ok so with the transmission in gear, i can turn the output shaft via the flex disc with my hand. its really tough, but with a rag wrapped over the flex disc i can slowly turn it like 1/8th of a turn at a time. the engine is not rotating with it, but i'm wondering if that is normal or not.

i'm assuming it should be impossible for me to do that if the clutch is properly engaged.

just to recap, this was done with the slave cylinder totally removed. if my assumptions are correct, the issue is now narrowed down to the bearing, the clutch disc, or the pressure plate.

__________________
'81 240D 4 speed
'97 E420