Clutch problem

[1993z32]

Alright I've done plenty of searching and reading and I think the first thing I'm gonna try is replacing the master cylinder but tell me what you guys think.

I was getting on the freeway, 1st->2nd shift was totally normal, went to shift 2->3 and it wouldn't go into gear. I pulled off, and even with the clutch in, and the trans in gear the car would still move. I practice clutchless driving now and then just in case something like this happens so I got it home no big deal. Next day, on my way down to my buddy's shop the clutch started working completely normal. 2 days later, no clutch. I would come to a stop and when the clutch pedal is depressed, the clutch seems about ~25% engaged, it will idle [in gear with the car stopped] but the car wants to move forward when I let the brake off. When I start to release the clutch pedal, it will not grab until the pedal reaches its normal point of clutch engagement (which is pretty far, 2+ inches from the floor) So I can move the pedal up and down 2 inches from the floor and the clutch will not grab until I go above 2 inches. Now a few minutes ago I went to push in the clutch, felt/heard a subtle "pop" and it went back to normal. Any insight before I start replacing parts? (hopefully I described all that okay)

Thanks

[Kershaw]

have you bled the clutch/brake lines?

[Myster-E]

Sounds like you may have a leak in your clutch hydraulic. I would remove the slave cylinder and check it out. these got out occasionally. Also make sure the brake fluid reservoir has fluid above the clutch line. This causes air to go into the system.

[1993z32]

I havn't tried to bleed it yet because the problem seems to be mechanical, not hydraulic. One of my friends who drifts (and usually comes up with the answers to my problems) says it sounds like a clutch spring came out of place. That makes perfect sense to me because like I said the clutch still fully engages at it's normal point and feels the same, but when I depress the pedal it's like something is in the way of the clutch opening. And it randomly comes back to life (like something got dislodged and the clutch can open again) This also started happening after a few fairly hard 2-3 and 3-4 dumps

[Myster-E]

One of the e30s ive owned had a clutch that would come and go and the first thing I tried was the slave cylinder which fixed the issue and may fix your issue. Otherwise, yes, I would pull the transmission but I've never heard of a clutch spring coming out of place. Good luck

[Cabriolet]

im running clutch spring-less atm no issue. im 100% betting its your slave dying.

[1993z32]

New slave, same problem. Next day, new master, same problem. If anyone has any clue as to what it might be throw them out there. But I think the next step is dropping the trans :(

[bmwm42]

Pressure plate

[1993z32]

Pressure plate

When the pressure plate is worn doesn't it have problems holding power because it loses clamping force though?

[jlevie]

A bad pressure plate, worn out throw out bearing, bad clutch fork, or a bad pilot bearing can cause a failure to release. If you have installed a new slave and master cylinder (not used parts), have no leaks, and have bled the system and the clutch still won't release, the transmission is going to have to come out

[bmwm42]

could also be your throw out bearing

[lole30]

you have replaced both hydraulic points. at this point the tranny is going to have to come out.