2018 M240i clutch issues

[MarcoZandrini]

The clutch pedal in my 2018 M240i (~8600 miles) pulses/vibrates during the last 1/4 to 1/3 of travel when pressing the pedal. This started with about 5000 miles miles on the odometer. Otherwise shifting has been flawless. I took the car to the dealer yesterday. The service advisor noted that the clutch is the problem but that I may be charged for the new clutch + labor if it’s determined that I caused the clutch to fail.
This car is my 5th bimmer, and all have had a manual transmission. None of these cars suffered clutch issues caused by my driving “technique.” I am relatively “easy” on the car. I typically disengage the transmission and coast to a stop at stop signs and red lights (I don’t hold up traffic in doing so). I don’t aggressively shift the transmission. I wait until the car has been gently driven at least 2 miles before I get the engine speed above 3000 rpm. Now, I’ve tracked the car 3x at BMWCCA HPDEs: twice at Virginia International Raceway and once at Summit Point. Comments appreciated.

[jclausen]

You have to approve an estimate to authorize them to pull the trans and check the clutch. And then they could still deny any claim. Believe it or not it used to be listed in free maintance as a maintance item. I hope you didn't tell them about the track day. The less info for they have the better. Clutch warrantys have always been a grey area.

[MarcoZandrini]

Thanks for your response. No, I haven’t told them about track days. Good advice on that. I’ve authorized them to pull the box and the clutch. If they want me to pay for the clutch I’m going to plead my case to the GM. If that doesn’t work I’ll contact BMW NA. Also, a member of the club I’m going to see if the ombudsman can help.

I’ll keep you posted. They said they’d have the car fixed early next week. They (BMW of Alexandria) gave me a 230i with the slushbox (automatic). What a slug.

[MarcoZandrini]

The dealership was suppose to get back to me yesterday. Unfortunately the building housing the service bays lost power Friday night as a water main broke and flooded the electrical power distribution room. Oh, the car is a 430i. It’s still a slug.

[Critter7r]

Unless the clutch disc is shredded (literally), or the flywheel has a "blue-flame" tint to it, they should cover the clutch under warranty. Especially for a vibration. Probably has a broken spring in the disc.

[MarcoZandrini]

Yeah, those are my thoughts, too. I talked with the tech who’ll do the work and I explained my theory - bad pressure plate “finger” - and he seemed to think that that is plausible. He’d ordered a clutch kit and a new flywheel. It was on the Lufthansa freighter from
Germany yesterday, and it was supposed to arrive this morning. He said he’d have the car fixed today!!!
OT: the service advisor called and told me the loaner had been sold! The dealership replaced it with an M240i vert!! Of course it has an automatic transmission. But it hauls compared to the 4-banger in the first loaner.

Anyway, fingers crossed. I’ll let you all know what happens.

[MarcoZandrini]

Great news! BMW is covering the cost of the new clutch. The tech said the clutch looks fine except for a burned spot on the pressure plate. So my theory that the pressure plate is the culprit is correct. The car will be ready later today! The dealer, BMW of Alexandria, loaned me an M240i convertible with an automatic transmission. Now I know why I love manual transmissions.

[323i E30]

Nice. No headaches.

[Critter7r]

Good to hear.

[jclausen]

That's the way it's done, cool heads, communication, waiting.

[MarcoZandrini]

Exactly! I appreciate everyones support in this matter.