to 21 21 500 .
	b) Lining too heavily worn.	b) Replace clutch plate Refer to 21 21 500 .
	c) 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	c) Carefully rectify leaks, clean oil contamination and replace clutch plate Refer to 21 21 500 .
	d) Clutch was overheated.	d) Replace clutch Refer to 21 21 500 .
	e) Clutch is not an original-equipment BMW part.	e) Install original-equipment BMW part.
Clutch stick/slip	a) Lining not acc. to specification.	a) Replace clutch plate Refer to 21 21 500 .
	b) Lining oiled: Causes: refer to "clutch slipping, point c"	b) Replace clutch plate Refer to 21 21 500 .
	c) Release unit presses on one side.	c) Check release lever.
	d) Clutch presses at an angle.	d) Replace clutch Refer to 21 21 500 .
	e) Crankshaft does not align with transmission input shaft.	e) Check engine/transmission contact face, adapter sleeves and cover plate for damage.
	f) Engine and transmission suspension defective.	f) Replace engine and transmission suspension.
	g) Clutch plate not an original-equipment BMW part.	g) Install original-equipment BMW part.
	h) Engine, speed characteristics not O.K.	h) Eliminate causes according to engine test.
	i) Engine management not OK (particularly on diesel engine).	i) 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)	a) Lining of clutch plate broken.	a) Replace clutch plate Refer to 21 21 500 .
	b) Lining rusted onto flywheel.	b) Evenly sand flywheel with sandpaper (120-180 grain) and replace clutch plate.
	c) Guide bearing for transmission input shaft in crankshaft defective.	c) Replace guide bearing in crankshaft.
	d) Leak in clutch hydraulic system.	d) Replace faulty parts and bleed clutch hydraulics Refer to 21 00 006 .
	e) Tangential leaf springs of clutch bent down.	e) Replace clutch Refer to 21 21 500 .
	f) Release unit binds on guide sleeve.	f) Clean guide sleeve, remove and install release unit Refer to 21 21 500 .

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART

Fault	Cause	Remedy
Clutch noise	a) Imbalance of clutch and clutch plate too great.	a) Replace clutch/clutch plate Refer to 21 21 500 .
	b) Torsional-vibration damper defective.	b) Replace clutch plate Refer to 21 21 500 . or if necessary replace dualmass flywheel,
	c) Release unit defective.	c) Replace release unit Refer to 21 21 500 .
	d) Guide bearing for transmission input shaft in crankshaft defective.	d) Replace guide bearing in crankshaft.
	e) Clutch rivet connection loose.	e) Replace clutch Refer to 21 21 500 .