E36 LTW Flywheel + sprung hub clutch disc info in this thread

[szed03]

I searched...didn't see a thread detailing how to make the combination work. So...

Long story short, the clutch disc splines all sheared off and I lost drive. Never thought 4cyl could have so much fury! :eek:

Time for a new clutch. I've been doing research for quite a while and I'm well aware of the euro non-a/c sprung hub clutch disc. I ordered a clutch kit and found that the pressure plate is quite different from a dual mass.  Can't use it.  Different mounting bolt diameters/location and friction plate height. There's a thread on here recently with pics comparing the two.  The friction disc however is obviously the same diameter, 215mm.

I have a JB Racing ltw flywheel on the car and it's obviously machined to accept a pressure plate for a dual mass flywheel...well here's were it gets interesting.

JB Racing makes an M3 ltw flywheel that will readily accept an M5 sprung hub clutch disc with a stock M3 dual mass pressure plate. You just have to flip the clutch disc around so that the side that says "gearbox side" is facing the flywheel/engine. This is done so that the torsional springs along the center hub don't contact the pressure plate release fingers.

Well guess what! The 318 JBR flywheel is also machined with the same clearances! I flipped the friction disc around so that the "Getriebe" or "gearbox" side is facing the flywheel/engine. I checked and rechecked the sprung hub-to-flywheel bolt clearances and it came out to 5/32 in. That's a little over 1/8in. I bolted the dual mass pressure plate on and everything works!

The clutch engagement is much smoother. I did notice a tiny bit of driveline loss which is to be expected when going from a solid to sprung hub disc. Negligible decrease in responsiveness but is totally made up for by the smoother engagement and the disappearance of driveline rattle.

Here's what you need:
JB Racing ltw flywheel for an e36 318 (p/n: 520-040-215)
318 Sprung hub clutch disc (p/n: 21-21-1-223-567)
Stock 318 pressure plate for a dual mass flywheel
Stock throw out bearing

BMW won't sell you just the pressure plate anymore. You have to get it through Pelican Parts (p/n: BW-21-21-1-223-326) for $79.55.  The clutch disc is $140.50 also through Pelican Parts. Don't do what I did and order the entire single mass clutch kit.

Post up any question you have. Unfortunately I didn't take any comparison or installation pics as I needed to get the car up and running.

[szed03]

I should note that you need to double check clearances if you're going to use a different manufacturers flywheel. In my opinion JBR is one of the better/lighter options available.

For those who are making a lot more torque than stock. You're better off going with the M3 ltw flywheel, M5 friction disc, M3 pressure plate route. Surprisingly the M3 ltw flywheel is CHEAPER than the 318 =/

[ultimatejohn]

I know you have an e36, but just out of curiosity would this combination work on an e30 as well?

[Letsplayskatch]

JB Racing makes an M3 ltw flywheel that will readily accept an M5 sprung hub clutch disc with a stock M3 dual mass pressure plate.

Then said:

Here's what you need:
Sprung hub clutch disc (p/n: 21-21-1-223-567)

But that P/N is for a stock M42 clutch disc, not a sprung M5 one - which is what you're saying the JBR flywheel will accept, if flipped around right?
Scott

[Letsplayskatch]

I dont think a polo shirt would make a decent clutch disc mate.

[gtatbrissy]

I did the whole lightweight flywheel and heavy duty clutch on my e30. I used an exedy sprung clutch disc and pressure plate. Works great now... still loving the 6500rpm clutch dumps haha

[szed03]

Then said:



But that P/N is for a stock M42 clutch disc, not a sprung M5 one - which is what you're saying the JBR flywheel will accept, if flipped around right?
Scott

Read again.

I'm using the 318 JBR ltw flywheel. They also make an M3 flywheel that will readily except an M5 clutch disc.  What I was saying is that the machined clearances/depth of both flywheels will except a sprung hub clutch disc. Obviously you can't use an M5 clutch disc with a 318 flywheel. Different friction disc diameter (240mm vs 215mm)

And that P/N is for a 318 sprung hub clutch disc. You can contact Pelican Parts to verify if you'd like.

[szed03]

I did the whole lightweight flywheel and heavy duty clutch on my e30. I used an exedy sprung clutch disc and pressure plate. Works great now... still loving the 6500rpm clutch dumps haha

That's good to know. Didn't realize they made a clutch for our application. Do you have a part number by any chance?

I know Centerforce makes a performance clutch and is sold by Pelican Parts.

[szed03]

I know you have an e36, but just out of curiosity would this combination work on an e30 as well?

I don't see why it wouldn't so long as you use the listed parts. JBR lists the same part number for both e30 and e36 applications and the clutch part numbers are the same between the two.

[gtatbrissy]

That's good to know. Didn't realize they made a clutch for our application. Do you have a part number by any chance?

I know Centerforce makes a performance clutch and is sold by Pelican Parts.

im not sure of the part no. i just got it through my local performance clutch shop (i live in brisbane btw)