# Bleeding clutch

The clutch pedal in a BMW will not return from the floor if there is no fluid pressure. There is no return spring on the pedal, the spring that is located on the clutch pedal is an assist pedal, it aids in pressing it down, not in the pedal returning. As a result, when you are bleeding the clutch, the pedal will need to be pulled up from the floor by hand each time it is pressed down. This is completely normal. This condition will exist until 2 or 3 pumps after the bleed valve is closed and when there is no air in the system. If the pedal continues to stay down, it means the hydraulic system has not been bled correctly.

### Using a pressure bleeder

Remove brake fluid reservoir cap and float container.

Connect the pressure bleeder, raise pressure to no more than 8 pounds per square inch. Any higher pressure may cause the clutch feed line to pop off the reservoir, or out of the master cylinder

Open bleeder screw on slave cylinder, operate pedal several times and close bleeder when no more air bubbles are present in the fluid.

### Bleeding by hand - one person

Open the bleed valve, press the pedal to the floor, it should stay there. Remove the slave cylinder and press the rod in against the stop. Close the bleeder, release the rod and repeat several times. Once no more air is present in the fluid, remount the slave cylinder and pump up the pedal. Never pump the clutch pedal while the slave cylinder is dismounted, this will result in the slave coming apart.

### Bleeding by hand - two people

Open the bleed valve on the slave cylinder, have your partner pump the clutch pedal by hand. Every time the pedal is down, close the bleeder, pump the pedal 2 or 3 times until resistance is felt, then open the bleeder and press the pedal down again. Repeat the process until no air bubbles are present in the escaping fluid.

E30 M3 Repair Manual V2.7. Copyright ©1999-2001 Koala Motorsport & Brett Anderson