Clutch Talk: Upgrading BMW E46 Clutch and Ditching the Dual Mass Flywheel!

Friend of MotoIQ Rachard Johnson, of FrshMedia, came by the shop to continue the restoration of his BMW E46 330ci. This time we're upgrading his clutch to an ACT street kit with more clamping force than stock, but not too extreme for daily driving. The kit also includes a lightweight flywheel to eliminate the heavy stock dual mass flywheel!
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[@mixxeerr]

Mike is like the lovable grandpa we all wished we had growing up… imagine talking shop with him growing up!

[@jayfella1973]

"They don't have that kush".. M. Kojima

[@Slipperypuffin]

😂😂😂

[@DriftingSquirrel]

I love it how he is constantly smiling. Wish I was that way 😁

[@brandongomez1806]

he looks s high loll me at work

[@smokedubs]

@@brandongomez1806 its cause how high those ceilings are and how bright it is in there. Beauty shop id be smiling too

[@ryandee4255]

Thanks for the knowledge Mike!

[@motoiq]

Any time!

[@jayson5199]

most informational, well shot video ive watched in a long time. Going with this exact setup for my e36 M3 and its because of this video!

[@fedord3831]

What’s the exact setup? There are a lot of options on the ACT website

[@luisbalderrama8145]

C4 Corvette Owner here. Can confirm the statement about the sprung vs unspring hubs. Most of the kits for the ZF transmission replace the DM flywheel, but also the unsprung clutch disc. It is LOUD. I wish I could get a kit with a spring clutch disc to replace my unsprung one, especially when finding a DM flywheel is very difficult. Clutches really make a massive difference when it comes to drivability tho. Underrated content. This is great video! Please keep up the amazing content. -Luis

[@realdevbro447]

Where is that loud sound come from?

[@luisbalderrama8145]

@@realdevbro447 Its literally the gears and half shafts spinning without being engaged. When its cold, its manageable. After driving for a while, that fluid is not as viscous and it can become much louder. Edit: Spelling

[@DonBMW]

Mike is a legend! Thanks for the great explanation. I am about to replace the clutch on my E36 and am really considering the ACT Kit for my car.

[@brianmason1039]

Wow super informative, I always hear back and forth talk about e46 dual mass vs single mass flywheel but you helped me make up my mind on a single mass! You deserve more views and credit!

[@huppcio1]

Mike You so knowledgeable and positive, sending love man!

[@supernice_auto]

MotoIQ is so underrated

[@sauber8623]

Best vid about BMW clutches on internet! Great guy!

[@heleodorobriceno3183]

It’s nice to see Rachard Johnson doing a car vid. One of my skating idols growing up as a teenager

[@stevepeters3032]

Huge fan of ACT's clutches.

[@ThatGuy-xd5fs]

Up to this point all the e46 option have been pretty pricy i did the uuc +e34 m5 kit on mine absolutely love it

[@chrispulay9788]

Uuc is the worst company to deal with . I would stay away from them.

[@ThatGuy-xd5fs]

Mike is a sensei of all this car related

[@ozzysgarage]

I love these videos, definitely include the customers more if you can!!

[@junesmotorworx]

First time 1st reply. Luv the way you talking to viewers, every technical infos. Thanks for 'good videos'.

[@nigelmcphearson]

Mike!!! Give us more breakdowns of car engineering like you did with that EP3 suspension in depth. Like give us an in depth about why the e46 suspension is so good. Why the BRZ is awesome. Why mistubishi's are always awful, even if they're fast.... 👍🏻🤣

[@LOPAKASIMS]

Love the content keep up the great work MotoIq🤘🤘🤘

[@evanboothe4329]

This guy has so much knowledge

[@gaspererjavec7108]

Im subscribed, have notifications on and all. Your videos haven't showed up in my feed for about a year. Just saying i missed your content :D

[@draytonPW]

I really wish you guys were on the East Coast. NJ,PA,NY

[@Dulanor]

Excellent info thanks for sharing.

[@andrewtosto7730]

Is there a part number so we can get this exact setup off of acts website? Great video

[@bigdfitness5020]

I believe Bimmerworld has full kits, but I'm sure you figured it out by now.

[@markoeberhardt3132]

Mikes the goat

[@cr10001]

Heavy flywheel is not that good for gearchanges either. I have an Escort 1600 which at various times has had a mildly tuned engine with a lightweight flywheel, when I was overhauling it I stuck the standard motor and flywheel in temporarily, and downchanges particularly became slower. It made a noticeable difference. So I'm about to do the clutch on my BMW E36 and all the one-piece flywheel + clutch kits I could find claimed to be the same weight as the dual-mass flywheel I'm taking off, so pointless. Eventually found a super-lightweight racing flywheel, which is probably ridiculous but I'll find out...

[@ghostie0405]

11:00 “that’s why there a little more chattery cause they don’t have any of that cush 💨💨💨”

[@Barnone_]

Quick one, the two assemblies must be different thickness right? Dual mass is bulkier than single mass setup. Does this have an effect on the throw/feel of the slave cylinder pin or the clutch fork/ release bearing if they're now further away from the flywheel?

[@motoiq]

No the thicknesses are the same, the weight is removed from the backside of the flywheel.

[@g_enigma]

Random seeing Rachard Johnson in a BMW video lol

[@JetAgeOfLotus]

How much was this setup ? I’m trying to get this exact set up for my e36 M3. Found the whole set up for about 1100. How much should I expect for labor?

[@motoiq]

That can vary widely depending on what shop you use.

[@KatchUpmedia]

Dammm man. Now you made me a believer in act for my e46 M3. This set up you recommend? And where you located?

[@motoiq]

Southern California if you are local.

[@ErickMireles-p9d]

Is there a link the the same on he used

[@kaanguelten]

God bless Mike

[@marknoir]

How do I bend the brass tube so nicely?

[@bigdfitness5020]

I recently developed a gear rattle noise at idle with the car in neutral with the clutch engaged (not pressing the clutch pedal). The gear rattle is most noticeable when shutting the car off. And the rattle goes away when I disengage (push in the clutch pedal) the clutch. I self diagnosed this as an input shaft bearing on its way out. I wonder if maybe my dual mass flywheel is bad and thats causing the rattle instead.

[@motoiq]

Its probably you input shaft bearing, especially if it gets worse when the transmission is warm.

[@FOX11GUY]

What about the break in period. Surely you can't judge the clutch before fully seating.

[@motoiq]

The clutch will work fine.

[@ΙερώνυμοςΚόρακας]

Can you tell me how much this job would be?

[@dasfahrer8187]

Wow, that Prolite kit is $10k. Got any single mass suggestions for race use on a 330 that are closer to Earth?

[@motoiq]

More like $1500, where did you get $10,000?

[@esraacell5343]

How much this setup can handle hp/torque ?

[@Furkankeskinnn]

is this pressure plate has self-adjustment feature?

[@motoiq]

No pressure plate does. Some clutch hydralic systems do.

[@ae86racer007]

Thoughts on the DMF and its contribution to combating the crank harmonics you touched on? The 2.8 / 3L have a habit of oil pump nuts backing off, shafts shearing and I feel like it is related to sustained high rpm / harmonics. Does the DMF help to dampen these at all?

[@motoiq]

Probably not but the harmonic balancer may.

[@nvl2691]

It's all related to the oil pump chain not having a tensioner. That causes excessive chain play and vibration.

[@reza_dc2]

@@nvl2691 SMF will contribute to oil pump failure?

[@nvl2691]

@@reza_dc2 Yes it will, since the stock dual mass flywheel absorbs part of the engine's vibrations. Without it, the oil pump chain vibrates even more. If you do fit a lightweight flywheel, make sure to fit an oil pump chain tensioner. There's kits that allow you to fit the S54 tensioner on an M54 block.

[@reza_dc2]

@@nvl2691 I appreciate that info ! any chance you know who sells the kit? any other thing I can do to protect the oil pump?

[@cozyzhp]

Can you link the kit.

[@motoiq]

Google is your friend!

[@cozyzhp]

@@motoiq very helpful thanks

[@Patrycjusz-qr2rd]

Hi there. I have a q that i can not find the answer anywhere. No expert seems to know. I have a moped car, aixam with 0,4 liter, naturally aspirated, 2 cylinder kubota diesel. It has a belt run cvt in a place of the clutch. Almost exactly like a gokart torque converter. I am wondering what to expect after reducing a flywheel weight as there is quite a lot of thickness to it being a tractor engine. I live in a mountain area just to note. Thanks so much.

[@motoiq]

Don't mess with it

[@Patrycjusz-qr2rd]

@motoiq yeah this is what I mean. I was hoping to hear that it gets some gains as there is no shifter and rotating mass not needed or something like that 😁

[@motoiq]

Such a vehicle should not be modified. It is so far from having any performance potential that it should be enjoyed for economy and reliability.

[@thirteen12]

Are these going to have high RPM lockout like they do on Evos, or is that nightmare exclusive to us?

[@motoiq]

If you mean the clutch pedal sticking to the floor at high RPM, that is a phenomenon called overcentering and it can be fixed by the design of the diaphragm spring. lacking that you can do a pedal stop. If you mean shift blocking at high rpm, that is a transmission issue independent of the clutch, usually syncos. On EVOs there is an accumulator valve that delays clutch action, and can cause grinding and missed shifts. You can replace this with the one way delay valve by clutch masters and help your shifting while still cushioning your driveline.

[@user-mr8wv7ww6q]

Definitely need that kush

[@chowtrap934]

Have you ever heard of swaping flywheel from e46 320d 110kw to 330d 150kw people say that 320d flywheel is the same

[@chrisginoc]

Hey Motoiq. I have a MKV Supra. Do you guys like Uni Clutch or know anything about it?

[@motoiq]

No

[@chrisginoc]

@@motoiq Is there a clutch brand you recommend?

[@motoiq]

It depends on what you are doing and how much power/torque you make

[@chrisginoc]

@@motoiq Just looking to unlock my ECU and maybe a Stage 2 with some E50 at the most. 500-550 Hp

[@motoiq]

You can use centerforce, ACT or Mcleod single disc street upgrade level.

[@GearheadSynthesis]

Where do I buy this?

[@motoiq]

Google is your friend.

[@VlahMMA]

Hello, is it good to put on my bmw e46 318D.116KS single mass flywheel?

[@motoiq]

yes

[@VlahMMA]

@@motoiq Thank you.

[@chewdoobautomotivedetailtm2883]

I luv BMW 🏁💯🎯

[@brettbabinga3641]

Old guys can be the best

[@MatheusSilva-cg1yq]

Where can I get the clutch kit? I need one for my car. I’m at 260,000 miles and it’s time 😂

[@motoiq]

Any ACT dealer.

[@Vgk36]

Good lord $1200 bones . Cost more than my car is worth ! Any cost effective options in the $500 range ?

[@motoiq]

No. The labor is more than that. You get what you pay for.

[@Mario-tq9pi]

@@motoiq cap

[@m0rb1d43]

Doesn't the gear rattle inside the gearbox cause any sort of wear in the long run? I'm considering going to a singlemass flywheel on my Audi TT and they are notorious to cause massive gearbox rattle on this platform. Apparently a fluiddamper or raising the idle a little also makes the rattle go away.

[@motoiq]

No, it doesn't affect wear at all. On Audi's, the rattle isn't that bad but Audi customers are probably picky.

[@BenDover-io9vg]

My GTI has crazy clutch chatter. I'm told 75W-90 gear oil helps a ton.

[@motoiq]

@@BenDover-io9vg Not for clutch chatter. The trans oil has nothing to do with that.

[@BenDover-io9vg]

@@motoiq I think clutch chatter is a term that's thrown around loosely. If my research is correct, the noise comes from gears rattling in the transmission.

[@motoiq]

@@BenDover-io9vg Yes you are correct, also play in the input shaft bearing.

[@Dmxravin]

Why did you cut his responses short? Why did you not talk about about the self adjusting pressure plate on the BMW clutch? Not really a fair comparison because the original clutch was work and probably wrongly installed because the pressure plate wasn’t reset.

[@motoiq]

By the factory.

[@driftjpnTM]

Onde eu compro isso

[@tinywrasher7923]

Everything in Europe has dual mass flywheels and once they have a few miles on they rattle

[@Dizzy_N]

People who hate the smg don't know what they are talking about.

[@beowolf9991]

One thing i ve found out about lightweight clutches is that it will reduce top speed of the car but it will gain acceleration

[@motoiq]

They will not reduce your top speed.

[@beowolf9991]

@@motoiq 😂 actually it will reduce top speed because you dont have any stored energy like heavy flywheels do and it will take lot of effort for a engine to maintain the speed and also i know what am talking about thrs also a video about it on youtube

[@phillipcarder2177]

@@beowolf9991 a video on KZbin, it must be true.

[@beowolf9991]

@@phillipcarder2177 lol lightweight flywheel really slowed the car after 80mph

[@jasonjones9248]

This dude is trippin me tf out why is he definitely trippin on shrooms..

[@borisp9499]

You make it sound like dual mass flywheels are an oddity, "diesel trucks use it". The reality is that pretty much all manual cars these days have dual mass flywheels. This makes the entire driveline smoother and quiter. Therefore there is nothing special on this E46.

[@motoiq]

I would disagree with you. The only ones I know of are some German cars and the Z cars. I am sure they are many others but I would not say most.

[@borisp9499]

@@motoiq Actually this is not an opinion, but a matter of fact. Find me a few modern manual cars (15 years old and younger) with a single mass flywheel from the factory. You will have a hard time compiling this list. If you look at manual cars sold over the last 10-20 years, pretty much all have a dual mass flywheel. That includes all the German brands (BMW, Audi, VW, Porsche). You won't find any factory single mass flywheel on these cars. Same for American manufacturers: Ford Mustang, Chevy Camaro, Cadillac CTS 4V and 5V. There are two reason for this. First, the dampening achieved with a dual mass flywheel is far superior than what is possible with a sprung hub on the clutch because of the higher stationary inertia of the undampened part of the flywheel. Second, removing the sprung hub from the clutch disk reduces rotational inertia on the input shaft and load on the synchros.

[@motoiq]

You are right because we hardly have gotten a clutch change on those cars because they are largely not our market. I totally agree with you on the dual mass being much better at damping vibrations than a disc sprung hub by an order of magnitude.

[@SR-fx5sm]

wear some gloves lol clutch material is the worst!

[@krox17]

painful stuff