21 00... Breaking In Sac Clutch

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 BMW M Roadster, 2002 BMW M Coupe, 2001 BMW M Roadster, and 2001 BMW M Coupe. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Break in SAC clutches moderately to ensure correct operation.

CAUTION: Fast sports driving maneuvers destroy new clutches! Such maneuvers include:

Driving maneuvers with high speed differentials
Overlapping gearshifts with high speed differentials (slipping clutch)
Very high starting speeds (e.g. when driving onto a transporter)

Comply with the following procedure when breaking in the new clutch:

Break in friction linings with light to medium loads (observe breaking -in program)
Normal driving with many "moderate" gearshifts
Starting speeds on the level up to approx. 2000 RPM
Specific breaking-in program on gentle gradients
Starting speeds on a medium gradient up to approx. 2500 RPM (e.g. when driving onto a transporter)

This procedure helps to create a carbon layer between lining and metal friction surface which generates the required coefficient of friction.

Breaking-in program: (specially for M5 and Z8)

At approx. 30 km on roads
Shift through gears often : Starting speed Max. 2000 RPM
Upshifts : 1>2>3>4>5
Downshifts at 2000 RPM : 5>4>3>2>1
Upshifts and downshifts : at 3500-4000 RPM
3 to 5 times starting on gentle gradient (up to approx.12 %) : Starting speed Max. 2500 RPM

NOTE: Experience shows that approx. 800 to 1000 gearshifts are required for an optimally broken -in lining when a car is driven "normally" (advise customer).