Clutch issue

[kikkoman]

First, I've searched but can't find anything matching my issue exactly. I've had my car for about 3 yrs and never had any clutch-related issue but few days ago the clutch all of a sudden felt "different" pulling into a parking lot after a slow turn. Since then, the car is still drivable but something is definitely wrong as gear won't grab until very late (like almost to the top) and I was only just able to make it home.

After searching for possible issue, I lifted the car to look for any obvious issues and really can't find any. However, here are some of my observations:

1. The clutch seems to function and feel normally when the engine isn't running. When the engine is on, it feel bit more spongy and I can feel slight vibration in the first inch or so of travel.
2. I can't find any fluid leaks, fluid inside the reservoir is still full since brake bleeding done only couple months ago, doesn't fluctuate when pumped and pedal returns normally.
3. With the engine off, going thru each gear shift with or w/o the clutch pressed feels the same. I can't remember exactly but I believe it wasn't possilble or easy to shift thru gears w/o the clutch engaged before.

What might be next things to check or perform? I don't think it's pressure related but should I try bleeding it anyway? I think the best clue might be that it just happened all of a sudden w/o prior warning but I don't know what this might point to. TIA for any assistance.

[blocke]

Is this the original clutch? What about slave cylinder?
Perhaps the pressure plate is worn out. Not sure, I think you would have to drop the tranny to be 100 percent positive. But if it's the OE gear, might be time to anyway.

[jlevie]

A bit of vibration in the clutch pedal as you apply pressure with be a problem with the throwout bearing or pressure plate.

[kikkoman]

A bit of vibration in the clutch pedal as you apply pressure with be a problem with the throwout bearing or pressure plate.

Does either part usually known to go out suddenly not something that gets progressively worse over time? I've had the car for only last 2 yrs so don't know but assuming both are original. I'm thinking replacing either or both parts isn't an easy DIY project but having a shop do it will be expensive so perhaps time to look for another tranmission altogether? Thanks.

[jlevie]

Clutch failures can be gradual, or seem to instantly occur. To some degree the manifestation of the failure will depend on what has failed and to some degree how the car is driven will affect how the fault appears.

There is an excellent chance, if the car has over 140k on it, that the clutch is simply worn out. Replacement of the clutch will replace all of the wear parts (pilot bearing, clutch disk, pressure plate, throwout bearing, and fork pivot pin). The single mass flywheel on an 325i/is/ic or some ETS cars can be resurfaced. The dual mass flywheel has to be replaced.

Changing the clutch can be a DIY if you have the tools, skills, and a place to work. It isn't terribly difficult, but then I would not rate it as being easy either.

[dustythesnowman]

You mention having bled the clutch a couple months ago.. how did you do it? Did you bench bleed the system?