Tips on breaking in a new clutch?

[S.BAKI]

Hello,

Long story short, after a long wait (from the Jabal Jais drive) and indecisive plan, I bit the bullet and changed my 1Ms clutch and flywheel with 13,000 km on the car.

I don't know how or why but BMW managed to find every excuse not to support this case.

My question:

• How do you break in a clutch?
• How long is the breaking in period?

Your input is greatly appreciated :D

[RAFiK]

AFAIK, The break-in period is about 1000kms for these SAC Clutches.

I've managed to secure a PDF from SAC that says the following

Break in SAC clutches moderately to ensure correct operation.

Caution!
Fast sports driving maneuvers destroy new clutches!
Such maneuvers include:
• Driving maneuvers with high speed differentials
• Overlapping gearshifts with high speed differentials (slipping clutch)
• Very high starting speeds (e.g. when driving onto a transporter)

Comply with the following procedure when breaking in the new clutch:
- Break in friction linings with light to medium loads (observe breaking-in program)
- Normal driving with many "moderate" gearshifts
- Starting speeds on the level up to approx. 2000 rpm
- Specific breaking-in program on gentle gradients
- Starting speeds on a medium gradient up to approx. 2500 rpm (e.g. when driving onto a transporter)

This procedure helps to create a carbon layer between lining and metal friction surface which generates the required coefficient of friction.

Breaking-in program: • At approx. 30 km on roads
(specially for M5 and Z8) • Shift through gears often Starting speed max. 2000 rpm
• Upshifts 1>2>3>4>5
• Downshifts at 2000 rpm 5>4>3>2>1
• Upshifts and downshifts at 3500-4000 rpm
• 3 to 5 times starting on gentle gradient (up to approx. 12 %)
Starting speed max. 2500 rpm

Note:
Experience shows that approx. 800 to 1000 gearshifts are required for an optimally broken-in lining when a car is driven "normally" (advise customer).


RA Breaking in SAC clutch BMW AG - TIS 19.10.2003 09:18
Issue status (12/2002) Valid only until next CD is issued Copyright Page - 1 -

[S.BAKI]

Thanks [MENTION=2]Rifo[/MENTION] for the great tip!

[siddarthb]

Was changing the clutch and flywheel part of your service package? If it was, how did you convince them?

[S.BAKI]

It was not, i have escalated all the way from BMW Middle East to Germany and kept going in circles....

I couldn't wait any longer (2 months) so I had to deal with it myself.

[Hasan Shaikh]

What is the mileage on your car?

[S.BAKI]

13,000 :curse:

[Hasan Shaikh]

That's nothing. Any idea on why your clutch went out so quickly?

Was it the clutch or anything else failed?

[Bruno]

probably the previous owner didn't know how to drive a stick!!

[S.BAKI]

[MENTION=2564]Hasan Shaikh[/MENTION] no signs of manufacture defect, as [MENTION=3]Bruno[/MENTION] said the previous owner could have been careless and unfortantly the porblem landed in my plate.

That is the risk of buying a used car, this car was purchased used or in other words "Premium Selection" from AGMC with 4,300KM...

[Hasan Shaikh]

Wish you all the best with the new clutch.

[RAFiK]

Hope the engine doesn't crack soon!

[S.BAKI]

Inshalah not...