E46 m3 SMG Cheap clutch/ Flywheel

[m3eezer]

My E46 m3 is approaching the need for a clutch change (103k on the clock), this is the first time i have changed the clutch on the car and am currently comparing prices. I have found a website which offers an extremely cheap clutch and flywheel but need some advice.

Here is the link http://www.buypartsby.co.uk/clutch-parts-final.php...

They seem to be selling a LUK clutch kit for around £170 including VAT. Can anyone give me some advice on whether this is a good kit??

Cheers guys

[exgtt]

LUK is a good brand, produce quality clutch kits. Had one fitted on my 156 v6 no issues. cant give advice re compairing in quality to oe M3 clutch kit, but LUK certainly arnt a cheapo low quality brand.

Edited by exgtt on Friday 25th March 12:31

[RJDM3]

Many have used www.bmminiparts.com good service. You will have to phone as you wont find on the site

[ecain63]

LUK is more than a good brand, they are the people who actually make the flywheels for BMW. As an example the E60 / E61 M5 flyheel is £1200 from BMW, or £550 from LUK / Eurocarparts and its an identical item, made in the same factory. The only downside to using the LUK part is that BMW wont recognise it as OEM even though its the same thing in a different box. It needs the BMW part number stamp to be OEM.

If you can get the LUK parts then go for it, just make sure to get a very good indy to fit them. I believe Sachs make the M3 clutches too (also available at Eurocarparts).

Eddie

[m3eezer]

Thanks for the feedback. LUK Clutch it is then!

One last question regarding the flywheel, would this need to be changed? The specialist said its highly unlikely due to reduced stress from the SMG system. Is this true??

[Cemesis]

You would only know once you had taken a look at it. You can normally clean them up abit with emery paper unless its really bad.

[ecain63]

I'd change it anyway as its best to have a matching, fresh surface on both the clutch facing and the fly. But as said above, you don't know til its pulled.

Eddie

[Schermerhorn]

IIRC SACHS got the contract for the clutches while LUK made the flywheels on the M cars.

Someone can correct me on this however.

Both clutches are equally as good as each other.

[clabcon]

ecain63 said:

LUK is more than a good brand, they are the people who actually make the flywheels for BMW. As an example the E60 / E61 M5 flyheel is £1200 from BMW, or £550 from LUK / Eurocarparts and its an identical item, made in the same factory. The only downside to using the LUK part is that BMW wont recognise it as OEM even though its the same thing in a different box. It needs the BMW part number stamp to be OEM.

If you can get the LUK parts then go for it, just make sure to get a very good indy to fit them. I believe Sachs make the M3 clutches too (also available at Eurocarparts).

Eddie

Are these the ones that keep failing within warranty at ~25k miles and are not covered as they're 'wear and tear'?

[ecain63]

clabcon said:

Are these the ones that keep failing within warranty at ~25k miles and are not covered as they're 'wear and tear'?

The flywheel and clutch do not fail at this mileage unless the driver is beasting the launch control. The part that normally fails is the lubrication (or lack of) between the release bearing and guide bush, resulting in the clutch and fly wearing early. Ive just had mine done under warranty.

[Ticker]

Guys, is this the same for a manual gearbox, also looking at a replacement clutch from luk, will I automatically need the flywheel replacement also

Dave

[helix402]

Flywheel replacement is not a necessity unless worn.

[Cheburator mk2]

helix402 said:

Flywheel replacement is not a necessity unless worn.

what he said...

just replaced the clutch on 145k kilometer SMG car, which was regularly tracked. The flywheel was in almost as new condition...

[Trtj]

OP may be a silly question but how do you know that link is for an LUK clutch? I can't see it written there?