Driving at 2am!!!

Hoops · 05-09-2009, 04:53 AM

Im trying to put as many miles on my new clutch as possible and bed it in properly before monday when its supposed to be going up to Evolve for some dyno runs. Decided to go out last night around 11.45pm once my wife had gone to bed. Obviously motorway miles are no good so it had to be as much stop/start as possible without being too ball breakingly boring!! They reckon you need to do around 1000 multiple moderate gear changes to get things bedded in. So, i headed off around the A406, A12, A13 and then around some of the tight twistys near my home. On bits where the roads were just straight with no lights or roundabouts etc i would just keep changing up and down the gears. It was actually great fun to be honest. I'd loaded my nano with a few new albums from iTunes - had some fun on the twistys with 50 Cents Curtis album banging out - but had to be careful at times not to get too carried away and start giving it too many beans!!! I basically concentrated on changing gears as often as possible, up and down the box, making sure not to slip or ride the clutch and keeping revs between 2,000 and 3,5000 rpm when changing . I did a few very mild 1st gear launches from lights, again not changing over 2,500rpm - which wasnt easy. On the A12 and A13 i kept getting boy racers in VXR's et all coming alongside me at traffic lights, revving their peco big bores and looking over at me goading me to race them. So it was really frustrating and at times embarrassing to have to pull away at 2,000rpm in 1st, 2nd, 3rd etc - with them screeching off and then getting to next set of lights and looking at me as if to say "come on mate, whats wrong with you!!??" - i actually caught myself twice mouthing to people through the window as they looked at me in disbelief as to why i was driving so slow saying "im bedding a new clutch in!!" - what a numpty!!! I stayed out for about 2.5hrs - called Carlos and Hiten - Carlos was in bed - sorry i woke you buddy!! Thought you might be digging up a train track somewhere!!? And Hiten was out and about somewhere. Best bit for me was the twistys around Epping/Theydon Bois - damn i love that bit of road from Theydon to Abridge - is always a fave knee down blat on the bike too - but its also awsome in the car - great cambers and you can really hump around some of those bends!! Was still careful to keep revs low when changing but as soon as i got it up to 5th/6th i just let it roll. The car really comes into its own on those twistys - put such a smile on my face - NO traffic - clear, open dry roads - V8 humming - and i think the new Eibach springs were doing their job nicely - car was cornering much flatter - i also think the spacers help too. I also had a little fiddle with the M button settings - and it was interesting that with EDC on softer settings it seemed to handle better than on the full out and out nutter setting - definitely going to have to have more fiddles before the Ring trip to see what works best on fast road etc. Overall, had a great night - absolutely love night time driving - amazing how nice certain roads are when they are empty!!! The only downside to last night - bearing in mind i need to get at least 500 miles of this silly style of driving done before monday - is that i looked at the trip as i parked up at home..... a pathetic 126 miles!!!! So ive still got a fair way to go. Oh, actually another fairly good thing - i was averaging 22mpg - which i didnt think was too bad considering the style of driving i was doing etc?? Anyway, wife wants to go and buy the baby some more clothes - ive told her, no problem but we are going the LONG way there (via Cornwall!!!!) Steve

E902717 · 05-09-2009, 05:29 AM

Great write up Steve, You cant beat a late night drive on your own with no traffic.

Glad you enjoyed yourself

Dave_3 · 05-09-2009, 05:39 AM

You've got restraint.

I read your other thread, but I really don't see any reason to "bed-in" a clutch. Is it standard ?

I've fitted a few differing clutches and release/pressure plates in my time and never once had to think about bedding them in. Even my performance clutches.

I would imagine that if your flywheel face was scored (if your previous clutch was so worn that it gets down to the rivets) or the release plate was scored then you might get some tiny benefit as the clutch itself beds-in, but in your car I don't see any reason ?? If I have to repace a worn/knackered clutch I always replace the release bearing and pressure plates anyway as that is what applies the clamping force, and gives some of the mechanical "feel" to how your clutch works (easier when everything is already out and in bits, than kicking yourself later).

Unless the clutch itself is made from some exotic material. Was it coated in a special material that would burn away after a short time ? [In which case a few high-rev, slipped-clutch launches would bed that in sharpish

]

D.

foxy-367 · 05-09-2009, 06:41 AM

I had something similar a few weeks ago, worked the early hours of a saturday morning and got finished about 8 came the long way home via the Pennines across some favourite roads of mine, had the biggest smile on my face. Good thing with a good twisty road too is it doesn't have to be at license losing speeds for it to be enjoyable either.

Can't beat the quiet roads at that sort of time of day!

SiKkBaSs · 05-09-2009, 06:48 AM

Cool write-up Steve, I'd like to have seen the look of the VXR'ers had they heard your were bedding your clutch in...lol they'd be like WTF?! Night driving is good though have to admit. I wouldn't listen to 50 Cent-Curtis though. I'd chuck in Eminem's new album

zltm089 · 05-09-2009, 07:47 AM

good write up!!!.....big turn on!!!

SiKkBaSs · 05-09-2009, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zltm089

good write up!!!.....big turn on!!!

You off to race some VXR'ers off the line

Hoops · 05-09-2009, 12:41 PM

I was supposed to be going to a wedding today/tonight - my brother in laws sister's wedding - but i managed to talk my way out of going on the proviso that i pick my wife and her parents up after the party ends tonight. So - ive decided to go out on another midnight run again - and will aim to pick them up at the end, whenever that may be!! Anyone fancy joining me???? Mind you - will have to take it a bit steadier tonight on the twistys as i will have my 22 month old daughter in her child seat in the back - hopefully fast ASLEEP!!!!??

SiKkBaSs · 05-09-2009, 12:42 PM

LOL crazy mo'fo

Hoops · 05-09-2009, 01:01 PM

We went to Bluewater earlier this morning - went the long way around to get there - but im still only at 188 miles - so ive got no choice - gotta get to the magical 500 by monday!!!

e92_alex · 05-09-2009, 01:02 PM

Nice write up, always good fun night driving with no traffic, proper 'me' time!!

How does the clutch feel/smell? All ok?

Hoops · 05-09-2009, 01:09 PM

I must admit i was expecting to smell the clutch at some point by now - but ive actually not smelt a thing from it?? It feels fine to be honest - pedal feels normal, maybe slightly lighter than before. Maybe, once ive racked the golden 500 miles on it, and i start giving it the abuse it deserves it will start to kick up a bit of a stink???

SoYank · 05-09-2009, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmwbailey

Mind you - will have to take it a bit steadier tonight on the twistys as i will have my 22 month old daughter in her child seat in the back - hopefully fast ASLEEP!!!!??

Wouldn't the side to side motion of the car along the twisties sort of rock her to sleep? If it doesn't is she likely to rat on you to mummy?

Hoops · 05-09-2009, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoYank

Wouldn't the side to side motion of the car along the twisties sort of rock her to sleep? If it doesn't is she likely to rat on you to mummy?

Have to say she always falls asleep when she is in the car - and trust me, that is NOT the usual reaction my passengers have when riding in the car with me!!!

ss134 · 05-09-2009, 04:25 PM

Great write up mate- nothing i love more than early hours driving with some good tunes on the stereo- something strangely relaxing about it- even if youre giving it the beans

Gibbo · 05-09-2009, 04:58 PM

Enjoy the drive. I would have though when you have done around 300 miles on a new clutch with pleanty of gear changes it would be sufficiently bedded in.

Nothing like a good drive late at night on familiar roads. Add in the xenons and you have a winning combination.

PeteJ · 05-10-2009, 04:54 AM

an excuse to drive is a great! Glad you're enjoying the beast!

05-09-2009, 04:53 AM	#1
Hoops Brigadier General 271 Rep 3,658 Posts Drives: E70 X5 xDrive35d M Sport Join Date: May 2008 Location: Chigwell, Essex iTrader: (5) Garage List 2011 BMW S1000RR Sport [10.00] 2009 E92 M3 DCT [0.00] 2010 Range Rover Sport [0.00] 54 Plate E46 M3 CSL [0.00]	Driving at 2am!!! Im trying to put as many miles on my new clutch as possible and bed it in properly before monday when its supposed to be going up to Evolve for some dyno runs. Decided to go out last night around 11.45pm once my wife had gone to bed. Obviously motorway miles are no good so it had to be as much stop/start as possible without being too ball breakingly boring!! They reckon you need to do around 1000 multiple moderate gear changes to get things bedded in. So, i headed off around the A406, A12, A13 and then around some of the tight twistys near my home. On bits where the roads were just straight with no lights or roundabouts etc i would just keep changing up and down the gears. It was actually great fun to be honest. I'd loaded my nano with a few new albums from iTunes - had some fun on the twistys with 50 Cents Curtis album banging out - but had to be careful at times not to get too carried away and start giving it too many beans!!! I basically concentrated on changing gears as often as possible, up and down the box, making sure not to slip or ride the clutch and keeping revs between 2,000 and 3,5000 rpm when changing . I did a few very mild 1st gear launches from lights, again not changing over 2,500rpm - which wasnt easy. On the A12 and A13 i kept getting boy racers in VXR's et all coming alongside me at traffic lights, revving their peco big bores and looking over at me goading me to race them. So it was really frustrating and at times embarrassing to have to pull away at 2,000rpm in 1st, 2nd, 3rd etc - with them screeching off and then getting to next set of lights and looking at me as if to say "come on mate, whats wrong with you!!??" - i actually caught myself twice mouthing to people through the window as they looked at me in disbelief as to why i was driving so slow saying "im bedding a new clutch in!!" - what a numpty!!! I stayed out for about 2.5hrs - called Carlos and Hiten - Carlos was in bed - sorry i woke you buddy!! Thought you might be digging up a train track somewhere!!? And Hiten was out and about somewhere. Best bit for me was the twistys around Epping/Theydon Bois - damn i love that bit of road from Theydon to Abridge - is always a fave knee down blat on the bike too - but its also awsome in the car - great cambers and you can really hump around some of those bends!! Was still careful to keep revs low when changing but as soon as i got it up to 5th/6th i just let it roll. The car really comes into its own on those twistys - put such a smile on my face - NO traffic - clear, open dry roads - V8 humming - and i think the new Eibach springs were doing their job nicely - car was cornering much flatter - i also think the spacers help too. I also had a little fiddle with the M button settings - and it was interesting that with EDC on softer settings it seemed to handle better than on the full out and out nutter setting - definitely going to have to have more fiddles before the Ring trip to see what works best on fast road etc. Overall, had a great night - absolutely love night time driving - amazing how nice certain roads are when they are empty!!! The only downside to last night - bearing in mind i need to get at least 500 miles of this silly style of driving done before monday - is that i looked at the trip as i parked up at home..... a pathetic 126 miles!!!! So ive still got a fair way to go. Oh, actually another fairly good thing - i was averaging 22mpg - which i didnt think was too bad considering the style of driving i was doing etc?? Anyway, wife wants to go and buy the baby some more clothes - ive told her, no problem but we are going the LONG way there (via Cornwall!!!!) Steve __________________ E70 X5 xDrive35d M Sport - Carbon Black - Panoramic Roof - 21" BMW Alloys - BMW Performance Gloss Black Grilles - LCi Rear Light Upgrade - BMW 4.8i Exhaust Trims
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05-09-2009, 05:29 AM	#2
E902717 Colonel 57 Rep 2,402 Posts Drives: E91 335d M-Sport Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: uk iTrader: (0)	Great write up Steve, You cant beat a late night drive on your own with no traffic. Glad you enjoyed yourself __________________ Car: 2011 BMW E91 335D M-Sport Previous: 2010 BMW E70 X5 3.0D M-Sport - last seen going backwards in a hedge
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05-09-2009, 05:39 AM	#3
Dave_3 Brigadier General 652 Rep 3,445 Posts Drives: G22 M440D Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: CH / SCO iTrader: (0) Garage List 1973 Escort RS2000 MK1 [10.00]	You've got restraint. I read your other thread, but I really don't see any reason to "bed-in" a clutch. Is it standard ? I've fitted a few differing clutches and release/pressure plates in my time and never once had to think about bedding them in. Even my performance clutches. I would imagine that if your flywheel face was scored (if your previous clutch was so worn that it gets down to the rivets) or the release plate was scored then you might get some tiny benefit as the clutch itself beds-in, but in your car I don't see any reason ?? If I have to repace a worn/knackered clutch I always replace the release bearing and pressure plates anyway as that is what applies the clamping force, and gives some of the mechanical "feel" to how your clutch works (easier when everything is already out and in bits, than kicking yourself later). Unless the clutch itself is made from some exotic material. Was it coated in a special material that would burn away after a short time ? [In which case a few high-rev, slipped-clutch launches would bed that in sharpish ] D. __________________ Escort Mk1 RS2000 (2.1 2x44IDFS, BVH, Kent FR32, 5spd, 180 BHP) : M440D ¦ Previously : F32 435D : F32 430D M Sport sDrive, 335D E92 2006
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05-09-2009, 06:41 AM	#4
foxy-367 Lieutenant 5 Rep 448 Posts Drives: 320d M-Sport Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: North West iTrader: (0)	I had something similar a few weeks ago, worked the early hours of a saturday morning and got finished about 8 came the long way home via the Pennines across some favourite roads of mine, had the biggest smile on my face. Good thing with a good twisty road too is it doesn't have to be at license losing speeds for it to be enjoyable either. Can't beat the quiet roads at that sort of time of day! __________________ Now - E90 320d M Sport, Le Mans Blue, sun protection glass, Auto lights and wipers, 193M, a big grin Previous - Seat Leon FR, Golf Gttdi (x2), Mk3 Fiesta SI, E30 318i Peugeot 205 Roland Garros, Mk2 Fiesta Ghia (it had a rev counter!!!!)
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05-09-2009, 06:48 AM	#5
SiKkBaSs GTR'in it 169 Rep 4,434 Posts Drives: Nissan GTR Black Edition Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Kensington, London iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	Cool write-up Steve, I'd like to have seen the look of the VXR'ers had they heard your were bedding your clutch in...lol they'd be like WTF?! Night driving is good though have to admit. I wouldn't listen to 50 Cent-Curtis though. I'd chuck in Eminem's new album
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05-09-2009, 07:47 AM	#6
zltm089 Banned 244 Rep 7,690 Posts Drives: 335i SE Coupe Space Grey Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: LONDON iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 BMW 335i [10.00]	good write up!!!.....big turn on!!!
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05-09-2009, 12:41 PM	#8
Hoops Brigadier General 271 Rep 3,658 Posts Drives: E70 X5 xDrive35d M Sport Join Date: May 2008 Location: Chigwell, Essex iTrader: (5) Garage List 2011 BMW S1000RR Sport [10.00] 2009 E92 M3 DCT [0.00] 2010 Range Rover Sport [0.00] 54 Plate E46 M3 CSL [0.00]	I was supposed to be going to a wedding today/tonight - my brother in laws sister's wedding - but i managed to talk my way out of going on the proviso that i pick my wife and her parents up after the party ends tonight. So - ive decided to go out on another midnight run again - and will aim to pick them up at the end, whenever that may be!! Anyone fancy joining me???? Mind you - will have to take it a bit steadier tonight on the twistys as i will have my 22 month old daughter in her child seat in the back - hopefully fast ASLEEP!!!!?? __________________ E70 X5 xDrive35d M Sport - Carbon Black - Panoramic Roof - 21" BMW Alloys - BMW Performance Gloss Black Grilles - LCi Rear Light Upgrade - BMW 4.8i Exhaust Trims
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05-09-2009, 12:42 PM	#9
SiKkBaSs GTR'in it 169 Rep 4,434 Posts Drives: Nissan GTR Black Edition Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Kensington, London iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	LOL crazy mo'fo
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05-09-2009, 01:01 PM	#10
Hoops Brigadier General 271 Rep 3,658 Posts Drives: E70 X5 xDrive35d M Sport Join Date: May 2008 Location: Chigwell, Essex iTrader: (5) Garage List 2011 BMW S1000RR Sport [10.00] 2009 E92 M3 DCT [0.00] 2010 Range Rover Sport [0.00] 54 Plate E46 M3 CSL [0.00]	We went to Bluewater earlier this morning - went the long way around to get there - but im still only at 188 miles - so ive got no choice - gotta get to the magical 500 by monday!!! __________________ E70 X5 xDrive35d M Sport - Carbon Black - Panoramic Roof - 21" BMW Alloys - BMW Performance Gloss Black Grilles - LCi Rear Light Upgrade - BMW 4.8i Exhaust Trims
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05-09-2009, 01:02 PM	#11
e92_alex Private First Class 11 Rep 195 Posts Drives: M4 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: UK iTrader: (1)	Nice write up, always good fun night driving with no traffic, proper 'me' time!! How does the clutch feel/smell? All ok?
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05-09-2009, 01:09 PM	#12
Hoops Brigadier General 271 Rep 3,658 Posts Drives: E70 X5 xDrive35d M Sport Join Date: May 2008 Location: Chigwell, Essex iTrader: (5) Garage List 2011 BMW S1000RR Sport [10.00] 2009 E92 M3 DCT [0.00] 2010 Range Rover Sport [0.00] 54 Plate E46 M3 CSL [0.00]	I must admit i was expecting to smell the clutch at some point by now - but ive actually not smelt a thing from it?? It feels fine to be honest - pedal feels normal, maybe slightly lighter than before. Maybe, once ive racked the golden 500 miles on it, and i start giving it the abuse it deserves it will start to kick up a bit of a stink??? __________________ E70 X5 xDrive35d M Sport - Carbon Black - Panoramic Roof - 21" BMW Alloys - BMW Performance Gloss Black Grilles - LCi Rear Light Upgrade - BMW 4.8i Exhaust Trims
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05-09-2009, 04:25 PM	#15
ss134 Brigadier General 230 Rep 3,899 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Germany/UK iTrader: (1)	Great write up mate- nothing i love more than early hours driving with some good tunes on the stereo- something strangely relaxing about it- even if youre giving it the beans
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05-09-2009, 04:58 PM	#16
Gibbo Colonel 104 Rep 2,292 Posts Drives: Golf Ed35 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: South East iTrader: (0)	Enjoy the drive. I would have though when you have done around 300 miles on a new clutch with pleanty of gear changes it would be sufficiently bedded in. Nothing like a good drive late at night on familiar roads. Add in the xenons and you have a winning combination. __________________ Golf Ed35 Black with - Black Leather
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05-10-2009, 04:54 AM	#17
PeteJ Diesel Head 12 Rep 550 Posts Drives: 320d M Sport Convertible E93 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Edinburgh iTrader: (0)	an excuse to drive is a great! Glad you're enjoying the beast!
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