For the posterity of 240d owners; my clutch problem was caused by a broken clutch disc spring wedged inside the pressure plate. I drove the car for months until I was annoyed enough to pull the transmission for a clutch replacement.

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Yeah, I have had one of those once. It can happen at high mileage.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.