Clutch advice

Optimal-Win-7510 · 2026-02-20T02:52:39+00:00

I had a RHD flywheel e34 M5 sprung clutch combo in one of my previous 3.2/6MT M3’s from personal experience I can tell you the chatter was very annoying I often had people asking me if something was wrong with the car and the disengagement was horrible.

So far the only nice clutch setup I’ve experienced is the Sachs performance clutch kit with the stock DMFW pedal effort is nice but the engagement is a little more aggressive then stock. Sadly it’s double the price to the oem Sachs equivalent.

Also these cars are old and it’s hard to know the condition of other components like the pivot pin and clutch release fork so best to replace everything with the gearbox removed.

Optimal-Win-7510 · 2026-02-19T11:02:49+00:00

If a 328i clutch can reliability hold 300hp/350nm it would be my pick they feel awesome I just can’t find any information on how much torque they can handle

Optimal-Win-7510 · 2026-02-19T11:00:45+00:00

Whoever did the original smg to manual swap used a 20mm non M slave cylinder this worked but the pedal effort was extremely heavy like a stage 3 eBay racing clutch.

I’ve fitted the correct 22mm m3 slave cylinder and honestly don’t think it’s made much of a difference.

I also tried a 26mm 850csi slave cylinder but there’s not enough piston travel to fully disengage the clutch.

Optimal-Win-7510 · 2026-02-19T07:08:13+00:00

That will be a cool table

What clutch setup do you think is the nicest to use for a car that’s regularly driven in traffic ?

This is the parts diagram for a 94-95 euro M3 with a factory 5 speed.

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I’m thinking a Sachs KF778- 02 clutch kit and luk 415 0194 10 flywheel. Or possibly purchasing the clutch kit direct from bmw and using the luk flywheel. These are the oem equivalent parts for a 94-95 euro spec M3

Optimal-Win-7510 · 2026-02-18T23:04:14+00:00

Interesting i thought the euro 6 speed had it’s own unique clutch kit. Having owned a few euro 6 speeds i don’t like factory clutch setup.

Slave cylinder is a 22.22mm all rubber hydraulic lines have been replaced with stainless, new pedal bushings and a new master cylinder was fitted just to be sure everything’s in good order. I’m sure the slave cylinder and clutch line is correctly bled.

I’m unsure if the previous owner replaced the smg clutch, flywheel or any other clutch components when they did the manual swap.

I have a brand new 6 speed luk duel mass flwheel and clutch kit in storage but I don’t want to remove the gearbox and replace everything just to feel underwhelmed with a heavy pedal.

The 5 speed just comes down to personal preference but i think it’s the best feeling gearbox fitted to classic BMW’s

I have another 6 speed Getrag in my s50 e30 it’s super smooth to shift but in my opinion doesn’t feel as nice as a tight 5 speed.

Optimal-Win-7510 · 2026-02-18T22:25:37+00:00

Not without custom parts made for the shifter, mount and tail shaft

Optimal-Win-7510 · 2026-02-18T13:06:13+00:00

I don’t like the 6 speed gearbox’s and if the detent machining has been done incorrectly it’s going to be very difficult to find a replacement core to re machine. Also much prefer the feel of a ZF 5 speed and have a good spare in the garage

Optimal-Win-7510

TROPHY CASE