clutch on 540

[spiderman]

I have purchased a 2002 540 and have it in the shop in order to replace a clutch and flywheel. The car has only 11,000 miles and I bought it a few months ago with 8,500 miles. The couple seemed to be very reasonable people who took immaculate care of the car. The dealer is contending that misuse with the clutch occurred and warranty will not cover the repair. The clutch and flywheel have blue spots on them indicated overheating. I certainly have not been abusive to the car and I don't think that the previous owners were either. How can I get BMW of North America to cover this when the dealer won't submit it to BMW for a warrantly issue? Is this a problem with 540s with a six speed? Shouldn't BMW be producing parts that last past 11,000 miles? If they cover brake pads, shouldn't they cover clutches and flywheels? Any comments or advice would be appreciated.

[Dwayne]

There's always the possibility that the previous owners had a habit of riding the clutch or slipping it excessively. They may have taken good care of the rest of the car, but that doesn't imply they know how to drive a stick properly. Oh yeh, and get rid of your CDV.

[JML M3]

May sound obvious...but here goes....find another dealer. They can cover it if they want to.

[HoJo]

It's not that dealers don't want to cover it, they are affraid they won't get paid for the work from BMWNA. 11,000 is very low miles for a clutch to start slipping, the blueing of the flywheel suggests that the clutch was overheated and BMW will deny the claim due to owner abuse.