clutch went last night, thinking about selling her.

[google5]

Just wanted to get some opinions. I can't seem to compress my clutch, gears are shifting smooth. So I'm thinking pressure plate is crack, new clutch is needed, maybe even a flywheel....

The car has over 160k on it. It's a 528it wagon black on peanut butter with the rare 5spd. BBS style 5 wheels, H&R springs, new shocks. I also have the front m5 bumper and angels eyes not installed yet. Cooling system over haul was done last fall. I have the abs and dsc light on which is probably the module.

I'm thinking about putting it up for sale for 4k, would anyone be interested? or should I just get the clutch fix, my indy wants around 1k for a clutch job. What's the going rate? Could it be a DIY job without a lift? I love the car because it's a rare 5sp wagon, but it's getting up there in mileage, any opinions would be great... Thanks

[ME264]

FWIW... Project cars are dirt cheap these days. The $$ value of cars that aren't running (and that are $$ to maintain) is way down.

I followed the DIY instructions for replacing the clutch on my 540i. It was straightforward but took about 2X the 10 hours folks talk about. I replaced the flywheel which added to the cost. In retrospect it probably didn't need to be replaced.

If you go in there yourself you will replace about $1K worth of parts (oem online costs) if you do the flywheel along with the rest of the replaceable parts. Having an Indy do it for $1K (which can't include the flywheel for that price) is worth it if only to turn around and actually sell it for $4-$6K.

YMMV.

[jase007]

I've got more miles than that on mine. Fix the known "issues" and keep the rest in the bank for say ... a clutch job.

What you'd pay for it? When I bought mine I knew that over the first few years I'd put $$$ into it. Used that when I negotiated the buying price.

You can DIY a clutch without a lift. Need alternate transportation for a few days but I've done several BMW clutches, not that hard.

Fix it and then sell it. You'll get more.

Good luck.

[Addicted2RPMS]

Any pics of the wagon?

[e24mpwr]

Shoot - If I'd seen that deal before I bought my 5-spd. iT in Portland a month ago we'd be talking right now. I'd have to look up clutch kit costs (I own a parts business), but if the car is running well other than the clutch I wouldn't sacrifice it.

Where in OH are you?

[ganesht]

what year is it?

[knux11]

yeah where in ohio. I may be interested.

[red5spdtouring]

I would not sell it. The clutch job is not that hard to do. You can do it in an afternoon if you are good with tools. from what I remember The tools needed are; jack, jack stands, breaker bar, beer, assortment of sockets including E-type, a few long ratchet exertions, small pry-bar, shop lights, penetrating oil, and beer. Tools to rent for auto zone; pilot bearing puller and a slide hammer. Optional tools; impact gun(really good for getting the rusty bolts off the exhaust system, and the fly wheel bolts off), a friend for putting the tranny back in, and a lift( this would really make it a lot nicer). You do not really need the fly wheel lock. You can hold the flywheel and get it where it needs to be.
It is time consuming, and you have to spend a lot of time on your back with dirt getting in your eyes. I got my parts from "EAC tuning", good guys. call them they know a lot. With out the flywheel it should cost you under $500. Despite what people say you can machine the flywheel. You need to fine a good machine shop that knows what they are doing though. I can not remember who was selling it, maybe bavauto? but someone had a light waight flywheel kit for something like $600 on sale not to long ago if you want to go that route. If I would have found it I would have done it. One thing that helped me was this guide here http://members.cox.net/anmillar1/index.htm
Good luck with what ever you decide to do.

P.S. I just turned 162K on mine. And she is running strong.

[google5]

It's a 1999 528it, I'm just going to do the clutch...... Thanks for the feedback, it really helped.

[weasel like]

$1,000 is more or less the running rate. Add another 100-200 to refinish your flywheel if it needs that too. Good luck!

[xpcgamer]

Wow 1k to do the clutch? I'm glad mine was done before I got my car.
PS Dont sell it!

[525iT_Feen]

I would be all over this for $4k if the timing was better. Even in a month I may consider if you haven't sold her yet.

[jnyost]

I'm also interested. I'm in Ohio and may buy it or can put it in for you.

Jared

[btmlinedan]

im pretty sure you have to buy the flywheel when doing a clutch job--

and if you wanna sell it hit me up, maybe my g/f is interested

[jnyost]

It's always a good idea to get a new flywheel.

Autozone is normally the cheapest place for flywheels.

[google5]

I'm going to get pics of the car, and post it for u guys to see..... It's so hard to let go because it's a 5sp wagon..... I'll keep u guys posted.... I'm located in Akron not to far from Cleveland and about 1 and a half from Columbus.

[jnyost]

Yep, not far. I'm just down in Mt Vernon.

[bunty83]

i have to change my 528i clutch too. is i have to change the flywheeel too. car has 158000 miles on stock clutch from bmw.i will try to put performance clutch . can any body tell which one is good and good in price too.

[jnyost]

Yes, change your flywheel. If your stock clutch lasted that long, why waste you money on a performance?

Thru 8/97
http://eactuning.com/parts/product_details/21211223602

From 9/97
http://eactuning.com/parts/product_details/21217515141

[xpcgamer]

See. I don't get 311 bucks for the clutch kit. Is a flywheel 700 dollars? I am not getting the 1K?

[jnyost]

Don't get flywheels from me. Get it at Autozone. MUCH cheaper.