BMW E46 M3 - Clutch DIY

Instagram: SeanS54
My clutch went out at Laguna Seca Raceway. Luckily I've been trailering my M3 to and from the track. After getting ridiculous shop quotes, I decided to DIY.
*Make sure to install the pressure plate correctly ensuring the dowel pins around the flywheel sit inside the holes around the pressure plate. The pressure plate mounting holes line up in several orientations which makes it confusing. You'll know when the pressure plate is installed correctly because once it's bolted to the flywheel the clutch disc will not be able to spin freely.
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[@kodimah8577]

what a bear of a job. props to you for tackling it solo

[@BestMotorWerks]

We need more videos like this and also more videos with the m3..well done

[@moStallion]

Watching for my 550i 2008. Planning on doing this job too. Already ordered stainless steel clutch pivot pin. Once you change one thing you have to change everything. Going for turner kit too for the shifter bushings n poweflex

[@threedirty5455]

Great video Sean! I agree with your lightweight vs dual mass feedback, no need for all that extra noise and drivetrain wear!

[@DonBMW]

Been running a single stage ebay Gripforce Stage 2 clutch system for almost a year and its absolute perfection. Cara shifts buttery smooth and I have negligible chatter. Like you really have to sit there and listen for it. Added a stromung exhaust and the car is an absolute joy to drive.

[@dho]

really solid video. had to do my clutch last year and just did it at a shop, 1k labor and 1k for parts. i gave the lightened flywheel a try and it's not bad but i'll stick with a dual mass in the future.

[@DonBMW]

Just finished this ion on an E36 M3/4/5. Toughest but most satisfying job ever done. Used an Fx Racing stage 2 clutch kit and sachs bearing. Also did the CDV delete. Car revs so freely now and shifts like buttah! Totally transformed my car.

[@nvmysti]

Awesome job

[@drumpb5]

FYI the alignment tool has a 4.5mm allen head to unscrew that rod so it's out of the way. Just put some forward pressure on it as you unscrew, the clutch disc against the flywheel will keep it from just spinning the pilot bearing. Then you can fit the larger size allen into the SAC holder and remove it without having to use a screwdriver like you did. Then just screw the rod back in and pull the alignment tool out.

[@Colyers]

Very well documented

[@doublesidedtape1000]

I totally ignored the yellow/blue marks on the flywheel/pressure plate. Hopefully that doesn't lead to a big vibration. That alignment tool has a center section that you can unscrew which lets you use an allen key to remove the pressure plate lock. I installed a Sachs clutch that didn't come with that style and I had to modify mine with a hacksaw to fit behind the allen hole.

[@DonBMW]

Now I'm working on my E46 Transmission and planning to go with your Luk setup. Did you use the LUK supplied throwout bearing? Have read that those throwout bearings look flimsy and feel loose compared to OEM.

[@breakmywalletmotorsport]

Have the same setup and same thing happened to me earlier this year.

[@xerxeslorenzo351]

How about using a non self adjusting clutch (built into the pressure plate)? I agree on the single mass flywheel; I’m trying dual mass next time around.

[@davidramez6219]

Can you please list out the parts you replaced? Did you tilt the engine during removal of the transmission?

[@stubbk3]

my 330ci needs this doing,, no garage so waiting on spring for driveway fun,,

[@tkflex2332]

May I ask if u can do a comparison or update video on going back to the dual mass flywheel oem setup vs lighten flywheel? Tks 🙏🏽

[@commentator2.0]

Had to do this job as well. Only problem with mine was that the plastic pivot pin sheared off lol. I replaced mine with the same metal one as well but after 2 years it now makes noise when the car is cold in the morning

[@Chrischone2]

thanks for this comment now i know to buy the oem one

[@Bullitt12273]

Did you remove the old pilot bearing? My 04 330ci didnt have a pilot bearing at the crank

[@mrgizmo7975]

Sean, nice job. Did you replace that sleeve that goes on the tranny input spline and on which tob and clutch fork ride? That thing gets scratched and worn over time also.

[@SeanS54]

Nope, I didn't replace the sleeve on the transmission spline.

[@jagathrohan]

Is Luk same as oem?

[@henrique8921]

Can you please tell me the model of those wheels ??

[@gtcreels532]

Oh yeah whole weekend job here I’ll take it in instead 😂

[@davidswestcoastpainting8510]

Thanks much as I am doing this to my car soon...it left me stranded at track on 3rd lap....didn't hear broken parts or anything but clutch pedal was way loose and couldn't engage any gears ...once cooled I was a lble to drive it but still I think its something with the clutch

[@Driver_407]

What ended up being the issue exactly? Having 100% same description as you. Happen last week at track.

[@davidswestcoastpainting8510]

@@Driver_407 it looks like clutch related, I have checked all wires, slave cylinder, oil levels and have bleed the clutch but issue still there, I have ordered a clutch masters fx350....will swap in a week or so....will message u once I get there....

[@Driver_407]

@@davidswestcoastpainting8510 Yea i did the same. Inspected slaves, bled clutch. Same pedal feel. Feels like something with the pivot pin or lever to me. But im no expert. Just hoping it was something else and not my driving that messed it up. Ha. Yea im either doin OEM or fx200. Not taking to shop till next week or so. Would love a report back on your end. Just feel we have a very similar root cause. Thanks

[@davidswestcoastpainting8510]

@@Driver_407 just a quick update, took transmission out and for sure my clutch disc basically bad. Not as bad as I expected but basically the disc is almost torn at one are as if it was pulled apart but still together some. Went ahead and installed new fork, pivot, bearing, rear main seal and gasket. Wasn't a smooth swap but with some patience and an extra set of hands it was easier. New fx350 clutch installed. Drove car and its running just fine. A bit stiffer pedal, engages quite fast but not impossible, it makes a marble_ish sound in neutral buy once clutch is in, then it goes away. Just wanted to give u my story as it might help u out. Cheers

[@Driver_407]

@@davidswestcoastpainting8510 thanks for the followup. Did my slave/master clutch over weekend and still have same issue so looks like im also doing clutch next week. Would you do the dual mass if you had to do it over or is the chatter tolerable on single? Im debating still. Thanks again.

[@josephbambara7426]

It would have been nice if you listed the parts and price point

[@rfalco627]

How did you get your old pilot bearing out? I was unable to.

[@SeanS54]

Mine fell right out. You can do the bread method or rent a tool from AutoZone.

[@doublesidedtape1000]

The bread method worked for me. A bellhousing bolt with some electrical tape on it was the right size.

[@planet3bike]

So, thanks for the video as I'm doing the same job soon, but I'm pausing to look at item numbers and the Clutch Pressure Plate bolt kit seems to be wrong. You got the item number 07119906045 which are M8x16 but the M3 uses 21207548052 which are M8x16 (2 mm longer) and in 10.9 quality while the M8x16 ones seem to be 8.8 quality. Tightening torques per ISTA are also different.