Cost to replace clutch

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lightning
Joined: Tue 27 Nov, 2007 08:15
Posts: 818

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Stockport

Cost to replace clutch

Post by lightning »

The clutch needs replacing on my Z3 3.0.

BMW quoted me £750. What's the going rate for a new clutch? My local garage says they can do it, but they haven't done one before and l am not sure l want them to practise on mine.
I am tempted to let BMW do it, but how far over the odds is that price?
RatSkin
Joined: Sat 07 Mar, 2009 17:09
Posts: 25

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Villach

Re: Cost to replace clutch

Post by RatSkin »

just had mine done at Mr Clutch - under £300. No probs
only thing is.... have to keep going back for 'clutch checks' - dont see a need but if i want to keep the warranty in place, then so be it!
Cheers
1999 Z3
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Brian H
Joined: Tue 16 Dec, 2008 19:55
Posts: 2505

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: Cost to replace clutch

Post by Brian H »

Did they say how many hrs it would take and how much the parts were? Things I would be wary of is things like the front downpipe exhaust mounting bolts, I am thinking that these will break when they come off, will BMW charge time and materials to repair or are these sorts of things included in the price. Do you have any good BMW Indys in your area?
mrscalex
Joined: Fri 13 Mar, 2015 09:14
Posts: 910

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Cost to replace clutch

Post by mrscalex »

Do these prices include flywheel resurface/replacement?

I always remember years ago at Mr Clutch my brother and I took his 1.6 Sierra in. They charged an advertised/guaranteed fixed price in those days regardless of any issues encountered . The lad who did it took us to one side when we picked it up and said the flywheel needed skimming. He'd asked permission from his boss to do it and his boss had said no to keep the cost down. Well fair play to the lad because he took it upon himself to ignore his boss and skim it anyway.
ImageImage
2001 Z3 2.2 Topaz Blue (Trudy) - Keeper rebuilt from a write-off
2002 Z3 2.2 Titan Silver (Cookies) - Keeper rebuilt having been bought with a seized engine
2002 Z3 3.0 Sapphire Black (Peanut) - Keeper awaiting rebuilding having been bought as an abandoned project
Plus Willy, Kodak & Maycee - All 2.2 Sport projects. Yes, 6 is a lot of Z3s :)
Always happy to try and help with spares :)
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lightning
Joined: Tue 27 Nov, 2007 08:15
Posts: 818

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Stockport

Re: Cost to replace clutch

Post by lightning »

I've found a local BMW specialist in Stockport called "BayMoW" so have emailed them to see what they say.
tfp
Joined: Thu 05 Nov, 2015 20:17
Posts: 78

  Z3 roadster 2.2i

Re: Cost to replace clutch

Post by tfp »

lightning wrote:I've found a local BMW specialist in Stockport called "BayMoW" so have emailed them to see what they say.
I've found that most specialist garages have been set up by one, or more, dealer trained technicians that have decided to start up on their own.

They eventually get sick of the "working for a main dealer" routines and stagnant pay packets.

We're lucky round our way, got a brilliant German car specialist, charges £45 per hour and he's been on so many courses, got so much experience, and time to talk to his customers.

Put your car into the BMW main dealer for a clutch and chances are you'll get a trainee working on your car because the master techs are busy doing the stuff the trainees can't do.

Now I know everyone has to learn, but I wouldn't want to pay £90 per hour and not know who's turning spanners on my pride and joy.
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Southernboy
Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
Posts: 6436

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Johannesburg

Re: Cost to replace clutch

Post by Southernboy »

I bought all the parts myself and paid my mech labour only - total was £300 in your money. All LUK parts and 300ml clutch fluid. Considering the removal / replacement procedure (remove and replace heat shields, exhaust, prop shaft and gearbox) I considered it a "great price". I replaced clutch plate assembly incl thrust bearing. My fly wheel was still in perfect condition.
I did also take advantage of the opportunity to replace the prop shaft center bearing and the giubo whilst the whole lot was being stripped out. An important other issue to look at whilst the gearbox was out is the oil and coolant connections located behind the back end of the 6cyl motors which is a PITA to access under normal / fully assembled conditions.
"Normal is overrated"
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Z3 Upgrades and Additions
DAVE P
Joined: Fri 13 Aug, 2010 17:39
Posts: 46

  M coupe S50
Location: STOCKPORT

Re: Cost to replace clutch

Post by DAVE P »

I had mine done a couple of years ago by Darren Woods in Stockport/Bredbury well worth a call
Flight
Joined: Mon 16 Sep, 2013 20:43
Posts: 97

  blank

Re: Cost to replace clutch

Post by Flight »

I paid £175.00 for my 3 piece Valeo clutch assy, which I didn't need, but thats another story. If you have access to a four post lift, and have some assistance it is a not too difficult job. Otherwise you are looking at 3 to 4 hours in a garage.
Flight
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BladeRunner919
Joined: Fri 17 Feb, 2012 20:18
Posts: 2225

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Cost to replace clutch

Post by BladeRunner919 »

mrscalex wrote:Do these prices include flywheel resurface/replacement?
I don't think you can skim a dual-mass flywheel.
mrscalex
Joined: Fri 13 Mar, 2015 09:14
Posts: 910

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Cost to replace clutch

Post by mrscalex »

BladeRunner919 wrote:
mrscalex wrote:Do these prices include flywheel resurface/replacement?
I don't think you can skim a dual-mass flywheel.
I've read differing views on that but I don't know. Hence why I said /replacement.
ImageImage
2001 Z3 2.2 Topaz Blue (Trudy) - Keeper rebuilt from a write-off
2002 Z3 2.2 Titan Silver (Cookies) - Keeper rebuilt having been bought with a seized engine
2002 Z3 3.0 Sapphire Black (Peanut) - Keeper awaiting rebuilding having been bought as an abandoned project
Plus Willy, Kodak & Maycee - All 2.2 Sport projects. Yes, 6 is a lot of Z3s :)
Always happy to try and help with spares :)
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pingu
Joined: Fri 30 Apr, 2004 16:01
Posts: 3412

  M roadster S50

Re: Cost to replace clutch

Post by pingu »

Ask them what the pre-load is on the propshaft. If they don't know - walk away. They don't know how to do the job properly.
Pingu
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lightning
Joined: Tue 27 Nov, 2007 08:15
Posts: 818

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Stockport

Re: Cost to replace clutch

Post by lightning »

DAVE P wrote:I had mine done a couple of years ago by Darren Woods in Stockport/Bredbury well worth a call
That's less than five miles from me! I'll give him a ring tomorrow.
Thanks.
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Brian H
Joined: Tue 16 Dec, 2008 19:55
Posts: 2505

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: Cost to replace clutch

Post by Brian H »

pingu wrote:Ask them what the pre-load is on the propshaft. If they don't know - walk away. They don't know how to do the job properly.
Pls tell
mrscalex
Joined: Fri 13 Mar, 2015 09:14
Posts: 910

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Cost to replace clutch

Post by mrscalex »

Brian H wrote:
pingu wrote:Ask them what the pre-load is on the propshaft. If they don't know - walk away. They don't know how to do the job properly.
Pls tell
Well it's forced me to lookup what it means. I'm all informed now!
ImageImage
2001 Z3 2.2 Topaz Blue (Trudy) - Keeper rebuilt from a write-off
2002 Z3 2.2 Titan Silver (Cookies) - Keeper rebuilt having been bought with a seized engine
2002 Z3 3.0 Sapphire Black (Peanut) - Keeper awaiting rebuilding having been bought as an abandoned project
Plus Willy, Kodak & Maycee - All 2.2 Sport projects. Yes, 6 is a lot of Z3s :)
Always happy to try and help with spares :)
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Brian H
Joined: Tue 16 Dec, 2008 19:55
Posts: 2505

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: Cost to replace clutch

Post by Brian H »

mrscalex wrote:
Brian H wrote:
pingu wrote:Ask them what the pre-load is on the propshaft. If they don't know - walk away. They don't know how to do the job properly.
Pls tell
Well it's forced me to lookup what it means. I'm all informed now!
I'll have to do the same as Pingu is AWOL
Del
Joined: Sat 19 Nov, 2011 18:35
Posts: 2136

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Cost to replace clutch

Post by Del »

Because of the traditional layout and rear wheel drive, changing the clutch on a Z3 should be a relatively simple job for a competent mechanic. Some of the bolts present a slight “access challenge” because the Z3 is a more tightly sandwiched E36. Because of the age of the cars it is worth investigating whether a more comprehensive renovation needs doing which could include the flywheel, replacing gear oil, replacing the rubber guibo, central prop shaft bearing and gearbox mountings.
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lightning
Joined: Tue 27 Nov, 2007 08:15
Posts: 818

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Stockport

Re: Cost to replace clutch

Post by lightning »

I had a reply from BayMow who are a local BMW indy.

Quote is around £400 so will likely give it to them.
NZ00Z3
Joined: Thu 23 Jun, 2016 01:26
Posts: 95

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: Cost to replace clutch

Post by NZ00Z3 »

The cost and options available to you is dependent on what is being replaced. Unfortunately you may not know what needs to be replaced until the gear box is out and the clutch is apart.

If its the pressure plate, clutch plate, release bearing and pilot bearing that are getting replaced, then shop around for the cheapest quote.

It the replacement includes the Dual Mass Flywheel (DMF), expect the cost to double. The DMF is expensive. You will now have the option of fitting a complete aftermarket clutch from flywheel to release bearing. Check out Valeo http://www.valeoserviceusa.com/products ... rsion-kits

There may be other suppliers that have kits too.

If this car is your daily drive, don't be tempted by stage 2 clutch kits. While they are very good, you will get a heavier peddle which is not so good for stop/start traffic.
Joycey
Joined: Mon 11 Jul, 2011 22:15
Posts: 290

  M roadster S52
Location: Basingstoke

Re: Cost to replace clutch

Post by Joycey »

Pingu's referring to the preload applied on the prop shaft bearing. I've changed a few z3 clutches at home. Not a hugely complicated job just time consuming. All in not including my own time the cost came to £170 for LUK parts.

Lee
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pingu
Joined: Fri 30 Apr, 2004 16:01
Posts: 3412

  M roadster S50

Re: Cost to replace clutch

Post by pingu »

Joycey wrote:Pingu's referring to the preload applied on the prop shaft bearing. I've changed a few z3 clutches at home. Not a hugely complicated job just time consuming. All in not including my own time the cost came to £170 for LUK parts.

Lee
Yes. The bearing is pushed towards the engine by a number of millimetres I can't remember, but look up on TIS :rtm: .
Pingu
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lightning
Joined: Tue 27 Nov, 2007 08:15
Posts: 818

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Stockport

Re: Cost to replace clutch

Post by lightning »

The car has only done 55,000 miles so hopefully the DMF will be OK.

But if it needs a new one, it will still be no dearer than the BMW dealer quoted to replace just the clutch.
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