1997 Z3 1.9 clutch chatter

[fried okra]

I've got a nice 1997 1.9 Z3, and had it since 2004 and at 100K miles. It is at 141K miles now and on cold starts exhibits clutch chatter. This problem has surfaced only in recent years.

If I apply the parking brake on a cold start while letting out the clutch at idle speed for a bit to clean the clutch disc the problem goes away.

I also feel driveline chatter in the rear axle area when the clutch is chattering.

The transmission shifts fine and clutch fluid is OK.

Anyone else been down this road before?

fried okra

[Dakar Ole]

Yeah, that first out of the parking lot acceleration shift has me slipping the clutch a bit sometimes. I'm not letting it bother me and it's been going on for many years.

[Vintage42]

All my cars have done that. 1991 Mazda truck, 2006 Scion xB, and the 1997 Z3 -- 50,000 miles now and the only one not bought new.
Most noticeable after not being driven for days, or in damp weather, or winter. Only on the first start in mornings.
If neglected it can be alarming if not harmful when pulling out onto the first fast main road. I always anticipate and slip the clutch for a moment when first pulling out of the driveway.

[ihm96]

One thing I'd suggest at that mileage is doing some driveline maintenance like the flex disc, center support bearing and the shifter bearings and such to tighten everything back up. My E34 was making similar noises and I did that and a garagistic shifter rebuild and it feels much better. My Z3 is about to go under for a similar treatment at 158k. The E34 only had about 72k on it but more age.

I've got a nice 1997 1.9 Z3, and had it since 2004 and at 100K miles. It is at 141K miles now and on cold starts exhibits clutch chatter. This problem has surfaced only in recent years.

If I apply the parking brake on a cold start while letting out the clutch at idle speed for a bit to clean the clutch disc the problem goes away.

I also feel driveline chatter in the rear axle area when the clutch is chattering.

The transmission shifts fine and clutch fluid is OK.

Anyone else been down this road before?

fried okra