Dying clutch?

[AndyTouring]

My M40 316 has always had a very low take up point for the clutch. Getting into first while the box is cold has always been an issue too. As with all non-asbestos plates it does the juddery thing in hot weather.

Although there's no sign of slipping it's getting kind of crunchy going into reverse unless you're very slow about it and make sure the pedal is fully depressed.

The car only has 73k miles on it so it's probably the original plate.

[OllieB]

I'm no expert, but I think these clutches self adjust (Correct me if I'm wrong) so at 73k it is prob adjusted all the way and needs replacing. No idea of cost i'm afraid but non genuine parts shouldn't be too dear. Try Euro Car Parts or GSF.

[jonb]

your box will always crunch in reverse. the m40 boxes have no syncro in reverse.

[Brianmoooore]

Life of an E30 clutch is reckoned to be about 130000 miles; a figure which is born out by my experiences, but, of course, it depends on the driver.
I would think that 1/ you are getting a little oil contamination of the clutch, and 2/ your clutch hydraulic ststem could be on its way out.