Clutch line or slave cylinder

[TomO1]

My 1997 Z3 with 21,000kms is leaking fluid when I use the clutch. The gears are hard to change. The master cylinder is not leaking, I got under and can see that there is a leak but cannot see the clutch line or slave cylinder. (Maybe because I’m not a mechanic)

A is it more likely the line or the slave cylinder?

B The owner manual indicates the transmission fluid is good for the life of the vehicle. Should this now be changed given it’s a ‘97.

At this point the only thing I have done is oil changes.

 

[Shelly]

 

[Delk]

The line should be visible and enters the towards the back of the slave cylinder on the side. You should be able to follow the line easy enough to see if its leaking. The slave will normally leak from the clutch side so the oil will go into the bell housing.

You dont have much mileage on the car so its up to you to change the trans oil. The general consensus is that BMW never expected the cars to remain on the road that long. If you do change the oil make sure you get the correct oil as it does make a difference. When I changed mine and it did make a noticeable improvement in the shifts.

 

[TomO1]

The line should be visible and enters the towards the back of the slave cylinder on the side. You should be able to follow the line easy enough to see if its leaking. The slave will normally leak from the clutch side so the oil will go into the bell housing.

You dont have much mileage on the car so its up to you to change the trans oil. The general consensus is that BMW never expected the cars to remain on the road that long. If you do change the oil make sure you get the correct oil as it does make a difference. When I changed mine and it did make a noticeable improvement in the shifts.

Thank you, this is helpful.