How Long did your Clutch Last?

[JohnnyGraphic]

So, how long did your clutch last? Vote now!

For those with any particularly short or long clutch life, please post why/what conditions caused it. Drove in San Francisco or stop & go traffic. Nothing but highway cruising.

Also, how much did you spend?

I'm currently at 141k and still going strong. No hints of a slipping clutch yet. (Probably start later today wouldn't you know...). Mostly highway driving as my daily to/from work. Now, my commute is much less highway and short city stop n' go.

[BMWCurves]

Mine's only at 60k but it's going strong. BP is on the original clutch I think and he's got well over 200k, as do other members.

[JohnnyGraphic]

Mine's only at 60k but it's going strong. BP is on the original clutch I think and he's got well over 200k, as do other members.

200k!!! Might need to amend the poll!

[joeybananaz18]

Yea Im at 158K now and there is no record indicating the clutch was replaced. Launches perfectly tho.

[ELCID86]

217k and going (#fingerscrossed)

[az3579]

I don't see a poll on my phone...

I'm at 295k right now on my original clutch. My dual mass flywheel is very worn; the car doesn't feel nice to drive anymore. The pedal is heavy and feels like it's binding now, so it's about time. The clutch, however, still isn't slipping and is drivable.

I'm replacing the clutch and flywheel at either 300k or when it starts slipping, whichever comes first. I'll probably cover the remaining 5k in about 1-2 months.

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[Vas]

Sketchi just rolled over to 170k and is pending a clutch install.

[JohnnyGraphic]

217k and going (#fingerscrossed)

Wowzers!!! I'm assuming a lot of highway driving?



I don't see a poll on my phone...

I'm at 295k right now on my original clutch. My dual mass flywheel is very worn; the car doesn't feel nice to drive anymore. The pedal is heavy and feels like it's binding now, so it's about time. The clutch, however, still isn't slipping and is drivable.

I'm replacing the clutch and flywheel at either 300k or when it starts slipping, whichever comes first. I'll probably cover the remaining 5k in about 1-2 months.

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I have the same problem. Polls don't usually show up on my phone.

300k on the original? Zowie!

[ZHPizza]

It's really dependent on who is driving it. My last ZHP had a new clutch at 75k because the original owner burnt it up. Compare that to my old 325 that I sold at 265k miles with a great clutch....

[Sockethead]

My clutch is still going strong at 147k even with the extra torque from the super charger. It feels like the flywheel may be going though.
I don't think the OEM clutch has any issues with clamping force or longevity. It's the numb feel and the ever changing engagement point that no one likes.

[JohnnyGraphic]

My clutch is still going strong at 147k even with the extra torque from the super charger. It feels like the flywheel may be going though.
I don't think the OEM clutch has any issues with clamping force or longevity. It's the numb feel and the ever changing engagement point that no one likes.

Hmmm...I thought I just sucked at driving! LOL! Are there any wallet-friendly options out there? I already did the CDV delete many moons ago.

[Reasoned1]

Replaced at 130k on a 330xi, and my 50k ZHP feels brand new (as I imagine it). I'm sure I hastened its demise, as I did a lot of learning on it (7k miles, to be exact).

[Sockethead]

Hmmm...I thought I just sucked at driving! LOL! Are there any wallet-friendly options out there? I already did the CDV delete many moons ago.

Valeo makes an inexpensive single mass flywheel and clutch conversion.

[JohnnyGraphic]

Valeo makes an inexpensive single mass flywheel and clutch conversion.

Cool. Thanks for the info.

[slater]

Valeo makes an inexpensive single mass flywheel and clutch conversion.

Yep... using this, about 10k KM on it so far. Very happy with it.

I replaced my original clutch that had 140k miles on it when I had the drivetrain out, and the clutch disc still had about 50% friction material left. My DMF was pretty sloppy though, as expected.


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[dpark]

No survey on my iPad. I am at 131k (original owner) and still going strong


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[Reasoned1]

I had the Valeo single-mass flywheel and clutch kit installed, as well, and am very happy with it. I paid about $380 for it (on sale).

[JohnnyGraphic]

I had the Valeo single-mass flywheel and clutch kit installed, as well, and am very happy with it. I paid about $380 for it (on sale).

Wow! That’s a great deal! I think I saw it at ECS Tuning for $475(?).

Does it also get rid of that nasty rattle at idle?

[Sockethead]

If you have a nasty rattle at idle with the stock clutch then your flywheel is probably shot.
The Valeo solution uses about the same weight flywheel and a sprung hub so it shouldn't rattle...

[az3579]

Sitting at a light today and noticed some severe spinning noises when I push the clutch all the way down. I don't think I'm going to make it to 300k... Frig.

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[Sockethead]

Sounds like the throwout bearing is dried up...

[az3579]

Sounds like the throwout bearing is dried up...Darn. Think I'll make it another 5k? Lol
Really want to hit that magic 300...

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[Sockethead]

Yep you should make that no problem. The throwout bearing is only engaged when the clutch is pushed in. If you're really worried about it, you could start to use neutral at traffic lights...

[az3579]

If you're really worried about it, you could start to use neutral at traffic lights...

Isn't that what you're supposed to do? Lol
I always use neutral at lights for this reason.

Good to know that it should make it. Thanks for the info.

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[slater]

Wow! That’s a great deal! I think I saw it at ECS Tuning for $475(?).

Does it also get rid of that nasty rattle at idle?


If you have a nasty rattle at idle with the stock clutch then your flywheel is probably shot.
The Valeo solution uses about the same weight flywheel and a sprung hub so it shouldn't rattle...

i have the valeo kit and i still have some rattle at idle... but it's a lot quieter than it was with the stock SAC and DMF. what's left is definitely the trans to blame.

[704sw]

What an appropriately timed post. I’m just shy of 203,000km and thinking it’s toast. It’s been slipping and rattling for a while, but got really bad after this weekend at VIR. I’m ordering the Valeo SMF, and Rogue’s stainless pivot pin when I get home from work.

[TLL0003]

162k miles with the clutch still going strong. The flywheel may be worn a bit and it has a slight rattle. About 50/50 Highway/city driving

[slater]

What an appropriately timed post. I’m just shy of 203,000km and thinking it’s toast. It’s been slipping and rattling for a while, but got really bad after this weekend at VIR. I’m ordering the Valeo SMF, and Rogue’s stainless pivot pin when I get home from work.

there's an OEM metal pivot pin too.

[Vas]

there's an OEM metal pivot pin too.

That is what I got.

[704sw]

there's an OEM metal pivot pin too.


That is what I got.

You have a part number? All I’m seeing are aftermarket ones.

[Vas]

You have a part number? All I’m seeing are aftermarket ones.BMW 21511223281



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[PetesZ]

One is at 107k and the second at 123k

Both feel fat and meaty. I expect the daughter drivers will take care of that.

[704sw]

BMW 21511223281



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Thanks, Vas. I saw that yesterday but it doesn’t list the E46 (and making them different for only a few models would be classic BMW).

[slater]

Thanks, Vas. I saw that yesterday but it doesn’t list the E46 (and making them different for only a few models would be classic BMW).

that's the one i used. i can confirm that it fits. :) it's not listed for E46 because it was never used on the E46. BMW is actually pretty awesome about using a lot of common parts.

[704sw]

that's the one i used. i can confirm that it fits. :) it's not listed for E46 because it was never used on the E46. BMW is actually pretty awesome about using a lot of common parts.

It’s funny how parts same are used a lot, but other differences can be present.

e.g., my X3 uses D1S lighting, and the ZCW has front and rear seats heated but no heated wheel. My dad’s E60 (both 2007) uses D2S lighting, and the ZCW has a heated wheel, but no heated backseats.

But since BMW used a different hub diameter on the E39, recently switched to M14x1.5 wheel bolts, and apparently now uses 5x112, I’ll always feel more comfortable double-checking.

[slater]

It’s funny how parts same are used a lot, but other differences can be present.

e.g., my X3 uses D1S lighting, and the ZCW has front and rear seats heated but no heated wheel. My dad’s E60 (both 2007) uses D2S lighting, and the ZCW has a heated wheel, but no heated backseats.

But since BMW used a different hub diameter on the E39, recently switched to M14x1.5 wheel bolts, and apparently now uses 5x112, I’ll always feel more comfortable double-checking.

weird about the bolt pattern change. i'm sure the switch to M14x1.5 was due to heavier vehicles... our X3 uses M14x1.5 and i was a little bummed because i had to order some new wheel bolts when i wanted to remove the factory wheel locks... i assumed i could just use ones out of my parts bin. :)

[Vas]

Parts ordered from FCP EURO for the clutch job

(1) BMW Clutch Alignment Tool - LUK 4000394900
(1) BMW Clutch Release Arm Spring - Genuine BMW 21517570284
(2) BMW Exhaust Pipe to Manifold Gasket - Reinz 18107502346
(1) BMW Crankshaft Seal Kit - Genuine BMW 11141438274
(1) BMW Shift Rod Seal - Genuine BMW 23117531360
(1) BMW Clutch Pivot Fork - Genuine BMW 21511223302
(1) BMW Clutch Fork Pivot - Genuine BMW 21511223281

Parts ordered from ECSTUNING for the clutch job and Shifter rebuild

(1) Single Mass Flywheel Conversion Kit - Valeo 835101
(1) Shifter Rebuild & Upgrade Kit - ECS 23411466134KT2

Shifter Rebuild kit includes the new Turner Motorsports Poly Shifter Arm Bushing. Great looking piece

Other Items to consider:

Guibo and Guibo Flex Nuts
CSB and CSB Butyl Tape
E46 M3 Trans Mounts

[Sockethead]

I just did my Guibo and CSB. The ones I took out were in great shape but the new Febi Guibo is much beefier and stiffer than the original which I'm very happy about. You should replace them as PM just for piece of mind. because who want's to go back in there after doing a clutch job :)
I used the ECS rebiuld kit which included the Guibo & CSB (Febi) Nuts and bolts for the guibo and CSB (BMW). Butyl tape (BMW) and the transmission to driveshaft centering bearing...

[Vas]

I just did my Guibo and CSB. The ones I took out were in great shape but the new Febi Guibo is much beefier and stiffer than the original which I'm very happy about. You should replace them as PM just for piece of mind. because who want's to go back in there after doing a clutch job :)
I used the ECS rebiuld kit which included the Guibo & CSB (Febi) Nuts and bolts for the guibo and CSB (BMW). Butyl tape (BMW) and the transmission to driveshaft centering bearing...

I noticed the same thing about the Febi Guibo as well. But did not replace the driveshaft centering bearing. It looked to be in good shape and a pain to remove and press back in.

[slater]

But did not replace the driveshaft centering bearing. It looked to be in good shape and a pain to remove and press back in.

it actually is easy to do. i think it took me 20min.

[Sockethead]

That centering bearing is really easy to replace.... fill the cavinty with grease, get a 1/2"X5" bolt, cut the threads off and dress the end. Drive that into the hole in the bearing with a hammer. as the bearing comes out, add more grease.. comes out in less than a minute. the just use a block of wood the drive in the new one. leave 4.5mm of the bearing sticking out...

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https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180403/d3c2df9220597e962edc6571e517b33f.jpg

[Vas]

Thanks guys. I thought you had to use a puller to remove it.

[danewilson77]

240K miles. Still pulling

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[JohnnyGraphic]

240K miles. Still pulling

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HOLY SMOKES!!!

This is really encouraging. I thought I was looking at an expensive clutch job within the next 12 mos or so.

***AND a lot of bonus info on changing to a single mass flywheel etc. A lot of great info here. Keep it coming folks!!!

[Smolck]

Gone is my ZHP but it went 224k miles on the OEM clutch!

[JohnnyGraphic]

Gone is my ZHP but it went 224k miles on the OEM clutch!

224k?!?!?! Dang!!! Very encouraging!

[Sockethead]

The Clamping force and longevity doesn't seem to be a problem with the OEM clutch, it's the numb feeling and wandering engagement point...

[Vas]

And it only gets worse with time. The self adjusting clutch is terrible

[cornercarver]

The Clamping force and longevity doesn't seem to be a problem with the OEM clutch, it's the numb feeling and wandering engagement point...
I thought it was just me; Is it the clutch that’s causing the varied engagement point? I noticed it the first time I drove the car...assumed it was the CDV.

[Sockethead]

Yep that's the SAC

[az3579]

I've never had issues with the engagement point. It's been rock solid for almost all of it's life, up until a few months ago.

I can't complain about the stock setup at all. It lasted a super long time.

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