Lupo SDI Clutch Problems: Not Disengaging?

Hi! Yesterday, it happened out of the blue: I was about to drive away when I couldn't get into any gear. When trying to shift gears, you can clearly hear the slipping sound of the synchronizer ring, except for reverse gear, where it just creaks.

I immediately checked the clutch cable. It seemed to be in order. I adjusted it experimentally so that when the clutch pedal is pressed, the clutch lever on the transmission housing is pulled all the way back to its stop.

Mäßiger Erfolg: Im Stand (Motor aus) lassen sich jetzt die Gänge einlegen. Bei laufendem Motor immer noch nicht. Es muß also was anderes sein. Außerdem setzt der Schleifpunkt jetzt erst beim Loslassen des Pedals ein. Also False alarm.

But the clutch disc couldn't have broken overnight after I parked the vehicle, could it?

I once heard that in newer vehicles, the clutch is sometimes operated hydraulically as well. Could that be related? And what type of oil is used to power this hydraulic system?

Thank you for any tips in advance.

So, either the clutch is operated hydraulically, in which case the brake fluid reservoir is usually connected above the outlets leading to the master cylinder. This ensures that there is still enough brake fluid available for the braking system if the clutch slave or master cylinder is defective. In this case, the master cylinder is actuated by the clutch pedal, and the line runs to the slave cylinder on the transmission/release bearing.
Or:
The clutch is operated by a cable.
I can't imagine a combination of cable and hydraulics; it would be nonsensical.

Now, regarding your problem: The most likely culprit is the bearing (possibly a pilot bearing?) located in the flywheel, which allows the transmission input shaft to rotate when the clutch is engaged. If this bearing is seized or difficult to turn, it can cause significant shifting problems.

So, it's a mechanically actuated clutch then. What's the actual difference between a cable and a Bowden cable? (I always say Bowden cable).

I had the vehicle towed to an independent repair shop. They are going to give me a cost estimate tomorrow.

Is it advisable to visit an independent garage in such cases? By the way, I haven't heard anything particularly positive about authorized dealerships. That's why I went straight to an independent garage.