84 318i violently vibrating clutch pedal!

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Magnus - 10 Apr 2004 02:31 GMT

Greetings all.

Well, so far I've owned 7 VWs and 2 Audis. I LOVE German machinery. I
think its time for a BMW 3 series.

Anyway, I looked at an 84 318i coupe which has a perfect rust free
body and paintjob. Impressive! Anyway, theres a couple problems with
the car. Whats the most disturbing is the clutch pedal vibrates like
you would'nt believe but it sh.ts just fine!

The owner told me the rear wheel cylinder is leaking, and he's been
topping it up. He claims he took it to a shop and they looked it over.
They figure theres an air bubble in the system.

Sound likely?

If so, no big deal, since I'll have the wheel cylinders replaced. I
just dont want to have a big transmission repair bill.

Please respond ASAP. I'd like to buy this sucker, but I'm worried.

- Johnny A

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Fred W. - 10 Apr 2004 11:53 GMT

> Greetings all.
>
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> the car. Whats the most disturbing is the clutch pedal vibrates like
> you would'nt believe but it sh.ts just fine!

That is disturbing. It might only be the throwout bearing, but it could be
a problem with the clutch pressure plate. Either way it means pulling the
transmission to get at it. Not bad if you do it yourself. $$$ if you pay
someone.

> The owner told me the rear wheel cylinder is leaking, and he's been
> topping it up. He claims he took it to a shop and they looked it over.
> They figure theres an air bubble in the system.
>
> Sound likely?

No. If there was an air buble you would have spongy brake feel, but no
continuous loss of fluid requiring topping up. Sounds more like an actual
leak. Needs diagnosis. Could cost you a caliper (or two or three or four)
or a master cylinder, or brake hoses or brake lines. It is a safety issue
which you should remedy before driving the car.

> If so, no big deal, since I'll have the wheel cylinders replaced. I
> just dont want to have a big transmission repair bill.
>
> Please respond ASAP. I'd like to buy this sucker, but I'm worried.

Hope it's cheap. You planning on trailering it home?

-Fred W

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ferraris50 - 10 Apr 2004 17:28 GMT

an 84 318i only has 2 calipers - one on each front wheel! A wheel cylinder
is part of a drum brake system.

Fairly cheap and easy fix.

>No. If there was an air buble you would have spongy brake feel, but no
>continuous loss of fluid requiring topping up. Sounds more like an actual
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
>
>-Fred W

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Magnus - 11 Apr 2004 05:49 GMT

Thanks for the responses.

As much as I like the car, I dont think I'll take the chance. Well...
lets just say on Monday I'll call up the shop that diagnosed the
problem and see if they remember the car. If they swear up and down
the problem is a simple air bubble, AND the owner agrees to take the
car back if thats not the problem... I MAY go for it.

My spider sense is tingling on this though.

I work and go to school. I can't afford a massive repair bill. $1000
or so to put the little things right again, fine. You have to expect
some repairs, but I have to be realistic.

I'll keep you guys posted.

- Johnny

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Magnus - 12 Apr 2004 23:55 GMT

Well

I finally got hold of the mechanic and the owner was lying... or...
lets be kind and say he was mistaken.

The shuddering clutch was no air bubble in the line. Its the throwout
bearing most likely.

Nope... no BMW for me.

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