BMW E46 Clutch, Flywheel & Rear Main Seal Replacement DIY (330i, 325i, 330ci, 323i, 325ci, & More)

[@bigchaze]

Jeez...halfway through the vid and I already wanna nominate this guy for DIY’er of the year. Clear, concise, no crappy music, etc. great job dude and thank you

[@aramharoutounian3093]

Multiple times THANK YOU. You increased my knowledge and refreshed. Rest well earned. My God continue blessing you and your loved ones.

[@00748040]

No annoying music, that's how we do it.Quiet and calm and fast and smoothly.

[@jonny_exotic2575]

Mate.. this is one hell of a detailed video !! Not only do you start off saying.. make sure you have a twist socket! These bolts will be rusted and no one recomends this item yet you have ! Each difficult task is well filmed and really shows what you have to do! Keep em coming this is great

[@one_velichkov]

Keep them e46 DIYs coming sir! 👏👏👏

[@fcpeuro]

Lots more to come Paul!

[@acehealy6102]

I would HIGHLY recommend jacking up the front of the engine to get the trans lower even WITH factory engine mounts, makes life so much easier.

[@Darkaccent]

And because the motor naturally wants to lean forward, doing this will prevent you from snapping bellhousing bolts off in the block and possibly breaking off a piece of your engine block :)

[@soyyoroaldo]

Thanks for clear methodical video! I’m an enthusiastic newb and I’ve now got to replace a clutch for the very first time on my very first car - 2002 325xi. I rely tons on KZbin E46 DIYs and your video here is by far the best clutch replacement among actually pretty slim pickings. Couldn’t help but notice you start out though saying - 0:38 “It’s a big job, it’s going to be a lot of fun. Hopefully.” And then wind up at the end shaking your head to the camera and saying - 40:58 “It’s not a lot of fun.” 🤣🤣🤣 Still, actually it does look pretty fun - I’m ordering FCP parts now. Here we go!

[@fcpeuro]

Happy to help soyyoroaldo , good luck with your wrenching! Let us know if you need any help with your order.

[@RalliartRsX]

Picked up my first German car (02 E46) a few months ago, and FCP has been invaluable in both parts as well as informational videos these past few months! Kudos and I wish yall well in your endeavor outside of TCR :)

[@daviddebuhr8995]

In the middle of an e36 m3 clutch rear main, shift detents, etc, job....Your videos give me great confidence I am doing a good job. I got most of my parts from FCP and super happy with the service.

[@fcpeuro]

Good luck David, happy to be able to supply you the parts you need and a DIY to help to boot! Let us know how it ends up, sounds like you'll have a very happy transmission once you're done!

[@zaraak323i]

A rear main seal is in my near future on my wife's E36. Of course, the clutch and will be done at the same time. This video is hugely helpful, thanks!

[@fcpeuro]

no problem zaraak323i , let us know if you need any help sourcing the parts!

[@ulilange1993]

Best video I've ever seen on this topic from a pro.👍 Greetings from Bavaria.

[@jackmehoff1840]

Gareth, from the bottom of my heart i thank you for explaining in your excellent series why i should never buy a BMW

[@fcpeuro]

😂Come on Dixie its not _thatttttt_ bad!

[@jackmehoff1840]

@@fcpeuro i know i'm generalizing but my sons 320i gave me PTSD i swear.....

[@fcpeuro]

@Dixie Normous Understandable

[@fastboatster]

Or you shouldn’t buy any manual car whatsoever cause they all eventually need clutches.

[@Skrattmannen91]

I assume you have never done this to a FWD car huh ? xD This is easy in compariison.

[@FryChicken]

This is the best DIY Video I have EVER seen.

[@saganworshipper6062]

So, if you guys want to do this same thing (or any other DIY videos) on a beautiful 2008 328xi E90 6MT, I live in 20 minutes from you in CT and will happily let you borrow my car to be used as your example. I can use a new oil pan gasket while you're at it too, thanks. Just let me know and I'll drop it right off. lol. :)

[@dodogot5814]

Until now i've only watched your volvo 850 videos which were amazing. I see your other videos are also amazing. Excellent explanation and video work

[@curtissiltala5244]

Just bought a 02 e46 needing a clutch so I hope this helps a lot. Very detailed video so great job. I’m getting excited to fix it and be able to drive my new car!

[@washingtonthumbikobanda8614]

Doing mine tmrrw after this video. You are a legend !

[@Paciifist-the-Gamer]

Let me tell you something brother, as someone who has very little knowledge on teching, this motivated me to get off my ass and fix my bmw, I was going to sell it as is for cheap but now I figure, what the heck, might as well fix it and get more out of it!

[@lyem654]

At 30:56 these flywheel bolts were pre-coat with sealant to avoid oil leaking through the threads, not Loctite as you said. Two total different function.

[@lefora87]

FCP Euro killing it with these DIY's...bravo❤👏👏

[@00748040]

Superb work demonstration and excellent explanation, you are a master in your field. Thanks for sharing this precious enjoyable video and your time. Thank you,this definitely builds confidence and motivation.

[@viperocco]

looks like a huge PITA, outstanding video btw!

[@mattwilli9216]

You should probably tell people to clean the flywheel bolt holes BEFORE they install the rear main seal, because I did as you said and applied some brake parts cleaner, and some of it ran down and positively RUINED my neatly installed rear main seal that I just paid $55 for and spent half my morning putting in.

[@javarithms]

Great video Gareth as always. I just did an auto to manual swap on my E39 530i and a lot of this is is very similar. Of course, I bought most of the parts from FCP Euro 😁.

[@hamishmchardy2896]

Haha doing the same on my 325i e46 individual.. how much fun did you have running the clutch line? From master to slave.

[@fcpeuro]

Love to hear that javarithms we appreciate the support and glad you watched the video and enjoyed it even though you're familiar with the job!

[@javarithms]

@@hamishmchardy2896yeah trying to install the pedal assembly while connecting the lines to the master cylinder was not fun...initially had a leak from the slave line because it wasn't seated all the way. Make sure you get that audible click sound when you attach the lines. I have a 2 post lift in the garage 😁so the job was actually enjoyable. Respect to anyone doing the conversion on jack stands.

[@daniellilly_]

What an excellent informative video. My questions were all answered during the video 5⭐️

[@TheExtraleague]

So after engine rebuild this is most difficult to do on car i guess. Even with all that staff support its exhausting. Great video man. I gonna do this job probably next year together with straigh pipe and LSD diff set. Its gonna be tough week :D. But i will use spring loaded clutch to be more comfy and want to avoid that diesel rattle sound. I hope its go well.

[@fcpeuro]

Let us know how it goes TheExtraleague!

[@cichandler833]

Not gonna lie thank you I just installed this exact kit on my 330i, I did not struggle at all putting it back in with my buddy 😂 getting the trans off oh lord 🤣

[@2Jupiter]

If the Auto Subtitle was Available, it would be much easier to keep up with what he's talking about!😊 Anyway, Great Video!👍

[@00748040]

Tools explanation are very useful.

[@11Xshadowolf]

I love this video thankyou soo much about to do this on my m3 this was the BEST video I found to tackle this job and the links to the proper tools thankyou so much

[@kaanguelten]

If I see a FCP Euro video, I just know it is quality!

[@jayparnes]

What keeps the starter from falling away from the transmission after you remove the bolts? I’m imaging having a hard time getting it back on the bolt holes when it’s time to reinstall. I hope I do t have to remove the intake manifold.

[@jasperdesbrisay6121]

Theres really nowhere for the starter to go, its still on the locating pin and engaged with the flywheel when the bolts are removed. And once the flywheel and everything are out of the way it just rests on the block where it is

[@dhager1111]

Getting ready to manual swap my 2001 530i. Not too many videos specifically for the E39, but I would assume this is a similar process being the same engine and transmission. I appreciate how clear and concise this video is! Thanks again FCP for another great video and for getting my parts to me!

[@danl4222]

Really nice. I learn a lot from your videos. Thank you.

[@fcpeuro]

Glad to hear that! Thank you for viewing, Dan.

[@jooky87]

Great super informative video, about to do this on my e39 528i, thank you!

[@fcpeuro]

Glad it helped!

[@daviddebuhr8995]

Is it OK to let the trans hang by the motor mounts like that when you are getting to the top bolts? Then support the trans after getting them loose?

[@IvanPandev]

Very helpful and clear. Thank you!

[@fcpeuro]

Glad it was helpful!

[@andrewa.3304]

Any diy video in near future on f60 mini cooper s front control arm bushings? Will be much appreciated! Thanks! Love all your videos thanks!

[@cecilyeisley7209]

i own 2001 330xi 3 series e46 manual clutch goes in and goes into all gears fine- on take off in gear the engine goes but sudden rpm excells in gear hi then lowers to normal then excell in speed changing gears is fine its like has no power its not constant it does it when it wants to

[@Thomas-fc6gf]

You didn’t say much when installing the release bearing. So I’m guessing it’s as straight forward as it looks? Simply press it in? Doesn’t matter how it’s facing rotationally?

[@ChadBIsRacing]

Thanks for making this video; I’m doing the same thing on my 323.. it’s helping

[@hillarylevenworth8824]

Excellent presentation!

[@timboyle3114]

For a street car - how bad would the low rev / idle judder be with this setup? Is there a sprung clutch plate that would fit this flywheel to compensate for the loss of the Dual Mass damping?

[@string2155]

You didn’t mention the thread sealant that’s needed on the two 13mm bolts on the rear main seal plate. Those two are a must for oil will leak.

[@beaudybondar403]

What’s the sealant called?

[@arturos571]

the clutch alignment tool should be a perfect pilot bearing grease ram if pushing it out with that method....

[@kostas_wellknown4519]

Great video dude! Can i ask you how much does it cost your job to fix all that ? I am car mechanic too so i want to see how much do you charge someone with this car . Thank you very much my friend!

[@carloscortez3836]

Hey man, I had a shop install my clutch. Fx stage 2. They said they had to reposition, The starter to prevent damage to the starter or the aftermarket flywheel. This is a real legit shop, I paid 840 for the clutch install and 280 for them to just move the starter around. Does any of this sound right? I watch your video like ten times before my clutch arrive to just do research and other videos going from a dual mass to a single and none of them had to reposition the starter.

[@seifeddineherrada4327]

Good work and thank you

[@fcpeuro]

Thank you for watching Seifeddine, appreciate it!

[@ericgon46]

I’m in the middle of a shifter rebuild and at the point where i’m debating dropping the transmission to replace my clutch. I don’t know if i can justify spending the extra money to convert to a single mass flywheel since these kits go over $1k.

[@luismarty1685]

Outstanding video sir.

[@fcpeuro]

Thank you kindly

[@nichejimenez1737]

Bro..to remove transmission need flush oil transmission before?? Thanks good video!!!

[@nestorlopez5358]

muy buen video. toda una clase de mecanica. gracias

[@E46miley]

made this look so easy, im motivated now

[@fcpeuro]

You got this CJ Motorworkz!

[@fcpeuro]

Heck yah man, that's why these videos exist! Happy we were able to motivate someone instead of making them think the job would be difficult to do 😅😂

[@E46miley]

FCP Euro appreciate you guys ill be ordering some parts really soon💯

[@dexietyy7922]

Top bolts are an absolute nightmare fortunately for me one of mine was already snapped off in the engine so one less to deal with 🤣 putting it back in is what I’m not looking forward to haha!

[@netflyer68]

Nice video, one question, soon I will have to change the whole clutch, can I mount the 320d 6-speed gearbox to have the 6 at rest, obviously also changing the drive shaft since it is longer?

[@zyiink]

So do I have to take the manifold off to get to the starter motor bolts? Or can I do it all from underneath

[@darrylha6478]

hi there , lovely video I have got a bmw e46 320D 2004 diésel and I’ve got to change the clutch and flywheel , and in the descripción of your video it doesn’t say 320d.. , is this video valid for the parts I need to change ?

[@fcpeuro]

Hi Darryl, our models listed are based on U.S. trims only. We cannot confirm if your diesel trim may follow the same guide step-by-step since we never got that model here. The general idea for a RWD BMW clutch job on an E46 should be similar across the different trims.

[@MyManTman]

What’s the part number for the Mercedes brake caliper bolts used on the flywheel?

[@valdeabeast3283]

Hey when I was reinstalling my shift linkage I noticed that after I installed it my shifter on the inside of the car was not centered, when it was in neutral it was not centered and it was up and to the right do you know how to fix this thanks

[@fedord3831]

where did you use the thread chaser

[@neukin]

Whats the Mercedes bolt part number from the calipers you use? Those M12x1.5 with 35mm length haha. I must know and you didnt pop the number for us?

[@fastboatster]

Wonder if some upper bellhousing bolts are accessible from the engine bay

[@fcpeuro]

We havent seen/heard of anyone approaching it from there as a possibility.

[@GarethFoley]

The only bolt that's a huge pain is the upper left hand bolt (almost vertical at 12 o'clock. The issue you'll run into when removing the upper bell hounsing bolts from the engine bay is back spacing to finish threading the bolt out. To this day for me the fastest way to get those bell housing bolts out is by using long extensions and getting it from underneath.

[@fastboatster]

Gareth Foley gotcha. Not going to do an e46 clutch job anytime soon. Just replaced the dual clutch module on the “reliable” b8 s4 where upper bellhousing bolts were relatively easily accessible from the top ( of course if you unbolted what they call the false firewall) and thought this maybe the case for some bmw upper bellhousing bolts, but seems like this is not the case. Got to note how easy this looks compared to an Audi job.

[@GarethFoley]

@@fastboatster I've done a B8 clutch before on an S5. For sure the bell housing bolts are much easier to access on that platform. Wasn't 100% sure how the whole flywheel set up worked on those cars before getting into it (as it's definitely not a traditional setup) but the whole setup with the flywheel is more similar to how you'd remove a transmission on a traditional automatic car. I liked not having to wrestle with lining up the input shaft with the clutch since you install the clutch and flywheel into the bell housing prior to putting the transmission back in. I was actually pretty impressed with the design and it's simplicity.

[@fastboatster]

Gareth Foley yeah, 6mt is probably easier , I was actually replacing dual clutch module in the dsg transmission. Not overly impressed with design, had to unbolt the right cat and probably should have unbolted the left one and dropped steering rack to make things easier. The thing is very heavy and also has a CG behind the oil pan so it was leaning backwards all the time. Had to jack it up from the tail and make sure that the trans dmf face and engine’s flex plate are parallel to each other using level otherwise it wouldn’t go in all the way. The main issue for doing this on the jacks is weight, being able to wiggle the transmission up and down with bare hands makes things easier. If given a choice, I’d rather do an e46 clutch than that job and honestly would prefer to drive e46 or an e90 instead of the s4

[@jcue]

how long would you say this job takes? could it be done start to finish in 5 to 6 hours?

[@replayrn73]

How about a clutch replacement for an Audi A4, B6 or B7 video

[@fcpeuro]

We can add that to the list, Rob!

[@Codeman785]

Using a tap with flutes works the same as a thread chaser right?

[@MarcosCariocaPomar]

How long did this job take you? Great video 👍

[@howardgilbert5008]

Great video!!!

[@fcpeuro]

Thank you!!

[@Barausuf]

you are the best, thanks

[@jeanm1383]

Nice and informative video! Question question. You guys sell the Valeo Singlemass conversion kit, does the Genuine BMW release bearing work with this kit , or is the release bearing shipped with the kit unique to it?

[@chiiiman]

Gareth is my fking hero

[@serghrndz4288]

Is the process the same for a xi?

[@209euro2]

That’s what I’m wondering, I have a 01 325xi 😣

[@valcic1993]

hey can you help? i put new set of Luk clutch on 320d 2000year, before year and half nowi hawe sometime slip clutch and when press clutch its weard filing of pedal.

[@string2155]

With the new flywheel, will it be more noisy and cause more vibration? Will that flywheel fit an e53 x5?

[@edgardocastellano7217]

Hi, ld like your videos specially the s46 m3 ones and have an account on FCP Do you made a SMG bleeding video or SMG clutch replacement? I just want to relocate my SMG pump with harness and hoses extensions and change de clutch kit to. Also with FCP I can buy a program to bleed the SMG?

[@danirisso5554]

Excelente trabajo!!! 👏👏👏👏👏

[@4k_fons]

Does the Getrag trans out of the 325i also have the same plastic clutch fork dowl as the ZF?

[@ProjectZhadow]

Whats the name of this transmission? I have a 2000 323i Manual Trans but idk the name of the Trans, i think the motor is a M54 i believe

[@string2155]

So for the e46s, if you want to change the oil pan gasket, you’d have to remove the transmission? A lot of work and I have an e53 x5 😭

[@the46guide94]

Nope. But you do need a engine hoist or the one that bolts to your shicktowers and hold the engine from the top to remove the bracket that has the engine mounts on it. This bracket is in the way of taking it off and that’s why you need ti support the engine up too as the bottom is being taken off to do it. After that you have full access to do whatever

[@string2155]

@@the46guide94 thank you

[@josemontenegro5679]

Any suggestion where to get a clutch kit for an E46 320I?

[@Oldguynotbald]

Is this the same on my hated SMG 325ci?

[@Jay146992]

Wouldn’t brake parts cleaner damage the rear main seal?

[@Arthedes]

Yeah I was thinking about that too. Anyone?

[@matthewgreen63]

Got a BMW E46 330D 5 speed manual is the process the same?

[@matreyia]

Excellent.

[@apolnicki]

Great teacher. Watching a few if your videos and your knowledge and quality to detail is impressive. Are you available to work on customer cars? Mine is an 02 with 86k stock. I've been toying with the idea of hotter csl cams, intake and headers. Would this be a desirable upgrade or should it remain stock?

[@M54B30EChassis]

keep it stock brotha refresh that suspension and driveshaft and brakes and oil leaks PREVENTATIVE MAINTAINENCE

[@edelsmurf]

Are there significant differences for this job on the xi series?

[@ThatE46]

No. The biggest difference is the drive shaft setup. Because of the AWD. You will have the piece that converts the drive for the front wheels. Should drop with the transmission

[@209euro2]

@@ThatE46 Thank you for that! I’m going to get started on my clutch upgrade and was wondering the same thing

[@michaelbernier9791]

Does the release bearing have a “wobbly” fit on the input shaft sleeve?

[@fcpeuro]

The rotating surface should have that, Michael.

[@michaelbernier9791]

@@fcpeuro so wobbly on the point of contact for the pressure plate, but not against the actual input shaft sleeve correct?

[@francischan8263]

i just don't see why there are 17 downvotes for that detail video.......

[@floydstrijbos3598]

Can you also instal a single mass on a 320ci facelift?

[@fcpeuro]

Hi Floyd, we did not get the 320i E46 here in the states, however the process may be very similar.

[@unclecanfix2699]

Garet Would like a sprung clutch plate. Could you source one for this setup fir my 1999 S52 motor, greatly appreciated. Matching this motor with a Getrag 250 from a E36 for my e30 swap Norm

[@fcpeuro]

Sorry for the much delayed response Uncle Can Fix, I'm sure we can get you situated with what you need if you havent got it already. Shoot [e-mail] an email if you havent already and we'll do what we can for you!

[@MrClarck100]

@FCP Euro Why are you using the ZF 5 speed and not the Getrag 6 speed on your race car?

[@GarethFoley]

Generally the ZF 320Z 5-speed is seen as a more durable transmission and has better gearing compared to the ZF 6 speed BMW used in later model E46's.

[@mrjpz]

what size thread chaser should I use?

[@annabanna666]

hey man do u rekon most these specs be the same for e36 m52b28

[@fcpeuro]

Hey Aannabanna666, the general specs should be pretty similar! Perhaps something we can queue up for the future!

[@AQUA_Recording]

Guys im kinda lost, im looking for a nice clutch and flywheel setup for my 2000 330ci with the 5 speed zf. I live in the netherlands and cant find any sets for a decent price can anyone help me

[@LaloFoSho]

where can we get the torque plate

[@one_velichkov]

A good one would be oil pan gasket replacement.

[@E46miley]

ive done both and an oil pan gasket replacement is soo much easier then pulllin the trans on these cars. i may be doing a friends soon if so ill be sure to film a how-to

[@josa7203]

Hi, how long did you let the bead of sealent on the corners dry?

[@fcpeuro]

Usually dries in 1 hour and set fully in 24 hours.

[@MichaelSmith-cf7ht]

Thanks!

[@ThatE46]

I used to think BMW were bad with "specialty bolts/tools" until I bought an Audi... it was all down hill from there.

[@clubsport_46330]

This guy put blood tears and sweat into this job, his face started all clean and half way through he's alresdy got a cut and a massive bruise next to his eye 😅

[@controll8777]

So, had to remove my trans twice cause my clutch fork was hitting my pressure plate 😅

[@JWheelie]

Those top tranny bolts are sure a b**** when you do this in the garage on jack stands...

[@209euro2]

Damn bro! How’d you get them off?