[N8N]

I swear at least twice I've felt my clutch slip under hard acceleration running Cobb Stage 1+ FMIC tune... is there an upgrade part available that isn't much more expensive than a stock replacement that won't be bad for daily driving?

I figure tuned + 100K miles + who knows how nice the PO was to it = might as well start planning for replacement...

[335NJ]

335is clutch kit from ECSTuning. Be ready to replace the dual mass flywheel too at that mileage. That's a "stock-feel" setup.

[Nitrousbird]

Originally Posted by 335NJ

335is clutch kit from ECSTuning. Be ready to replace the dual mass flywheel too at that mileage. That's a "stock-feel" setup.

This is the way to go.

Flywheel needs replaced too. Luk has a replacement you can score for about $500 if you shop around. Clutch will be $390 plus figure in another $100 for extra parts you will need.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Spec clutches are the most popular

[DennyD06]

I just got my 335is clutch and new LUK flywheel installed today and it feels exactly like it did before . Very easy engagement and pedal effort . Gonna wait a couple of hundred miles before I start dumping e85 into the gas tank again . Life's been boring with no e85 lol

[stickz23]

Spec 2+ clutch / single mass steel flywheel ftw.

[N8N]

I understand the flywheel thing, would you replace with stock or an aftermarket single mass (and if so which one?)

If I do this myself I'll probably delete the CDV and I don't mind a *little* heavier feel - in fact I would like *more* feel, heavier or not, I judge engagement by pedal position, can't actually feel a thing through my foot. I just don't want anything like some of the hairier cars I've driven, that is, big old American V-8s with clutches that require me to brace myself with the steering wheel to physically push the pedal down.

[335NJ]

Originally Posted by N8N

I understand the flywheel thing, would you replace with stock or an aftermarket single mass (and if so which one?)

If I do this myself I'll probably delete the CDV and I don't mind a *little* heavier feel - in fact I would like *more* feel, heavier or not, I judge engagement by pedal position, can't actually feel a thing through my foot. I just don't want anything like some of the hairier cars I've driven, that is, big old American V-8s with clutches that require me to brace myself with the steering wheel to physically push the pedal down.

The stock DMFW is going to be your quietest solution, however it can't be resurfaced like other flywheel choices. The Spec Steel single mass is pretty heavy, and is less prone to chatter, it can also be resurfaced down the road.

I replaced my CDV with an M3 version which is the same as the modified ones being sold on the market. My pedal got lighter than it was before, but the engagement is much smoother now it feels. I can actually walk the clutch up normally.

[stanlalee]

I debated going SMFW and SPEC 2+ vs 335is and DMFW vs SPEC 2+ for DMFW for months. At the end of the day I couldn't find a good enough reason not to go with the 335is clutch and DMFW. Even the stock clutch is damn respectable. I'm at 110k and been tuned/e85 for 40K of that (even though its been slipping for 10k miles now lol). Got the flywheel off of eBay for $550 shipped and the 335is clutch kit, flywheel bolts, bellhousing bolts, rear main seal and D6 tranny fluid from ECS for $498 shipped.

[Nitrousbird]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

Spec clutches are the most popular

That's because people have only recently (about a year or so) known about the 335is / 550i clutch upgrade.

IMO, unless going single turbo, there isn't a good reason to go with anything other than the 335is clutch. No SMFW gear rattle issues, the clutch is less expensive, far less likely to have issues with an OEM clutch, more stock feel while holding the power.

[JamesM3M5]

The feel of a worn-out clutch is completely eliminated with new OE parts. The is/550 clutch is my personal choice unless you really need the extra holding power for 500+lb-ft of torque. Also went with a new lightened-stock DMFW from Dinan, and it is the perfect balance between quicker revs and no trans rattle noise.

[DennyD06]

Originally Posted by JamesM3M5

The feel of a worn-out clutch is completely eliminated with new OE parts. The is/550 clutch is my personal choice unless you really need the extra holding power for 500+lb-ft of torque. Also went with a new lightened-stock DMFW from Dinan, and it is the perfect balance between quicker revs and no trans rattle noise.

Just had mine installed this past Saturday . At first it felt really SOFT but it has firmed up the last few days and feels solid . I've been taking it easy for the last 200 miles with almost no boost staying under 3.5k . I know with aftermarket clutches they require a "break in " period but sinced this is a OEM 550i clutch , does it really need 500 miles for the break in? I imagine if some one bought a brand new 335is/550i off the lot , I'm not sure the dealer will tell you to "break in " the clutch .. I'm sure people have pushed the car on test drives lol

[stanlalee]

Organic (oem) clutches don't need nearly the break in of Kevlar clutches. I don't think the metallic side of the SPEC 2+ requires much break in but the Kevlar side probably requires the 500 miles. I'd still break in the oem for several hundred miles.