Tips on clutch break-in?

SuitedPair · 07-01-2010, 03:41 PM

Just got my '11 M3 couple weeks ago and I've been reading other posts that refer to clutch break-in. This is my first 6MT (the wife's old eclipse doesn't count)so I'm open to any pointers for optimal clutch break-in. The only thing the manual said was to vary the rpms when traveling long distances... don't think that affects the clutch? I didn't realize there was a clutch break-in period. Is it just normal wear and tear? (BTW, search revealed nothing)
Thanks in advance for any pointers.

JCtx · 07-01-2010, 05:04 PM

Just don't abuse it. Same with the brakes. Clutch (and brakes) break-in period is much shorter than the engine's, but since both go hand in hand, I'd just wait until your 1.2K-mile service before adding heavy throttle. I never abused my clutches, regardless of miles, but some folks like jack-rabbit starts. Much better to lay the gas after clutch is engaged, but that's just me. That way you'd never have to worry about replacing a clutch. Oh, and that assumes you don't 'ride' the clutch, leave it depressed on traffic lights, slip it excessively, etc. I only touch the pedal (and the gear lever) to shift gears. Take care.

SuitedPair · 07-01-2010, 09:46 PM

CSBM5 · 07-15-2010, 04:51 PM

On the E39 M5, BMW M specified 800-1000 gear changes under "normal, moderate" driving conditions yields an optimally broken-in clutch/pp/flywheel. This was derived through empirical testing. I would hazard to guess that a similar experience is valid with the new M3.

See this post.

Regards,
Chuck

07-01-2010, 03:41 PM	#1
SuitedPair Private First Class 20 Rep 157 Posts Drives: GMC 2500hd Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Florida iTrader: (1)	Tips on clutch break-in? Just got my '11 M3 couple weeks ago and I've been reading other posts that refer to clutch break-in. This is my first 6MT (the wife's old eclipse doesn't count)so I'm open to any pointers for optimal clutch break-in. The only thing the manual said was to vary the rpms when traveling long distances... don't think that affects the clutch? I didn't realize there was a clutch break-in period. Is it just normal wear and tear? (BTW, search revealed nothing) Thanks in advance for any pointers.
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07-01-2010, 05:04 PM	#2
JCtx Major General 258 Rep 5,012 Posts Drives: No BMW yet Join Date: May 2008 Location: El Paso TX iTrader: (0)	Just don't abuse it. Same with the brakes. Clutch (and brakes) break-in period is much shorter than the engine's, but since both go hand in hand, I'd just wait until your 1.2K-mile service before adding heavy throttle. I never abused my clutches, regardless of miles, but some folks like jack-rabbit starts. Much better to lay the gas after clutch is engaged, but that's just me. That way you'd never have to worry about replacing a clutch. Oh, and that assumes you don't 'ride' the clutch, leave it depressed on traffic lights, slip it excessively, etc. I only touch the pedal (and the gear lever) to shift gears. Take care.
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07-01-2010, 09:46 PM	#3
SuitedPair Private First Class 20 Rep 157 Posts Drives: GMC 2500hd Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Florida iTrader: (1)
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07-15-2010, 04:51 PM	#4
CSBM5 Brigadier General 2726 Rep 3,337 Posts Drives: 2019 M2 Comp, 2011 M3, etc Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Greenville, SC iTrader: (2)	On the E39 M5, BMW M specified 800-1000 gear changes under "normal, moderate" driving conditions yields an optimally broken-in clutch/pp/flywheel. This was derived through empirical testing. I would hazard to guess that a similar experience is valid with the new M3. See this post. Regards, Chuck __________________ Current Stable: 2024 G20 M340i Melbourne Red/Cognac 2019 F87 M2 Competition 6MT, LBB, slicktop, exec pkg 2007 E91 328i Silver, slushbox, Eibach fr/E93 M3 rear sway bars, ARC-8
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