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Trans Technical Question....Experts, Please?

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Old Apr 2, 2014 | 03:32 PM
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Another round of ICE
Trans Technical Question....Experts, Please?

I was reading on another brand's forum about the Clutch Delay Valve on the manual trans, designed to prevent abrupt use/abuse of the clutch. However, it apparently has a side effect of making engagement more challenging than needed, and occasionally unsmooth. Some experienced drivers who don't abuse their cars removed the CDV and noted significantly improved clutch engagement behavior. Makes me wonder if this is at play on the W204. Does anyone here know if the W204 manual has a CDV and, if like some others, it is removable?
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Old Apr 2, 2014 | 11:34 PM
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C300 Sport 6MT
I'm sure Glyn or Vic will chime in, but it doesn't feel like we have a CDV.
A friend of mine, who is a lifer Bavaria owner, always installed modified CDVs (internals removed) on his 6MT cars. He was getting tired of people commenting every once in a while on his "nasty shifting". He's since gone to the dark side (SMG/DCT).
On our cars, while I do have my moments w/ jerkiness, it's usually due to the shoes I'm wearing or just plain not paying attention and letting the clutch out too fast. Most other times, I'm able to modulate/feather the clutch so that shifts are smooth, with no head jerking by passengers. The grab/engagement point is very predictable IMO.

Last edited by Doanster; Apr 2, 2014 at 11:36 PM.
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Old Apr 3, 2014 | 08:53 AM
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late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
The CDV is a fluid flow restricter valve fitted to most BMW MT models. It is supposed to reduce clutch release shift shock. In reality it causes a high rate of wear of the clutch plate and excessive heat buildup in the flywheel & pressure plate leading to early failure.

Benz does not fit a CDV.

Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Apr 3, 2014 at 09:01 AM.
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Old Apr 3, 2014 | 11:01 AM
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Another round of ICE
Originally Posted by Glyn M Ruck
The CDV is a fluid flow restricter valve fitted to most BMW MT models. It is supposed to reduce clutch release shift shock. In reality it causes a high rate of wear of the clutch plate and excessive heat buildup in the flywheel & pressure plate leading to early failure.

Benz does not fit a CDV.
Thank you, Glynn! Truly, encyclopedic knowledge!
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Old Apr 3, 2014 | 11:32 AM
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'08 C300 4Matic Sport, '02 530i
Originally Posted by Glyn M Ruck
The CDV is a fluid flow restricter valve fitted to most BMW MT models. It is supposed to reduce clutch release shift shock. In reality it causes a high rate of wear of the clutch plate and excessive heat buildup in the flywheel & pressure plate leading to early failure.
Yup. I had the CDV removed from my 530i soon after I acquired it. Clutch releases were just strange/unpredictable... hard to control. Even after CDV removal, I still find the clutch on this car rather touchy/finicky, but at least now it's more predictable - I am able to release it quickly or slowly, depending on my desire as opposed to depending on CDV's desire.
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Old Apr 3, 2014 | 07:42 PM
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Yes Pete ~ most enthusiasts I know remove them ASAP after acquiring their cars.
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