E30 Clutch Problem/Advice

[Submariner2009]

Friends,

In an odd circumstance I've found myself with a second E30, a 91 318i convertible in so-so condition. I purchased the owners hardtop and he literally "threw in" the car for an additional $500. He was the second owner since 1994. The top is nice (replaced in 02) and everything is working (except the AC) but the exterior is very rough, some surface rust etc. But for $500...

Here's my question -- the clutch is a mess and spllling fluid all over the ground. To move the car around, the previous owner simply filled the reservoir with more fluid, warm up and then drive around. What I've found is a big puddle under the engine bay...

I'm guessing its the slave clutch -- I don't see any fluid near the pedal which would suggest master cylinder problems too based on what I've read.

So my question is this -- does my diagnosis sound right and how challenging is it to replace the slave for a (very) novice mechanic. Generally speaking is it best to replace the slave and cylinder at the same time from a cost/labor standpoint? Any other parts (lines etc) too?

My goal is to put bare minimum $ into this car but ensure it's safe to drive, of course.

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

[thejlevie]

Assuming they are of the same age, best practice is to replace the clutch master, slave, and soft lines at the same time. However, in this case you could probably get by with just replacing the slave cylinder and it's soft line. Bleeding the cutch system is easy with a pressure bleeder but can be accomplished with two people, or even by hand pumping the clutch pedal 50-100 times.