2002 3 series clutch

[A2374]

Hey all,

I am looking for a new car and the 2002 325i is on my short list along with the 2002 Audi A4 1.8t quattro. I like both cars, but love the BMW inline 6! :ylsuper One of my gripes though is the clutch. Maybe its because I am used to my 99 Accord, but the clutch engages very early. I was only able to test drive a 2002 325Ci but I suspect most BMW clutches to be similar.

My question to the group: Is this early engagement of the clutch typical of BMW or was this just this particular dealer stock 325Ci.

Also, any input on comparisons with the '02 A4 1.8t would be welcomed.

--Adam

[MadTony]

... and there is no 'right' setting.

Once you have got used to it, you will think your current car's clutch engages too late!

[Sean`02///325ci]

i would'nt go with an Audi if i was you. There is heated discussion in audiworld forums where this guy with 280 miles on brand new S4 and less than a week old, blew up his engine or something and AoA is denying him warranty..

BTW: i just bought a 2002 325ci and the clutch seems good enough for me although i have to break in the clutch i guess it's not always smooth on take off.

[Jimster]

Plus those clutches are very unreliable, I have heard of manual 318i's going through their clutches after only 22,000 miles. Other thatn that the car is pretty reliable.......

[328isRob]

The clutches in all BMW's are high, it allows you to shift faster. If you have less leg work to do then you should be able to do it all faster

[grunty]

I have just been through the same thing. 325 or 1.8t Quattro. Test drove both for about 1.5hrs each.

Came to the conclusion that at 32yrs old, I am about 10yrs too young for an Audi. Its a nice car at 60% but when the pace goes up it can't handle it. The engine felt lazy and reluctant to rev. Something funny happens when you go from closed throttle to full throttle and the four wheel drive kicks in - It just didn't fill me with confidence.

The BM on the other hand gets better the faster you go and still is sooo easy to potter around on. You can drive your grana to the shops or go racing Honda Integra's - either way the car is game. The clutch thing also worried me. Stalled the car quite a few times ti begin with. Now, I have done 400miles and getting used to it quite quickly.

Bottom line is - if the ckutch is your only concern then go and buy the BMW. You will get used to it.

[makoto]

the bmw transmission and clutch are the finest ive ever driven
unremarkable currently unmatched by any car manufacturer ive
ever tested. unfortunately i have not had the opportunity to experiment with audi , but if you're going german, its hard to go wrong. i did my research prior to purchasing my 330ci, and i would have tested the audi but found it way overpriced. if you want non biased comparison of both cars i suggest edmunds.com