[Dubs335]

when doing form 1st to 2nd to 3th at times is were rough. I press in the clutch and i get a clunk. i took it to the dealer on more then once and they keep telling me that it is the clutch engaging and disengaging. this feels more than just the clutch engaging and disengaging because it does not happen every time i shift. Sometimes it does not do it depending on if I'm turning, going up a hill. you feel it more at lower rpm's. if anyone knows anything about manual transmission, what could cause a clunk when engaging and disengaging the clutch?

[sn0wwhite335]

i have a similar issue when shifting from 1st - 2nd...

[kred]

every manual driver on here knows about the 1-2 shift but never heard anything like your problem. seems like somethings wrong to me

[nyknickfan]

If there is a clunk when you shift in the gearbox try shifting at higher RPMs (around 2500-3000)...if the clunk is coming from the clutch itself then there is most likely a problem

[Healey3000]

Originally Posted by Dubs335

when doing form 1st to 2nd to 3th at times is were rough. I press in the clutch and i get a clunk. i took it to the dealer on more then once and they keep telling me that it is the clutch engaging and disengaging. this feels more than just the clutch engaging and disengaging because it does not happen every time i shift. Sometimes it does not do it depending on if I'm turning, going up a hill. you feel it more at lower rpm's. if anyone knows anything about manual transmission, what could cause a clunk when engaging and disengaging the clutch?

Hi,

Pressing in the clutch (disengaging the driveline) can result in a clunk for more than one reason. If you approach the thought process by understanding how the various parts are connected, it helps to identify the contributing sources.

The first source may be the flywheel. The dual-mass flywheel has two masses connected by a stiff set of springs. When you unload the driveline, the two masses can move relative to each other, resulting in a clunk. It could be that the springs have weakened or failed but it could also be the driving style, if you still have applied throttle when you press the clutch pedal.

Backlash in the gearbox can also cause clunking. As gears wear, there is more play between them so a change in loading can cause them to move relative to each other - clunk, but a different kind of sound.

Third, the flexdisc (guibo) may be failing. How many miles do you have on the car? This is a wear item and has to be replaced eventually.

Fourth, the differential may be worn out just like the gearbox. I would suspect that this will be louder than the gearbox and more clunk-like.

A good shop can identify the culprit. Other than the guibo, these are all expensive components so take your time to really be sure before you start replacing parts.

This kind of sound will definitely be affected by driving conditions. At low RPM you are more likely to hear it; it's really a complex set of variables, primarily torque and RPM.

Hope this helps,
Adnan

[runrider]

Originally Posted by Healey3000

Hi,

Pressing in the clutch (disengaging the driveline) can result in a clunk for more than one reason. If you approach the thought process by understanding how the various parts are connected, it helps to identify the contributing sources.

The first source may be the flywheel. The dual-mass flywheel has two masses connected by a stiff set of springs. When you unload the driveline, the two masses can move relative to each other, resulting in a clunk. It could be that the springs have weakened or failed but it could also be the driving style, if you still have applied throttle when you press the clutch pedal.

Backlash in the gearbox can also cause clunking. As gears wear, there is more play between them so a change in loading can cause them to move relative to each other - clunk, but a different kind of sound.

Third, the flexdisc (guibo) may be failing. How many miles do you have on the car? This is a wear item and has to be replaced eventually.

Fourth, the differential may be worn out just like the gearbox. I would suspect that this will be louder than the gearbox and more clunk-like.

A good shop can identify the culprit. Other than the guibo, these are all expensive components so take your time to really be sure before you start replacing parts.

This kind of sound will definitely be affected by driving conditions. At low RPM you are more likely to hear it; it's really a complex set of variables, primarily torque and RPM.

Hope this helps,
Adnan

Great write-up, thanks!

[Dubs335]

i have 17,000 miles, this started happening soon after i bought it. it seemed like it happened during my break-in period, i might have been driving like an idiot. it even feels like it makes the car sway more then normal during shifting.

[jaybird124]

Originally Posted by Healey3000

Hi,

Pressing in the clutch (disengaging the driveline) can result in a clunk for more than one reason. If you approach the thought process by understanding how the various parts are connected, it helps to identify the contributing sources.

The first source may be the flywheel. The dual-mass flywheel has two masses connected by a stiff set of springs. When you unload the driveline, the two masses can move relative to each other, resulting in a clunk. It could be that the springs have weakened or failed but it could also be the driving style, if you still have applied throttle when you press the clutch pedal.

Backlash in the gearbox can also cause clunking. As gears wear, there is more play between them so a change in loading can cause them to move relative to each other - clunk, but a different kind of sound.

Third, the flexdisc (guibo) may be failing. How many miles do you have on the car? This is a wear item and has to be replaced eventually.

Fourth, the differential may be worn out just like the gearbox. I would suspect that this will be louder than the gearbox and more clunk-like.

A good shop can identify the culprit. Other than the guibo, these are all expensive components so take your time to really be sure before you start replacing parts.

This kind of sound will definitely be affected by driving conditions. At low RPM you are more likely to hear it; it's really a complex set of variables, primarily torque and RPM.

Hope this helps,
Adnan

Wow. Great post!

[karlusmagnus]

A little bit old to resurrect perhaps, but I have a 35k mile 328xi (2008 E92) and I find the 1st to 2nd a little clunky, while 2nd to 3rd is easier.
The car is new to me, so not sure if this is a wear item, or normal. I'd like to have a good overview before asking dealership their opinion.
My experience with manuals extends to a G50 gearbox on a porsche 964 (very straightforward) and a 915 gearbox on a 73 porsche 911 (like a bag of antlers).
Opinions welcome if what i experience is par par for course, or a wear and tear item.
Thanks
Karl.

[ArabianSensation]

CDV delete? :P

[coh4777]

1 --> 2 shift is a little "notchy" on the 3ers. Sounds normal to me, but play around with your shift point and you will find the RPM range that is smoother.

[karlusmagnus]

Thanks guys. I'll play around some more.

CDV delete is Clutch Delay Valve? Hard to believe that someone would delete this, particularly on a stock car, but anything's possible I guess.

[Zoraster]

Why is it hard to believe? Removing that garbage results in totally smooth shifting.

[Majikthese42]

Originally Posted by karlusmagnus

CDV delete is Clutch Delay Valve? Hard to believe that someone would delete this, particularly on a stock car, but anything's possible I guess.

It's a popular modification on various BMW models, with instructions given on most of the BMW boards.

I wouldn't bother to do it, although I drive a station wagon.

Back to the OP -- I'm no expert, but I have 186k on my Volvo's original clutch. Maybe drive another one with a manual transmission and compare them?

[Catfish454]

Regarding the removal of the CDV: I did it two weeks ago, and it has made a world of difference! I now feel "connected" with the clutch, where before it felt like it was in the next county. Very simple, cheap, and takes all of 15 minutes. Do it. You won't regret it!

[lastMleft]

What is CDV?

[IcebergM4]

Originally Posted by rider

What is CDV?

CDV = Clutch Delay Valve

My 1-2 shifts are a little rough as well and I think I'll be doing this sooner than later myself.

[lastMleft]

Hey Iceberg what's the cost for CDV upgrade?

[silvermist99]

i get clunk when I'm not acclerating in first gear. IE. going 15km/h. holding speed, clutch in and i get clunk

If I'm acclerating and clutch in, I don't get a clunk. What can this be?

[jayy178]

i also have this on my manual, but I notice it only happens when I first start my car for the day and take it for a drive. Later in the drive or day the clunk is gone. It could be due to my adjustment to clutch/accelerrate shift point but doubt it..

[3Coupe4Me]

From my experience I believe that this clunk happens usually when the clutch has not been warmed up enough. It's really grippy at that point. It's also when you are being gentle with the the engine and shifting at low RPM points. I'm new to BMW and I do find the 1-2 shift is rough.

[MusclezMarinara]

CDV DELETE FTMFW!!! thats your problem