[Amanouchehri]

Hello all! This is my first time posting.

Car: 2008 bmw 335i, 100% stock. 131,000 miles

Problem: clutch is starting to slip.

My background: I was a mechanic for several years before becoming an engineer. I do not have the time to perform a clutch swap (single parent of two).

Any recommendations on a clutch replacement kit? Go with OEM materials or aftermarket? My mechanic is quoting $1400 including OEM clutch kit. I do like the performance of a lightened flywheel, so I’m open to that. Not sure what people’s experiences are with those on this car.

Car is stock as I live in CA and can’t afford to risk smog.

[jwalker87]

Use an OE or OEM instead of BMW-branded - it will save you a bunch of money! Other than that, I'd just recommend stock replacement of the clutch, pressure plate, and throwout bearing. Here's a LuK kit that should get the job done: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...it-21207567623

I'd recommend against a lightweight flywheel for your car's usage - they tend to come with a lot of downsides that only make sense if you have a very dedicated car.

[Amanouchehri]

Originally Posted by jwalker87

Use an OE or OEM instead of BMW-branded - it will save you a bunch of money! Other than that, I'd just recommend stock replacement of the clutch, pressure plate, and throwout bearing. Here's a LuK kit that should get the job done: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...it-21207567623

I'd recommend against a lightweight flywheel for your car's usage - they tend to come with a lot of downsides that only make sense if you have a very dedicated car.

Thank you so much for your response!!!
Have you to anyone else noticed a down-side to using a LUK or otherwise OE part VS the BMW part? I'm a little anxious since most of the cost will ultimately be in labor.

[bimmerguy1210]

If you want a better clutch you can direct swap in a 335is one. It can handle more torque and is the same price. Unsure what your power goals are, but if you plan on keeping it stock then I wouldn't even bother with a lightweight flywheel.

$1400 seems steep. Which part of LA are you in? I can refer some good Indy shops that specialize in bmw's with better pricing..

[El Cheapo Loco]

Originally Posted by bimmerguy1210

$1400 seems steep. Which part of LA are you in? I can refer some good Indy shops that specialize in bmw's with better pricing..

$1400 is not really out of line if it includes a new DMF, which is $600 on fpceuro. $500 for labor sounds reasonable on a clutch job.

[bimmerguy1210]

Originally Posted by El Cheapo Loco

$1400 is not really out of line if it includes a new DMF, which is $600 on fpceuro. $500 for labor sounds reasonable on a clutch job.

That's true, I wasn't accounting for a new flywheel.

[Amanouchehri]

Originally Posted by bimmerguy1210

If you want a better clutch you can direct swap in a 335is one. It can handle more torque and is the same price. Unsure what your power goals are, but if you plan on keeping it stock then I wouldn't even bother with a lightweight flywheel.

$1400 seems steep. Which part of LA are you in? I can refer some good Indy shops that specialize in bmw's with better pricing..

Thanks guys!!! I live in North Glendale. Would love to have some recommendations!

What manufacture do you recommend for the stock replacement clutch?

I don't think he included a replacement FW but I know he only used BMW parts

[El Cheapo Loco]

Originally Posted by bimmerguy1210

That's true, I wasn't accounting for a new flywheel.

Personally I would cough up the $600 for the new DMF. I wouldn't put a new clutch on a 12yo DMF.

[bimmerguy1210]

Originally Posted by Amanouchehri

Thanks guys!!! I live in North Glendale. Would love to have some recommendations!

What manufacture do you recommend for the stock replacement clutch?

I don't think he included a replacement FW but I know he only used BMW parts

Here's a few:

Offset Motorwerks in Glendora - Excellent Prices and quality work but a bit distant from Glendale
Johanns Independent Mercedes in West Hollywood (they work on bmw's mainly though) - Mike is VERY honest and they do good work, very busy usually
IKONIC Auto Garage in Los Feliz - Hear great things, haven't gone there but they're closest to you
The M Shop in Cypress Park - A bit costlier than the ones above but they do great work

[Amanouchehri]

Originally Posted by bimmerguy1210

Here's a few:

Offset Motorwerks in Glendora - Excellent Prices and quality work but a bit distant from Glendale
Johanns Independent Mercedes in West Hollywood (they work on bmw's mainly though) - Mike is VERY honest and they do good work, very busy usually
IKONIC Auto Garage in Los Feliz - Hear great things, haven't gone there but they're closest to you
The M Shop in Cypress Park - A bit costlier than the ones above but they do great work

Thank you soo much!! Man... I should have come to these forums a long time ago!

Separate question: Who on these forums is the expert on what I can and can't do to my car in SMOG-crazy California? I'm interested in working on some modifications for throttle responsiveness and power as I'm sure my turbo replacement is coming due, but I really don't want to deal with failing a smog check. If the risk is high right off the bat, I will just keep everything stock.

[Amanouchehri]

Originally Posted by Amanouchehri

Thank you so much for your response!!!
Have you to anyone else noticed a down-side to using a LUK or otherwise OE part VS the BMW part? I'm a little anxious since most of the cost will ultimately be in labor.

So I have a lesson learned. I purchased the LUK clutch from FCP. The clutch alignment tool is designed for a female pilot bearing on the flywheel side. Turns out the flywheel has a cylindrical key (male). I had to scramble to find the right clutch alignment key for my 08' 335i. I'm disappointed FCP did not catch this and make their vehicle applicability more accurate. Live and learn