BMW E30 - problem with clutch/gears

jeffatron

Just wondering if anyone can offer any insight on the below? I've searched the forum but can't find an answer to my problem.

I got in my car the other morning and found that changing gears proved extremely difficult. With clutch fully compressed I really had to force the gear into place. There was no grinding sound and the shift stick would just "click" into place after using force. On top of this, when the car is stopped but in gear with clutch fully compressed and no brake applied, the car moves forward of it's own accord and go backwards if it is in reverse. The same applies to starting the car. If I start the car in first gear with the clutch compressed the car will jump forward as if I am not using the clutch.

I've had a clutch go on me in a different car and I haven't experienced those symptoms this time around. e.g there is no loss of power or over revving when accelerating.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Anan1

Does the E30 have a hydraulic or cable-operated clutch? If cable, it sounds as though the cable has stretched/is starting to break. I'd get the car to a good garage (like AC Car Sales) straight away, as it will let you down soon.

artic

jeffatron wrote: »

Just wondering if anyone can offer any insight on the below? I've searched the forum but can't find an answer to my problem.

I got in my car the other morning and found that changing gears proved extremely difficult. With clutch fully compressed I really had to force the gear into place. There was no grinding sound and the shift stick would just "click" into place after using force. On top of this, when the car is stopped but in gear with clutch fully compressed and no brake applied, the car moves forward of it's own accord and go backwards if it is in reverse. The same applies to starting the car. If I start the car in first gear with the clutch compressed the car will jump forward as if I am not using the clutch.

I've had a clutch go on me in a different car and I haven't experienced those symptoms this time around. e.g there is no loss of power or over revving when accelerating.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Clutch slave cylinder is your problem,common fault on these cars.

jeffatron

Thanks for the feedback.

It's cable operated. What kind of region price wise am I talking about to fix this and same Q. if it was the slave cylinder.

Thanks again. Great forum btw.

b318isp

The E30 only has a hydraulic clutch. Start first by bleeding the system - the resevoir is a small container near the bulkhead on the driverside (battery tray for E30s with the battery up front). Drain from the bleed nipple on the slave cylinder on the bellhousing on the gearbox.

Usually if the slave or master cylinder fail, they will leak - so if you get undernath to bleed the system and it is contaminated, then you will have found your problem.

jeffatron

Opps on the cable, I just presumed!

Thanks for this, I'll try this later and see how I get on.

Anan1

jeffatron wrote: »

Opps on the cable, I just presumed!

Thanks for this, I'll try this later and see how I get on.

I think the cable confusion was my fault! What the lads are saying makes sense, if you've any problems just bring it to AC.:)

jeffatron

Nice one, cheers lads, you've been a great help. One last Q. What's an AC garage?

jeffatron

Sorry just found the garage you were talking about. Thanks again.

Eoin

AC is the name of a BMW and MINI specialist: AC Car Sales. Another useful forum is www.e30owners.com

jeffatron

Nice one cheers Eoin.

bucks

Yeah id reccomend http://www.accarsales.ie/ they also sponsor www.E30owners.com where you will find lots of info on the E30's.

jeffatron

Was just on the AC site, looks very good. I presume these guys do an excellent job but are a bit more expensive then most?

I'll call them today for a quote on replacing a slave cylinder to give myself a ball park figure of the cost involved just in case that's where the problem lies.

Eoin

They might be more expensive than other independents, but their work is very good - they are specialists and can do a lot of the work that a dealership can (and other indies might not be able to).

I've been using them for 3 years and have been very happy with them.

b318isp

I'd second AC.