$1100.00/38k mile Clutch Repair. (archive)

Ok, so here is the deal. I have a 1999 ///M Coupe with 38,000 miles on the clock. I bought the car CPO with 16,000 miles. I would not say the car has been a lemon, but I have had to do some major repairs. I�ve spent close to $ 2,000.00 to cure a mysterious wheel vibration. I did everything from multiple wheel balancing to changing tires to having changed out a set of front rotors (warped at 28,000 miles). The new set of rotors was also warped and was changed at dealers expense as defective parts. I have also done a few upgrades, a Dinan CAI and stage two (2) software, and a Strut Tower brace. Cosmetic details like mud flaps, stone guards and fog lights have been added.

Recently I noticed that my clutch was �on the floor�, (i.e. it engages 2 inches from the stop.) So I took the car into my dealer to have it check. They informed me that my clutch was fried and that I needed a new one. Ok so what the total bill you ask. Well the estimate was a little over $ 1100.00 installed. I was not a happy camper!!! I call BMW, N.A. to pissed and moan about the fact that a 40k plus �performance� vehicle would burn a clutch after 38,000 total (daily driving) miles. Their response was �Tough luck�. Clutches are considered wear and tear items and are not covered under warranty. I must say I was not to happy to hear that!! I asked the CS Rep. John (last name withheld) about the CPO checklist to see if it included the clutch. He said that BMW, N.A. does not keep records of the CPO checklist, but that he thought that it was part of the CPO Inspection and that Braman BMW, Miami, should have given me a copy of the checklist. Needless to say I was not given one. Next I proceed to explain that I have never driven the car on a race track, I have never allowed anyone but the service techs at the dealer drive the car, and that I was amazed that BMW, N.A. would consider this to be normal life expectancy for a /// M Clutch. John, in a very respectful, but matter of fact voice repeated his earlier answer. I said that I was more than happy to go half way with BMW and pay for the labor if they would agree to foot the bill for the part. His response was repeated. having gotten nowhere with my pissing and moaning session I went back to the dealer. "Where is my CPO checklist?� �We don�t keep copies of the CPO�s after the car is sold�, they said. �You were given a copy at the time of purchase.�, they went on to say. My blood now at 300 degrees Kelvin (Celsius + 273 if my memory serves correctly) I said that I was not furnished a copy of the CPO checklist and that I wanted to know if clutch inspection was on the list. �Uh, I don�t know.�, the sales rep. said.

I have been driving manual trans. Cars since I was 17 years of age, (I am now 37) and the only car I have had that burnt a clutch this fast was an 1985 Datsun F250 Pick-up truck and even it�s clutch lasted longer. Ok, so what now you ask. I�ve searched the archives and have found that a total of 10 people have encountered the same problem at or about the same mileage. From the looks of it I have no alternative but to buy a new $ 1100.00 clutch after 22,000 of my miles on the car.

To add insult to injury the damn brake pad wear sensor just set off the brake pad light for the rear pads. So now I have a brake job to pay for also. Does anyone have suggestions on aftermarket brake pads, something that will last longer than the standard ///M (joke) OEM

Sorry about the rant, but needed to vent.

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