Hello everyone i'm new to the forum and this is my first post, I have just purchaced my first BMW 328i with only 38K on the clock... car is in immaculate condition and unmarked in a lovely romantic red color ... the clutch seems very stiff in operation and makes a bit of a "creeking" sound when depressed to the floor is this normal or could it have a fault,any views on it please.tnx in advance.

Well the 328i is a (for 1996) powerfull engine, and the more power the engine, the heavier the clutch is. Mine was stiff too, although when my whole clutch assambly was changed, it became way lighter. Still much stronger than on our Fiat Punto (1.2) and Ford Fiesta (1.2). Which seems like you're kicking a feather.

The creeky sound are the bushes of the pedal. A known problem. New bushes should take care of it. Maybe even some WD40.

Well the 328i is a (for 1996) powerfull engine, and the more power the engine, the heavier the clutch is. Mine was stiff too, although when my whole clutch assambly was changed, it became way lighter. Still much stronger than on our Fiat Punto (1.2) and Ford Fiesta (1.2). Which seems like you're kicking a feather.

The creeky sound are the bushes of the pedal. A known problem. New bushes should take care of it. Maybe even some WD40.many thanks for that info you have put my mind at rest.

I had a 92 325is, and the clutch was pretty light. It progressively got stiffer as the clutch wore. I then purchased my 97 vert with a SUPER stiff clutch pedal. The clutch was shot as it was slipping quite bad when trying to launch. After I replaced clutch, Pressure Plate TO bearing and pilot bearing, it was just as light as my 92 used to be, and any other hydraulic clutch car I've ever driven for that matter. It's my opinion that a heavy pedal means that you are working harder against the pressure plate because of a thin clutch disk. I'm guessing that you are going to need a new clutch sooner rather than later, and the fact it only has 38k on the ticker tells me the person before you didn't know how to drive a manual. (or taught their kid how to drive a manual who in turn taught all their friends)

MParallel is spot on about the clutch bushings... mine still does that. Too lazy to replace them and too lazy to lube.

-J

I had a 92 325is, and the clutch was pretty light. It progressively got stiffer as the clutch wore. I then purchased my 97 vert with a SUPER stiff clutch pedal. The clutch was shot as it was slipping quite bad when trying to launch. After I replaced clutch, Pressure Plate TO bearing and pilot bearing, it was just as light as my 92 used to be, and any other hydraulic clutch car I've ever driven for that matter. It's my opinion that a heavy pedal means that you are working harder against the pressure plate because of a thin clutch disk. I'm guessing that you are going to need a new clutch sooner rather than later, and the fact it only has 38k on the ticker tells me the person before you didn't know how to drive a manual. (or taught their kid how to drive a manual who in turn taught all their friends)

MParallel is spot on about the clutch bushings... mine still does that. Too lazy to replace them and too lazy to lube.

-JThanks 4 replies lads ..looks like i have to get that squirty tin out and give dem bushes a drink.