Stiff clutch springs?

bcoleman96 · 04-05-2024, 10:44 AM

Hi all,

I wanted to ask for some advice regarding the clutch on my 2016 218i F23.

I've had it 6 months and I'm still struggling to get used to the clutch - as it's a lot stiffer than any car I've had in the past. This also makes it difficult to get the biting point every time without judder. Although it does engage well.

However, whilst driving the other day, I noticed if I have the footwell heating on, the clutch pedal eases. Which makes me think it's to do with the springs heating up and becoming looser.

Does anyone have any experience of this or know how to potentially make the pedal lighter and easier to feel the bite?

Any help would be greatly appreciated 😊

alanmc_21 · 04-05-2024, 06:17 PM

In a 2016 M235i and definitely don't find the clutch all that stiff.
Not sure if it's a different spring, but maybe worth checking

freakystyly · 04-05-2024, 06:29 PM

Clutch engagement on my car is about 1 to 1.5" (2.5-4cm) travel, is that too much? I did install a clutch stop (spacer at the end of travel) but rarely bottom out on it. The judder is a "BMW thing" and I've seen several reviewers comment on it.

You may just need to adjust your seating position or practice how far to press the clutch when shifting.

Kernel Kurtz · 04-05-2024, 06:30 PM

Pretty sure most of the resistance you feel is going to be the actual clutch release springs (via hydraulics), not in the footwell. Yes there are some in the pedal assembly, you could try lubricating them, but I doubt it will make a difference.

Strong springs are almost certainly better than the alternative. Not sure this is a problem unless there are other symptoms.

04-05-2024, 10:44 AM	#1
bcoleman96 Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: BMW 218i Cabriolet Join Date: Apr 2024 Location: North Somerset iTrader: (0)	Stiff clutch springs? Hi all, I wanted to ask for some advice regarding the clutch on my 2016 218i F23. I've had it 6 months and I'm still struggling to get used to the clutch - as it's a lot stiffer than any car I've had in the past. This also makes it difficult to get the biting point every time without judder. Although it does engage well. However, whilst driving the other day, I noticed if I have the footwell heating on, the clutch pedal eases. Which makes me think it's to do with the springs heating up and becoming looser. Does anyone have any experience of this or know how to potentially make the pedal lighter and easier to feel the bite? Any help would be greatly appreciated 😊
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04-05-2024, 06:17 PM	#2
alanmc_21 New Member 3 Rep 10 Posts Drives: M235i F23, A4 Allroad Join Date: Mar 2024 Location: MD iTrader: (0)	In a 2016 M235i and definitely don't find the clutch all that stiff. Not sure if it's a different spring, but maybe worth checking
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04-05-2024, 06:29 PM	#3
freakystyly Lieutenant Colonel 3008 Rep 1,798 Posts Drives: F22 B58 6MT Join Date: May 2016 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0)	Clutch engagement on my car is about 1 to 1.5" (2.5-4cm) travel, is that too much? I did install a clutch stop (spacer at the end of travel) but rarely bottom out on it. The judder is a "BMW thing" and I've seen several reviewers comment on it. You may just need to adjust your seating position or practice how far to press the clutch when shifting.
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04-05-2024, 06:30 PM	#4
Kernel Kurtz Major 347 Rep 1,016 Posts Drives: 2020 M240i xDrive Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Winnipeg, Canada iTrader: (0)	Pretty sure most of the resistance you feel is going to be the actual clutch release springs (via hydraulics), not in the footwell. Yes there are some in the pedal assembly, you could try lubricating them, but I doubt it will make a difference. Strong springs are almost certainly better than the alternative. Not sure this is a problem unless there are other symptoms.
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