Clutch and Flywheel Replacement DIY | BMW E39 540i

[@TireKickers]

There are actually 9 T60 Torx bolts that secure the flywheel. I'm honestly not sure where I got 6, but everything else holds true. Let me know if you have any questions!

[@ashleyhopkins6296]

did you machine your flywheel or get a new one? are the flywheel bolts re-usable?

[@cmkm54]

Just a tip for anybody else. It is way easier to access the top transmission bolts from under the hood behind the engine. Thats how I always do these v8 bmws. Fantastic video!!!

[@DoubleJThe]

I was told the same, remove the cabin air filter housings and the bolts are right there. I did it from underneath though, lots of extensions.

[@jeffreyjones5161]

I watched this video multiple times during the removal of my e39 transmission. Can't thank you enough for the easy to understand and follow walkthrough. This video is e39 gold!

[@percyjackson2800]

Very nicely done! Not a very complicated job it just takes a bit of time and effort, especially if laying on your back.

[@TireKickers]

Appreciate it! Agreed, I tried to highlight the tricks that might make it a little easier but there really aren't any shortcuts. I can imagine doing this while on your back is a lot of fun lol.

[@KKE1978]

Thanks to you i just completed this job. Honestly its not that bad as long as you are patient. My hardest part was un bolting the exhaust they were really rusted. I finally let the soak in vinegar and next day it was easier to remove.

[@TireKickers]

Really glad to hear that! Funny you say that, I swear it's always the seemingly "easy" things that end up giving me the most trouble on these cars lol

[@abdulrehmanmohammad8047]

Thanks man you helped me so much

[@adroitcaptor]

This seriously helped me. TY

[@adroitcaptor]

Also, not sure what it took other people, but I was out about 10hours (with a friends help). That was working off our backs, including getting the car in the air, food breaks, a good about of cleaning, etc. Not sure if it took other people that long but if this is your first time expect an all day deal. We dis not have special tools other than what is listed to get the job done, (just 1 floor jack). YOU NEED 2 PPL to get the trans back in safely IMO (WATCH THE O2 PLUGS!), unless you got some nice equipment maybe? lol good luck! With this video you can easily do the job, just takes time.

[@DoubleJThe]

My top 2 bolts have a smaller head on them. The E12 took them out, but mangled them and they'll need to be replaced. If you're doing this on your back, you'll also want to remove the crank position sensor instead of just unplugging it, it's expensive and your ring gear will catch on it and explode it all over the place.

[@mrkijack]

Very helpful! Thanks

[@oshogweikekhai5499]

Does reinstalling the flywheel need timing?

[@adambaros7958]

Great video but i have a question why do i need to replace the diff flange gasket

[@TireKickers]

Good question Adam, replacing the gasket is a best practice because odds are it’s old and won’t seal correctly if you try and use it again. I’ve had a diff gasket completely disintegrate when trying to remove it so I had no choice but to replace it.

[@mchipman7879]

Great job on this video, it's exactly what I needed as I was just getting ready to start this job myself. How should I decide whether or not to replace my flywheel though?

[@TireKickers]

Glad you found it helpful! There are some common symptoms to look out for with a bad flywheel so I'll keep it general. I'd recommend that if you have a hunch that your flywheel is bad, it's prolly best to replace it while you're in there. Symptoms: 1. Gear Slippage 2. Burnt Smell 3. Clutch pedal vibrations 4. Clutch drag (clutch not releasing properly) 5. Clutch chatter

[@adroitcaptor]

Dual mass cannot be resurfaced properly. If you plan on having the car a while I say replace it. The other thing to think about, with shipping time etc., you may be waiting an additional week or two if you end up needing it. Do it right the first time IMO.

[@DougBe38]

no new pilot bearing?

[@johnwoolfrey5093]

I just received my LUK clutch kit. It had the disc, SAC pressure plate, throw-out and pilot bearings. The PP did not come with the shipping plate but the PP was in its reset position. I also noticed your PP also did not have the shipping plate either (you didn't remove it after installing the PP). Were you concerned about no shipping plate as I am? I assume we can install the PP without the shipping plate. Thanks/John

[@ib1p]

how did ths work out for you ? I ordered a LUK clutch kit from fcp and received no locking plate also. Was it already preset or do i need to reset it?

[@johnwoolfrey5093]

@@ib1p My pressure plate was already reset from factory (the reset springs were compressed pretty much fully). When I installed I just torqued each bolt by 1/2 turn each in a criss-cross fashion until all pressure plate bolts were tight. Then I went around with the torque wrench and did the final tighten. After clutch install is done and tranny is back in, press the clutch pedal a couple times. I had no issues.

[@johnwoolfrey5093]

@@ib1p I later had to replace my dual mass flywheel. I removed my tranny and the new pressure-plate / clutch. At that time I reset the now used pressure plate and installed it as mentioned earlier with 1/4 to 1/2 turns per bolt. I pressed the clutch pedal a couple times after the install and before starting the car. No issues. I was told on a Facebook post that if you were just removing your pressure plate and then re-installing it with the same (used) clutch disk then you don't have to reset the pressure plate.

[@INNO222]

Would the 6cyl e39 be any easier? Thanks

[@asfiraneabderaouf3528]

Hi! Is it the same procedure whit E39 530 d ?

[@lonerider5315]

Never show how to str move the pilot bearing 😞