Troubleshooting Clutch/Shifting issue?

[Gilles]

my guess would be a broken pressure plate...

Originally Posted by mgfranz

The clutch does not work. I have full pedal motion, no sticking and it even feels like it has normal pressure, I just can't engage any gear. Like I said, I was able to drive it when I put in second and started it.

Cables... ? I wasn't aware there were any cables? This sounds interesting, can I do a visual to verify? Diagram? Never mind, I just found a great write-up over at rennlist.

I'm trying to rule out the clutch/pressure plate for now since the vehicle drives fine when in gear.

[mgfranz]

Originally Posted by Gilles

my guess would be a broken pressure plate...

If I had a bad pressure plate, the car would not move at all due to the loss of clamping friction between the clutch and the flywheel, unless the fingers that the bearing press against have all failed, which while possible seems unlikely.

[woodsman]

These clutch systems are notoriously difficult to bleed completely. It sounds like air may be getting sucked in somewhere, perhaps the masterhas worn internal seals . If it's a hydraulic problem than your getting off easy compared to a mechanical one....

[mgfranz]

Originally Posted by woodsman

..If it's a hydraulic problem than your getting off easy compared to a mechanical one....

And about 7 hours of labor... Parts on order, crossing fingers.

[Pilot2519j]

For some time Ive had a problem from shifting from 1st to 2nd when I start in the morning. After going to the dealer and being given the run around I found out the solution to the problem. The engine has to be warmed to 180 degrees at least. For some reason at that temperature the 1s-2nd works. Shifting has never been silky as the BMW 328 my son in law has.